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From Planning to Protection: Effective Security for Construction Sites
- By - 247 Gard
From the crack of dawn to the stillness of the night, construction sites are bustling epicenters of activity, brimming with valuable equipment and materials that require vigilant protection around the clock. These places are highly vulnerable to security threats, such as theft, vandalism, and unauthorized access, which can lead to financial losses, project delays, malfunctioning equipment, and safety hazards for workers. Canada has experienced multiple suspicious crane accidents that have raised the authorities' eyebrows.
It could be a machine malfunction or a human mistake, but we cannot overlook the possibility of theft and vandalism causing crane accidents. Valuable parts stolen from heavy machinery, not only results in endangering life but also causes projects getting delayed. According to a good report and a survey conducted by Aviva, Canada faces a $46 million loss in construction theft annually, with $15 to $20 million in construction loss in Ontario alone. In the survey, 100 construction companies reported that, on average, they face two theft incidents per year.
That said, site security in construction areas plays a vital role in protecting assets and ensuring the safety of workers by implementing compliance with safety requirements. A well-deployed construction security strategies reduce accidental risks and enhance the operational efficiency. This on-site security practice ultimately helps maintain the worker's safety and the company's reputation in the construction industry.
Meanwhile, on the defensive side, technology has evolved to the protection as well. The integration of construction site security guards with the construction site security cameras has a beneficial impact on overall real-time monitoring. Keeping an eye on the camera and providing a visible appearance, on-site construction security guards deter potential intruders from entering the construction site.
Canada's construction industry decreased by over two billion Canadian dollars in 2023. The sector's GDP reached 164.7 billion Canadian dollars that year.
Different Types of Security Threats at Construction Sites
Theft and Vandalism
Theft and vandalism are among the most common security threats at construction sites. They often target high-value materials like copper wires, expensive tools, and valuable machinery.
These criminal incidents can cause significant project delays and cost overruns. Companies have to buy the stolen materials again and repair the vandalized property as soon as possible to protect the company's reputation.
Additionally, such incidents can disrupt the complete workflow and workers' morale leading to missed customers’ deadlines and increased labor costs. The financial hit is big, not just from losing materials, but also from downtime.
“Simmons Masonry, an individual who does renovations and restorations in different parts of Canada, in an interview with CBC, said, he has seen a skyrocketing increase in theft at construction sites for the last two years and meanwhile has been the victim of such losses as well.”
Trespassing and Unauthorized Access
Unauthorized access is another prevalent issue on construction sites. Trespassers, who may be curious passersby who just want to look into the place or individuals with malicious intent, can pose a significant risk. They can damage equipment and steal materials once they find out that no one is around for the security of the site.
Eventually, they can endanger themselves by entering hazardous areas containing contiguous materials or chemicals. The presence of unauthorized individuals on-site also increases the liability of construction companies.
For example, any accidents or injuries caused to these individuals could result in legal action against the company. Implementing strong perimeter controls and access management systems by having in place construction site security guards is essential to mitigate these risks.
People often take shortcuts through construction areas, putting themselves in danger. Many construction sites have deep drilling operations and large potholes, which trespassers are usually unaware of, as foundations are being laid. Falling into these deep holes can pose a serious threat to their lives.
Safety Hazards
Security lapses on construction sites can lead to serious safety hazards. For example, if a construction company fail to properly monitor the site, workers or unauthorized individuals may access dangerous areas which can eventually lead to accidents and injuries.
A construction site security guard helps mark the heavy work areas with proper reflective signs, making it visible to the passersby that heavy machinery is working. These guards ensure the traffic flow by holding alerting signs, “STOP” or “DANGER, KEEP WATCH FOR SUDDEN TURN,” which help reduce accidents.247 Gard construction security personnel trained for these circumstances can ensure that everyone upholds the security measures.
Emerging Threats
As today’s construction sites adopt digital tools and connected devices, cyber threats have become a security concern for construction companies. Construction companies now get projects which often involve the use of IoT devices, drones, and digital project management systems. These devices are vulnerable to hacking and other cyberattacks.
Cybercriminals can disturb operations, steal sensitive information from a construction company, or even sabotage equipment. It is essential to protect these digital assets with a strong cybersecurity strategy that is able to integrate with the physical construction security measures on-site.
This strategy includes the implementation of strong access controls with the physical security guard and regularly updating software to protect these digital assets against new potential threats.
Key Components of A Construction Site Security
Security Personnel
A professional construction site security guard is indispensable for construction zone security. On-site security guards are responsible for patrolling the area and monitoring surveillance systems, and they also swiftly respond to incidents. The physical appearance of on-site construction security guards serves as a powerful deterrent to potential criminals.
