Security officers serve in many pivotal roles on an active construction site. Their presence onsite aids in the prevention of theft, minimizes property damage, deters vandals and promptly addresses unexpected events including fires. Experienced security officers prevent trespassers from entering dangerous building sites, which in turn reduces the risk of compensation claims from serious injuries. While these are some of the more common duties and responsibilities of construction site security officers, they are far from the only tasks performed.
Security For Your Site
A mistake some construction companies make is to underestimate the value of having security for their site. Due to the nature of the business, security sites are filled with potential hazards; from heavy machinery to costly construction materials, construction sites face a high level of risk each day on the job site. Having professional security officers on the premises not only provides safety but also prevents financial loss.
What Do Construction Site Security Officers Do?
The construction industry is seeing steady growth across the country. Unfortunately, this growth is an opportunity for thieves to make quick money at the cost of business owners. While these criminals pose a serious threat to construction projects, businesses can take the proper precautions to prevent costly problems by hiring security officers to monitor the premises.
Here are some of the more common duties performed by a construction site security officer:
Patrol For Intruders
On-site security officers are highly effective on construction sites as they are clearly visible to potential intruders and act as a deterrent to crime. Burglars, vandals and other unwanted intruders are far less likely to enter a construction site if there is a uniformed officer in plain sight. Security officers are trained to be alert and highly vigilant. They are often able to spot suspicious behavior and know to quickly and accurately interpret what they see and react accordingly.
Run Audits Of Site Equipment
The average construction site will contain a wide array of heavy machinery and equipment. From asphalt pavers and articulated trucks to backhoe loaders and excavators, this equipment often costs hundreds of thousands of dollars and is critical to a construction project. To help ensure that essential equipment continues to be readily available when needed, construction site security officers are often tasked with running audits on site equipment.
Prevent Theft And Vandalism
Theft and vandalism are some of the most common crimes that occur on construction sites. Security officers help prevent these crimes from occurring by acting quickly in a dangerous situation. A security officer will continually observe the ongoings within a construction site and report any suspicious activity. If a problem does arise with a thief, vandal or trespasser, a security officer will follow a procedure to safely deal with the issue and call for assistance if necessary.
Survey Those Coming In And Out Of The Site
Construction security officers are often stationed at the entrance of a construction site so that they can effectively survey who comes in and out throughout the day. A typical construction site may see dozens of people per day. From construction crew members and architects to supervisors and engineers, it can be difficult to determine if the people entering a construction site are meant to be there. A security officer can take names at the entrance and direct workers and guests where to go.
Monitor Video Surveillance
Many construction sites have cameras set up throughout the premises to keep an eye on things; however, without someone continually monitoring these cameras, it can be easy to miss important events. A construction company may hire a security officer to monitor video surveillance both during the day when construction is active and at night when the risk of theft and vandalism increases. Video footage may also serve as evidence in a criminal case if theft or destruction should occur on the construction site.
Ensure Safety of Employees and Project
Construction projects are generally under a strict deadline and employees must stick to a schedule to ensure that the project is completed on time and within budget. Various stages of production on a construction site could put employee safety at risk and negatively impact a project’s production timeline. One of the most important responsibilities of a construction site security officer is to help keep employees safe and to protect the project from events and activities that could cause costly delays.
Work With The Construction Site Security Professionals
Construction site security officers are tasked to perform many important jobs that help in the completion of construction projects. Security officers take a preventive approach to crime and work diligently to keep employees, construction companies and their projects safe from potential threats. To learn more about the duties and responsibilities of a construction site security officer or to work with a security professional, contact the security experts at APG today.