Construction Site Security: Is It Essential and In Which Cases?
Relying on a specialized company to ensure the security of a worksite obviously represents a significant cost, but in return, it lets you limit the various risks associated with construction sites. But is it really essential? In which cases is construction site security particularly useful?
On-site risks
The machinery, hardware, and materials present on construction sites have a high value but aren’t always stored in a secure location. As a result, they’re an easier target for thieves and vandals.
Construction or renovation sites present different risks, including:
- repeated thefts of worksite machinery, crane cables, metal, power tools, and various materials
- acts of vandalism, intentional damage, and squatting on the premises
- accidents to outside people on the site
The role of the security guard
Security guards from security companies look after different tasks that make it possible to reduce the risks that exist on worksites:
They’re responsible for the general surveillance of the worksite and the equipment. For this purpose, surveillance cameras can be installed on the site.
- They control access to the site (both entrances and exits) by all people, employees, stakeholders, and visitors. In order to strengthen security, a badge-based access control system or a biometric system can be established.
- They perform random rounds on the different areas of the site, which they record on a summary document.They ensure compliance with the instructions relating to traffic on the site and with the site’s safety rules, in particular those concerning the wearing of safety equipment.
The advantages of a security solution
The presence of a security guard on a construction site makes it possible to:
- Guarantee the security of goods and people. Unauthorized individuals are turned away at the entrance, which lets you limit thefts and potential accidents. The presence of a security guard also dissuades some thieves and vandals from entering the site.
- Limit thefts, vandalism, and their consequences. In case of theft or vandalism, the contractor must pay the rental fees for the replacement equipment; take care of the insurance deductible; assume the losses resulting from the downtime on the site, the delays in project completion, and the decreased productivity; and deal with the client’s dissatisfaction.
- Control insurance costs. Construction site security measures, such as implementing a security solution, can have a downward impact on the amount of the insurance premium and the deductible.
Security for the most sensitive sites
For the obvious reasons of cost, it’s not possible to implement a security solution on every worksite, and that’s why they’re generally not used on the sites of individuals. By contrast, when it comes to large construction sites and – in particular – open-air worksites involving the presence of expensive machines and materials as well as the many comings and goings of various stakeholders, it’s recommended to rely on a security company. Indeed, these sensitive sites are subject to numerous acts of theft and vandalism.
Construction site security is a good solution for limiting risks. However, in order to optimize its effectiveness, it’s necessary to take additional measures adapted to the size and configuration of the site. This means, for example, storing the equipment in an enclosed location or equipping the site with suitable surveillance systems such as lights with motion detectors and surveillance cameras.
