Keeping building sites safe and secure has been a constant battle for construction firms for generations and the modern world has brought its own unique challenges that must be fought.
Construction sites are inherently vulnerable places due to the fact that heavy work is constantly ongoing and that so much equipment and materials are required to keep a project on schedule.
There are also many different people moving in and out of the site at any time, making it difficult to track movement and keep numbers under control.
Managing security on a building site often feels like trying to hold water in your hands. It works for a while but if you don’t find something better suited to the job, your control over the situation will slowly drain away.
Why do building sites need security?
Building sites are so hard to secure because they appeal to a broad range of criminals. Sure you’ve got your hardened criminals who make a living going around and planning out the theft of valuable items and vehicles, but you’ve also got the kids and locals who simply see the site as a fun playground or a shortcut through the area.
Both of these are very serious threats that could seriously derail your operations and pose a genuine threat to human life.
As a contractor you have a responsibility to protect the public from harm and if they are able to get onto your site, even without permission and have an accident, you could end up being held at least partly responsible.
To help ensure this doesn’t happen, we have compiled a short list of some of the top tips that all building site managers should know regarding security, helping you to build a robust and foolproof building site security plan.
Tip 1 – Install CCTV
CCTV is incredibly versatile, not only guarding your site but also providing you with evidence if required. With signage signalling the presence of CCTV a legal requirement, this is a great deterrent to intruders.
Tip 2 – Hire a security guard
It might seem like a lot of money, but full time security from a trained and qualified SIA approved security guard is one od the best investments you can make. These experts will deter thieves, apprehend trespassers, reassure your staff, and take control in the event of an emergency.
Tip 3 – Keep the site well lit
Fully illuminated construction sites, and any other property for that matter, are far less likely to be targeted by criminals if they are fully illuminated.
This lighting can be on all the time, or motion detected, but the important thing is that no-one should be able to approach your site under the cover of darkness.
Tip 4 – Cutting edge access control
Access control gates let you control who is allowed access to your site and deny anyone you think may be suspicious. They are often controlled by security officers, even though most of automatic these days and fitted with biometric ID scanners.