Construction site shot from above.Industrial area.[/caption]Most construction work involves the storage and continuous usage of high-value materials, equipment and tools, making construction sites a target for criminal activity. The theft of equipment and materials is a significant source of loss for contractors; having proper construction site security in place is essential.
Staying Safe On Your Construction Site
In general, construction sites pose dangers to those who enter the grounds for any reason. A construction site security plan must be made to ensure employees, contractors and other visitors to the site are protected, securing areas of danger for safety as well as for liability.
Easy Ways To Increase Construction Site Security
Outlined below are seven ways in which construction site security can be integrated to protect the people and assets on the site.
Secure The Perimeter
The perimeter of the site should be secured using sturdy fencing material reaching at least 2 meters high. There should be no no gaps beneath the fencing, especially in areas where the ground is uneven and could provide unintentional access. In addition to preventing unauthorized access for criminal activity, fencing can also deter curious children from wandering onto the grounds and becoming injured.
Signs should be displayed around the perimeter indicating the presence of a construction site, along with “No Trespassing” signs. Some individuals may not realize why their usual route is blocked and attempt to pass through, unaware of the dangers.
Ensure that the zone adjacent to the fencing is kept clear to prevent trespassers from reaching over it to access entry or gain a foothold to climb over the fence. The area around the fence line should also be clear of shrubbery to eliminate potential hiding places. The fencing should be inspected regularly to look for weak areas or signs of tampering; compromised areas should be repaired immediately.
Have A Sign-In And Sign-Out Procedure
Establishing a procedure for signing in and out upon entering and exiting the site provides security in the immediate and also provides a record of activity for future purposes. It is essential that everyone is accounted for in the event of emergencies such as fires; this can also indicate when the site’s workers and visitors have left for the day and the site and equipment can be secured for the evening.
If possible, create a single access point to facilitate monitoring and create a parking area outside of the site for visitors and employees.
Supervise All Visitors
All visitors to the construction site should be supervised at all times. Despite being authorized, visitors may not be aware of the hazards and safety procedures of the site.
Create A Security Plan
A job site security plan should be drafted before the project begins. This should contain a written security policy and a security plan that has been created with the specific job site and its unique concerns in mind. It should also list the assets and property on the site; these items should be inventoried and tracked regularly.
Supervisory security responsibilities should be assigned, and security officers can be hired to provide greater protection. Construction site managers should encourage the management staff of neighboring properties to report any suspicious activities they observe on the grounds.
Properly Light The Construction Site
The perimeter of the site should be well-lit; installing proper lighting can deter thieves and vandals; Motion sensors may also be used to turn lights on in specific areas when movement is detected, such as office trailers, equipment storage areas, entrances and exits. Ensure that the lighting used is consistent with the relevant local regulations.
Consider using CCTV cameras in conjunction with good lighting to get a clearer picture of what happens on the site. In addition to providing valuable information in the case of a crime, it can also help encourage workers to stay productive and follow health and safety procedures. This can prevent incidents that could result in downtime, injury or even death on the site.
Make Sure To Lock Up
Locking access gates after working hours have ended and any time the site will be unoccupied is essential. A procedure for locking up should be put in place to ensure no entry points are overlooked. This also applies to any vehicles within the site. Power tools, equipment and material should be stored securely away from view of potential thieves.
The locking-up procedure should also include looking out for any access ladders that have been left in positions that may allow unauthorized individuals to get onto the property. Edges, excavations and pits should also be covered or closed off with barriers when not in use to prevent fall hazards.
Speak To Our Construction Site Security Team
One of the best ways to ensure construction site security is hiring security officers to monitor the site around the clock. To learn more about how security services can protect your site and its assets, speak to the construction site security team at APG Security. Their experts can help set up a 24-hour security team backed up by CCTV cameras to prevent theft and vandalism. Their top-rated security firm has helped many construction companies keep their job sites safe from all manner of risk.