Construction sites may be a tempting target for criminals searching for an easy mark. With all of the pricey mobile equipment tools and equipment on-site, it’s an easy way for a thief to make money. To prevent such thievery and vandalism, consider lowering your risk level. Several potential security hazards must be managed to secure your property against intrusions and theft.
Taking the following precautions will help to deter would-be intruders and protect your construction site:
1. Hire The services of Keyholding and Alarm Response companies
Companies like Keyholding and Alarm Response offer an extra layer of protection to construction sites. If you’re concerned about the safety of your site, hiring such a company can help keep thieves at bay. With a keyholding service provided, the alarm will be activated in an emergency or when intruders enter restricted zones. You’ll also have access to security personnel who live in their residences on-site and are available around the clock for consultation and guidance concerning any security issues that may arise.
2. Reduce Darkness
Reduce darkness by installing lighting in parking lots and key areas throughout your project site where equipment is stored, and staging occurs. Installing motion sensor lights around potential targets is an effective way to increase light levels. Motion sensor lights, which turn on when they sense changes in light levels, are beneficial because they only activate when someone is present. Darkness is an attractive cover for intruders, so lighting is ideal for beating them at their own game.
3. Restrict Access By Fencing
The owner’s absence or a vacant property should not lull you into a false sense of security, as it could attract thieves and vandals. No matter how secure the site may seem, there is always a chance that someone will find their way onto your premises and cause damage. Therefore, it is important to implement restrictions and safety precautions. For example, finding a chain link construction fence rental can help secure your construction site, keeping both passers-by and your workers safe. Securing your site with fencing can also deter thieves, as it makes it harder for them to break in.
Creating secure barriers around your site is essential to deter unwanted intruders. This can be achieved by using fencing topped with barbed wire or broken glass applied along the top of the fence line—any human contact with these would result in injury. However, if a low fence is sufficient to keep intruders out, barbed wire or glass may not be necessary. Instead, you can create this barrier by installing steel mesh onto the top of your existing fencing.
4. Hire Security Guards As Needed
If there are special events or if you feel concerns about security risks at any time during regular hours of operation, hire private security guards or off-duty police to patrol the grounds. Having additional personnel on hand for significant events helps protect against threats to safety and security. Security guards can also serve as a deterrent to would-be intruders. They can be posted at entrances and other critical locations on the property and in parking lots.
Security guards must undergo comprehensive training and be equipped with the necessary gear for critical reasons. Their training ensures they can effectively respond to a wide range of situations, from minor incidents to emergencies, while their equipment, such as self-defence tools, body cameras, and protective gear, enhances their personal safety and the safety of others. For seamless communication among team members, many construction companies provide wireless earpieces or radio headsets for security guards. Well-trained guards are a strong deterrent to potential wrongdoers, reducing the likelihood of criminal activities. Moreover, their knowledge of conflict resolution and legal compliance is essential for maintaining a safe environment and reducing legal risks.
5. Implement A Vehicle Identification Policy
Consider implementing a vehicle identification policy (VIP) as part of your overall security plan to help prevent theft and reduce the amount of equipment stolen from your property. VIP involves numbering every vehicle with an official company identifier and tracking the movement of all cars on and off-site. This also includes keeping a record of the employee driving the car.
A VIP policy is a helpful resource for your construction site and can aid in the recovery of stolen equipment, which includes:
- Reduced losses and damages.
- Improved security at the job site.
- Increased safety for employees working on the project.
6. Install Security Cameras And Monitors
It is essential to install security cameras to have a visual record of any incidents on your construction site. By doing so, you can help identify perpetrators of theft or vandalism that does take place. Placing cameras in high-risk areas will help capture anyone who attempts to gain unauthorized access to the site. Additionally, having a central location where security footage can be monitored will help you keep an eye on activity throughout the site.
Cameras serve two purposes on construction sites: they detect when someone is in the area and allow you to identify the intruder in case of an incident or crime. Suppose vandalism or theft occurs after working hours. In that case, additional footage may be available for evidence collection by local law enforcement agencies, who can help apprehend criminals and recover your stolen property.
7. Keep Equipment And Tools Secure At All Times
Tools are an integral part of construction projects, and it is essential to keep them safe. Maintaining a secure space where equipment can be stored also helps prevent theft. When possible, lock these areas with either padlocks or digital locks, only accessible by authorized personnel. If you have more extensive tools or pieces of equipment that are too big to store in your on-site storage facility, consider renting another storage unit for extra protection. This will allow you to protect the tools overnight and when workers leave for lunch breaks or end their shifts at the end of the workday.
8. Track Time And Attendance
An effective way to discourage potential intruders, employees who may wander onto your construction site after hours, or those who may otherwise try to gain unauthorized access is to track employee time and attendance. Time cards with photographs of your employees will help you keep an accurate record of their presence on the property.
Given that construction sites are open to the public during regular business hours, there is a risk that someone can wander into restricted areas without any knowledge of working conditions during projects. As with most security measures, having additional personnel on-site helps improve organizational productivity and gather evidence against potential intruders. Additionally, detailed records of employees’ time cards will help you monitor tardiness or absences—important factors when considering hiring practices for your organization.
If you follow these tips, it will be hard for thieves and vandals to gain access to your construction site without being detected by cameras or seen by guards or staff members first. Together, these measures will help keep thieves out and prevent crime from occurring at your construction site. If you’re concerned about safety on-site, use some of these techniques, as they can deter potential intruders and provide peace of mind that your site is being watched closely.
