Construction sites are highly vulnerable to criminal acts such as theft and vandalism. According to statistics from the National Insurance Crime Bureau and the National Equipment Register, losses from construction and farm equipment theft are estimated to total between $300 million and $1 billion each year, while the National Fire Protection Association reports that fires at construction sites cause $304 million in direct property damage annually.
Many of these risks can be mitigated by hiring security officers who are trained to keep employees, visitors and assets safe. Outlined below are seven important reasons to enlist the services of construction site security guards.
To Deter Construction Site Theft
Construction sites house a variety of expensive equipment and tools, including construction trailers, specialized machinery and cutting-edge tools. It may be impractical for these items to be brought to another location for storage at the end of each working day, so they are often kept on the premises, where they are vulnerable to theft.
Additionally, basic materials containing elements such as copper can be stripped and sold for a high price, making construction sites attractive to thieves. Building projects that have reached the later stages might also have expensive fixtures and other finishes.
Construction site security officers can deter thieves passively as well as actively. A visible security presence can cause potential thieves to look for an easier target. Those who do attempt to break into the site will be stopped in their tracks by attentive security officers.
To Prevent Unauthorized Individuals From Accessing The Construction Site
Many people enter and exit construction sites throughout the day, from contractors and construction workers to architects, inspectors and other individuals.
Security officers keep track of who is on the premises, which can otherwise be particularly challenging on sites that have multiple entrances. They can ensure unauthorized individuals do not access the site and prevent situations from escalating when parties are denied access to the site.
To Ensure The Construction Site Is Safe
Security officers’ capabilities extend beyond keeping the site secure; they can also ensure the safety of everyone on the premises. Many officers are trained in first aid and can provide potentially life-saving assistance to people who are injured on a construction site until first responders arrive on the scene.
They also serve as valuable witnesses should someone be injured on the job site, which can protect the site management in the event of a lawsuit.
Security officers who specialize in protecting construction sites are trained to identify potential safety hazards, allowing those issues to be corrected before they lead to damage or injury.
To Prevent Vandalism And Intentional Damage
Construction sites are popular targets for vandalism, with broken windows, graffiti and destruction among the more common ways construction sites are damaged. Controversial construction projects that have met resistance within the community and those in high-crime areas are particularly vulnerable.
Vandalism can slow down the construction project and create significant financial loss. Construction site security officers who patrol the premises can deter vandals and keep the project on track.
To Resolve Conflicts Among Workers
If problems arise between construction workers or other individuals on the site, a security officer can de-escalate the problem and try to resolve the conflict peacefully. This can help avoid violence or property damage and prevent workers from wasting time.
To Prevent And Mitigate Emergencies
There is a high potential for injuries and accidents on construction sites with the regular use of heavy machinery and other dangerous tools. Construction site security officers can identify potential emergencies on the site and take appropriate action to keep them under control.
For example, a security officer may notice a leak that could lead to flooding or spot a fire and put it out before it spreads and causes devastating damage. Security officers are trained to notice signs of potential emergencies on their routine patrols of the site and the appropriate action for control.
To Reduce Liabilities
Hiring security officers for a construction site is a good investment for the reduction of risk from potentially costly liabilities.
If an individual is injured on the construction site or becomes ill in connection with their work there, the owner could be responsible for the resulting damages.
Security officers who monitor the site can prevent incidents that may lead to liability. In some cases, it may be possible to receive a discount on insurance premiums for using security officers.
Reach Out To The Construction Site Security Team At APG
Construction companies are responsible for ensuring the safety and security of everyone who enters a work site; security officers provide valuable protection for employees, visitors and the company.
If you are considering highly trained and experienced professionals to safeguard your construction site, contact the construction site security experts at American Protection Group. Our team will assess your site and create a tailored plan to offer maximum protection.