Is your construction site as safe and secure as it should be? Have you put in place any security measures? To run a successful construction project, contractors need a solid construction site security plan in place.
Many contractors usually overlook the importance of having one which may lead to great losses in the end. Whether a big or small construction site, security plans help safeguard sites from equipment theft and vandalism.
How Will A Construction Security Plan Help?
Preventing all safety hazards in a construction facility is nearly impossible, however, effective site security plans ensure sites are protected from potential threats.
Construction sites lose millions yearly to equipment and supplies theft, and only a fraction of what was lost is usually recovered. Such setbacks usually lead to delays in project completion.
To learn more on how to write an effective construction security plan, be sure to continue reading.
What To Include In Your Plan?
Ideally, a well-structured site security plan should include the following:
Remote Surveillance.
Remote surveillance helps with adding an extra layer of protection. This will help when monitoring the construction site in real-time and alerting the authorities in cases of theft or vandalism.
If the construction site covers a wide area, then installing remote digital surveillance will go a long way in safeguarding equipment.
Inventory Audits.
Inventory Audits should be carried out regularly to help keep track of all equipment and supplies. Having Owner Applied Numbers and GPS trackers on high-value assets will help track and identify any lost items.
Owner Applied Numbers are serial numbers that are documented by the owner. GPS trackers can also come in handy in cases of identifying any stolen items that have been recovered by the police.
Increased Lighting.
Increased lighting will discourage thieves from trespassing into the construction site after hours. Usually, areas that are well lit tend to have a significant decrease in theft crimes.
Recent research by Pew Research Center identifies property theft and larceny as the most common form of property crime in the USA.
It is also important to install additional lighting in high-risk areas with expensive equipment and possible points of entry into the site.
Trained Site Security.
Site managers should hire trained security to work around the clock. The number of trained security personnel should be determined by the size of the construction site.
A larger construction site would require more trained personnel for maximum security.
Fence Installation.
Installing fences around the perimeter of the site will prevent any perimeter breach. This will make sure there’s no unauthorized entry into the site.
For maximum security, consider contracting IT specialists with experience using advanced AI systems. These AI systems can be used as virtual fences fitted with motion-detecting sensors and facial recognition software. An off-site video monitoring agent can be used to keep the site secure at night.
Perimeter Security.
Site security should close off any points of entry and only ensure authorized personnel access to the site. Doing this will discourage any trespassers on the site.
Another way to secure a construction site is by using signage. Signage can be used to inform passers-by that the site is off limits and heavily guarded by trained security guards. It’s crazy how effective signage can be when it comes to deterring people from accessing sites that are monitored 24/7.
All workers should also carry identification/authorization budges to be allowed entry.
A Record Of All Security Incidents.
Keeping a record of all incidents helps with investigations and also helps to identify any suspicious patterns.
It’s important to have manual reports from the security personnel or other workers.
Tips To Help The Process Run Smoothly.
The tips mentioned below will ensure that the construction security plan is well executed and adhered to.
Have A Map Of The Area.
A map of the construction site is the first thing you should have before construction begins. The map should have clear outlines of all access points, site boundaries, and where all offices will be.
Ideally, all guard stations should be included in the map as well.
Make Sure Your Entire Team Is Up To Speed.
Your entire team should be up to speed with all the security protocols, how to tackle any incidents as well as maps of where all cameras are located.
Once the security plan is conceptualized and approved, it should be passed on to the architect and contractors. This makes sure that everyone involved is on the same page.
Don’t Over-Secure Your Site.
At first, it may seem like over-securing your site is the best thing to do, but in the end, it may cost you a lot more. Surveillance systems can be quite pricey so be sure to check for the best available options for your construction site.
A common over-securing measure could be making sure all site workers are US- citizens when you only need US persons. Only using us citizens reduces your contractor’s pull and increases cost.
This also means the time taken to complete the project increases.
Have A Site Security Manager.
Having a good site security manager with site security knowledge makes the security plan easier to enforce. Great leadership qualities and the ability to work well with a team also helps.
Security managers who work hand in hand with the team always produce the best results and boost performance.
Review Risks In-Depth.
You’ll need to review all security and analytical risks in depth when writing your construction security plan. Thorough research is required for the plan to be effective.
Remove Valuable Equipment Not In Use.
When valuable construction equipment are no longer in use, it’s advisable to return them to their original location. This minimizes the risk of theft and any losses that might follow.
Construction sites should not be used as storage facilities for machinery that’s no longer in use.
Conclusion
Construction sites are a hot spot for thieves because of access to supplies and expensive equipment. This is especially so if there are no visible security measures put in place.
A well detailed construction security plan will ensure an organized, safe and seamless construction process with little to no losses.
