In today’s hyper-competitive landscape, every dollar invested in a project needs to yield significant returns. However, construction is an industry wrought with perils that can dramatically impact the bottom line, both directly (such as material thefts and vandalism) or indirectly (such as injured or non-performing construction workers).
In fact, construction site theft alone costs companies over $1 billion annually. That’s $1 billion with a capital “B”. When it comes to large-scale projects, it’s often too easy for potential criminals to slip through the cracks. Not to mention sunk costs in lost productivity, on-site accidents, potential lawsuits, vandalism and more.
Having a 24-hour security team or CCTV cameras guarding and monitoring your property is the only way to avoid theft and vandals breaking and entering. Our industry-leading and highly rated security firm has helped countless construction companies protect their assets and ensure their projects go off without a hitch. Reach out to us today and find out why so many construction companies turn to us to keep their job sites safe, monitored and protected from risks both hidden and foreseeable.
The True Cost Of Construction
Construction projects have to budget for materials by accounting for defects, mistakes, and losses. The true scale of lost and stolen materials or equipment is difficult to calculate. A lot of theft goes unnoticed until audits are performed.
Unexpected Losses Cost A Fortune
That billion dollars in annual losses isn’t just due to small-time criminals, these are movements of black market operations. As little as ten percent of all stolen construction equipment and materials are recovered by law enforcement. This is due to a number of lapses in security, including live construction site security to catch the criminals in the act. Materials such as steel, tools, copper piping, wiring and lumber are in high demand, making many construction sites a lucrative target for would-be criminals.
There Are More Hidden Costs Than Just Theft
But theft isn’t the only issue construction site security can thwart. Construction sites are also a prime target for vandalism, employee distractions and accidents. Effective construction site security measures, often including CCTV footage can have a serious impact on your bottom line, making sure workers know they are being watched ensures they will stay productive as well as uncover or identify potential health and safety issues that could lead to downtime, injury or death.
What Is The Solution?
To combat the high amount of crime in the construction industry, several construction security solutions must be adopted. This includes on-premises security guards, security cameras, alarm systems, signage, lighting and more. While it is important to secure the perimeter of the site, it is equally critical to ensure the interior of the construction site is also safeguarded and monitored, especially if a criminal were to bypass the security at the perimeter. A construction security company can help with developing and enforcing a customized security plan for your site.
At American Protection Group, we take pride in our ability to serve several states with construction site security. We implement a variety of measures to deter crime at construction sites, as well as work to prevent incidents before they occur. Our security guards and dispatchers also work with local police departments to notify them in the event the security of the construction site becomes compromised or there is suspicious activity going on in the area.
Construction Site Surveillance Tools
Construction site security teams employ a number of tools and strategies to protect the perimeter and interior of a site. Mobile surveillance provides a live headcount of traffic in and out of the site. Armed officers send the message to any criminals planning on strong-arming their way inside. Ensure your business has this level of protection by acquiring at least one of the following:
Construction Site Security Cameras
Security checkpoints maintain tightly-guarded access to expensive tools and materials. CCTV footage provides 24/7 construction site surveillance and monitoring, and when coupled with motion-sensing technology can serve as a first alert system in the event of intruders or other non-authorized personnel. After daily security camera audits, you will know when and who is responsible for any security breaches. The security camera footage can also serve as evidence in the event the theft is taken to court and presented to a judge or jury.
On-Premises Alarm Systems
Though not required for security camera compliance, an alarm system can increase the likelihood of deterring crime. You can configure your construction site security cameras to notify both you and your business alarm monitoring company, who will then send police dispatch to respond to the incident on site. The police will then monitor the site until suspects are identified, apprehensions are made, and the construction site owner has peace of mind.
Armed/Unarmed Construction Security Guards
Around 75% of stolen equipment from construction sites are either destroyed or never recovered. For an extra layer of protection, and to ensure this number decreases to 0% for your site, it is advised to hire armed and/or unarmed security guards to patrol the premises. While you may confide in your construction workers to safeguard the site during the day, they, unfortunately, cannot look after the site 24/7. However, security guards can — and therefore, when combined with CCTV and alarm services, you can be assured your construction site has an extra layer on duty when the workday is over.
Benefits Of Construction Site Security Services
There are several benefits that security services can provide for construction companies. Since your construction workers simply cannot monitor your site 24/7, you can always rely on construction site security to provide an extra layer of protection. In addition to ensuring your construction site always has a pair of eyes, here are some additional benefits of hiring construction security services:
Loss Prevention
Surveillance cameras are integral to have as a deterrent and for evidence, but not enough to prevent a construction site from being targeted. When equipment goes missing, the loss is more than monetary. Time is lost from having to wait for its replacement.
Time is money and delays are a foreman’s biggest enemy. On top of that, insurance premiums climb with every claim filed when property goes missing. Securing the job site requires a team of trained eyes and trained personnel with experience in loss prevention and/or law enforcement.
Increased Profits
The investment in an experienced construction security team or CCTV system can improve morale and reduces liabilities associated with the construction site. Zero losses throughout the life of a project is more than a budgetary victory. Monitoring of workers can also lead to large increases in productivity and to identify workers or areas where production is slowed due to human or mechanical error.
Intruder Detection
Construction site security cameras can be equipped with technology to identify intruders instantly (such as motion sensors), notifying the authorities and/or property managers at the first hint of trouble.
Improved On-Site Safety
Construction is a physically demanding and sometimes dangerous profession. In fact, according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics over 150,000 construction-related accidents happen each and every year. Security cameras and monitoring provide project managers with a better way to monitor and ensure everyone is following proper safety guidelines and standards, as well as to identify areas for improvement.
Protection Against Liabilities
No matter how careful a business is, accidents on site can occur. Construction site security cameras provide an added layer of supervision, detection and prevention that is a favorable thing to have in place in the event of a worker’s comp case or other lawsuits. CCTV and security setups demonstrate that your company took extra precautions and care.
Agile & Portable
Construction sites change on a project by project basis, often requiring teams to set up shop across the city or even out of state. Security cameras can be set up as mobile units to move with your team no matter where they are stationed, making them as portable as the tools in your tool chest.
Speak To The Construction Site Security Professionals
In the event that your construction site is targeted for theft or vandalism, you need trained professionals that know how to respond swiftly and effectively, neutralizing the threat and establishing preventative measures to ensure no further risk, loss or damages occur.
When you need to protect what matters most, call the best. Our team is on standby ready and waiting to learn more about your particular situation and how we can help. Our construction security specialists will assess your situation and address your concerns with high-value solutions that get the job done right. Reach out to APG to learn more by calling us at 877.713.1559 or by requesting a quote online.
Related Articles:
- What Is Construction Site Security?
- Why Should A Construction Site Have Security?
- Types of Construction Site Security Services
- Benefits of Hiring Construction Site Security Guards
- Things To Include In Your Construction Site Security Plan
- The Duties & Responsibilities of a Construction Site Security Officer