One of the biggest concerns that construction companies have is how to keep their crew, equipment and materials safe. Theft and vandalism cost the construction industry billions of dollars each year which can significantly cut into their profit margin. The good news is that there is protection available for these businesses. Construction site security offers a variety of solutions designed to protect your investment.
Protection For Your Construction Site
If you are responsible for maintaining a construction site, it is also your responsibility to provide adequate security. Proper safety measures reduce the potential for vandalism and theft and restrict entry to only authorized personnel. Not all construction sites require the same level of security; it is important to consider the unique requirements of your business based on your location, size of the site, number of workers, and level of crime risk for your location. You will also want to consider the value of the equipment and supplies onsite.
Construction Site Security Solutions
Securing a construction site involves implementing important risk mitigation measures, including the use of proper lighting, surveillance cameras, equipment audits, and security officers. According to the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB) and National Equipment Register (NER), the average estimated value of a stolen piece of construction equipment exceeds $29,000. Loss of equipment or supplies places businesses at risk for lost revenue due to downtime, higher insurance premiums and project delays.
There are several security measures available, in a variety of combinations, to address the unique needs of your location. Here is a look at some most effective construction site security solutions.
Proper Lighting
Poor lighting or absence of lighting creates the perfect environment for trespassers. Vandals and thieves are less likely to intrude on your construction site if it is well lit with bright lights and motion detectors. Lights should be distributed across the construction site to prevent dark areas; if energy costs are a concern, motion detection lighting can be a favorable option.
Lighting can also work in combination with other security measures, such as mobile security alarms, CCTV systems and scaffold alarms. When siren alarm floodlights are activated by a trespasser, the sudden burst of light and audible noise is likely to drive the intruder away and alert attention to the construction site.
Surveillance Cameras
Surveillance cameras can prove invaluable for construction sites. These areas are vulnerable to crime and surveillance cameras play a key role in making construction sites safer and more secure, in addition to being a deterrent to crime. The placement location of the cameras should be carefully selected to provide the maximum benefit.
Today, surveillance cameras are equipped with modern features like waterproof housing, infrared night vision and PTZ (pan tilt zoom) capabilities that allow the owner to control and adjust the camera remotely. The option for wired or wireless systems are both available, allowing for live streaming and the ability to time-lapse construction projects. When installed throughout a construction site, surveillance cameras can help keep building materials and equipment safe, prevent theft and vandalism and promote remote site monitoring for peace of mind.
Equipment Audits
Most construction sites contain tools and pieces of machinery used on a daily basis. Loss of this equipment can cause a financial strain not only in replacement but in loss of use. Conducting regular equipment audits can deter theft and more quickly alert when inventory is missing. This effective security method involves all equipment to be signed out, returned, and secured on a daily basis.
On Site Security Officers
In addition to the benefits of technology, having a security professional onsite during or after work hours is a valuable resource. Security officers can be armed or unarmed and may be uniformed to deter criminal activity. They are trained to recognize and address criminal activity and to coordinate with law enforcement as necessary.
Due to the quantity and value of materials and equipment and the amount of construction space that needs to be secured, these sites are at a high risk for thefts and similar crimes. Security officers are trained to monitor construction site properties and act as deterrents to intruders and can patrol construction sites overnight when supplies and equipment may be left unsupervised. In addition to reducing costs associated with damage and theft, hiring bonded and licensed security professionals may lead to a discount on your business’s insurance.
Speak To An Experienced Security Solutions Firm
The security of your site is key to overall safety and continued productivity. APG can assist you in determining the needs of your location and review the options available to meet your security goals. To learn more about construction site safety or to acquire security solutions for your construction site, call the security professionals at American Protection Group today.