When you’ve signed a deal to start working on-site, securing your project should be a priority. Every site manager needs to safeguard their staff, machinery, and equipment. Without protection for these assets, you put your projects at risk.
Theft, vandalism, and safety risks pose serious security threats to construction companies. According to research by the Chartered Institute of Building, theft is encountered every week by almost one in five construction firms.
Knowing how to keep your site safe, day and night, is an invaluable part of mastering the trade. Whether you’ve only just set up a construction company or you’re heading into your busiest year yet, it’s always worth levelling up your security.
Why do building sites need protection?
All construction sites are at risk of vandalism, accidents, and thefts.
Understanding the specific vulnerabilities of each site is imperative. Within its environmental and socio-economic context, knowing how best to protect your site could save your company from needing to cover repairs, replacements after theft, or even costly legal battles.
How to protect a construction site: Five fool proof steps
- Secure the perimeters
Closing any unofficial entry points should be your first port of call. Use secure, locked gates and access controls wherever possible. Whether you use facial recognition, swipe cards or key fobs, it’s vital to monitor access across the site.
Around the perimeters, clear signage helps to safeguard your team and set clear objectives concerning designated work areas. Signs can also be used to warn potential trespassers of risk or inform them that the site is being monitored remotely. These simple, low-cost measures could save your company major hassle.
- Lock away valuables
Storing valuables in a safe place is common sense, but many construction workers may neglect this responsibility at the end of a long day. This still applies when workers are on-site, so communication systems and personal valuables should be safely stowed in locked staff accommodation.
It’s possible to arrange anti-vandal site accommodation hire to help your team work efficiently and securely. Building accommodation on-site can be costly, time-consuming, and wasteful, so it’s always worth looking into more sustainable options for the safety of your staff and their belongings.
- Install site security and CCTV
It’s imperative to limit unauthorised access. Electronic control systems could be implemented to ensure that only certified team members are present on-site. Any unknown or unnoticed presence is a serious security breach and could result in a wide range of damaging consequences for your company.
High-definition cameras, drones, and remote monitoring devices help you to keep a watchful eye on your site 24/7. Make sure you research the best outdoor security cameras to find a system that suits your project. If your site is unmanned overnight, smart alarm systems are paramount.
- Illuminate vital areas
Lastly, remember that hidden areas are vulnerabilities. You should pay attention to gates on-site, making sure that these are illuminated, clearly signed, and secured when not in use.
High-quality lighting can enhance worker safety, improve accuracy, and deter criminal activity too. With motion sensors, you can place lights in the most strategic positions and ensure that no entry goes unnoticed.
Overview
Securing your construction site is not just about preventing theft.
The proactive measures you take to safeguard your investment and protect your workforce will ensure that each project stays on track. In turn, your clients will be satisfied, feel confident about the quality of the work completed, and help to build a strong reputation for your business.