Mobile patrolling of the construction site adds another layer of security, especially for large or multi-site projects. These patrols can quickly respond to incidents across different parts of the site and comprehensively cover every area.
247 construction security guards also act as emergency response teams because they are trained to handle various situations, from medical emergencies to security breaches. Their primary focus is to ensure the safety and security of all personnel and assets on-site.
Access Control Systems
On-site construction security guards implement effective access control systems to prevent unauthorized individuals from entering the construction site. Here are the few access control method which a security guard use
1. Card Access Systems
This method is very easily deployed on the construction site and it is easy to use for workers and engineers. This Card access system allows only those with authorized cards to gain entry. This system can even be programmed to limit access to specific areas based on the individual’s role or security clearance. These measures reduce the risk of internal theft and accidents.
2. Biometric Systems
Biometric systems are commonly used in every commercial sector to allow those who are authorized to enter the area. This method uses fingerprint or facial recognition technology. It provides an even higher level of security by ensuring that only the intended person can gain access to the construction site.
3. Visitor management systems
With the above-mentioned systems, a visitor management system is also necessary to have a complete record of who enters and exits the site and the purpose of their visit. This setup not only enhances construction site security but also helps in tracking accountability in case of any theft or criminal incident inside the concerned area.
Lighting and Fencing
If a construction site is heavily lit and fenced from the most potential area of intruders, the construction site has minimal chance of any theft and vandalism. Adequate lighting is essential for the visibility of every corner of the construction site, especially during night-time operations.
Lighting also helps in the effectiveness of CCTV cameras and construction security guard patrols, giving visible signals to criminals that all areas are visible and in continuous monitoring.
Fencing the construction area serves as the first physical barrier against unauthorized access. A well-maintained fence marks the boundaries of the site and prevents easy entry into the precinct. It is often combined with access control systems at entry points to ensure that only authorized personnel can gain access.
Surveillance Systems
The surveillance system is an integral part of any construction site security plan. For example, CCTV cameras are commonly used to monitor real-time activities on-site while the construction site security guards are away.
These systems are particularly valuable for deterring theft as the presence of visible cameras with the help of construction site security guards can discourage criminal activity.
Additionally, drone surveillance is becoming an increasingly popular option for larger sites. Drones offer a bird’s-eye view of the area to the security personnel, making it easier for them to monitor hard-to-reach locations and provide a flexible security approach to those areas.
Essential Construction Worker Health and Safety Training
It is important to make the construction site secure but it is the foremost step to train the workers according to the construction site safety environment. They must be aware of the hazards they can face, and all the safety measures they have to adopt for their health. Workers' training involves daily drills for emergencies so that they don't forget what to do at the earliest moment of an incident. Workers' training also involves the awareness of gears and tools for the head, eye, foot, respiratory, and skin protection.
A health safety manual must be available for all the workers, and an open-ended talk must be conducted occasionally to help workers with stress, anxiety, and health issues because of the workload. In that way, we are minimizing half of the possibility of incidents because workers are the backbone of every construction. If they are trained well, we will be halfway ahead in completing the construction project.
Benefits of Having Construction Site Security Services in Place
Crime Prevention
One of the most significant benefits of professional construction site security services is their ability to prevent crime and create a visible deterrence across the construction site.
The mere presence of construction site security personnel and their surveillance systems act as a powerful check to potential thieves and intruders.
When individuals see that a construction site is well-lit and continuously monitored by CCTV cameras and security guards, they are less likely to attempt illegal activities.
247 Gard security company, based in GTA, Ontario, has served in the security industry for more than a decade. As for the construction security industry, we have deployed and trained many security professionals to secure the construction premises with the latest technology in hand.
We have thousands of happy customers, as the number of their construction site instruments stolen is reduced to a significant number, providing benefits to the clients.
Enhanced Safety
There’s no doubt that construction site security improves the safety of workers and project sites. Professional construction site security guards are well-trained to identify and mitigate potential hazards, such as keeping fire eruption material away from the common workers diminishing unauthorized access to dangerous areas and mishandling heavy equipment.
Moreover, Construction site security guards enforce safety protocols and ensure they are upheld to prevent accidents and injuries.
The construction site security services contribute to compliance with safety regulations to avoid fines and ensure that the construction process proceeds smoothly.
247 Gard construction security officer fully contributes to the completion of projects by protecting project workers and their equipment from intruders.
Reduced Liability and Insurance Costs
A professional security guard present at the construction site can significantly reduce the construction company’s liability and its insurance costs. When a construction site is properly secured from intruders, theft and vandalism then the construction company ultimately faces fewer legal issues and claims.
Additionally, in a scenario of an incident, the construction security guard can save the construction company from legal actions by demonstrating documented security measures to the authorities that all the safety measures were in place and regularly followed. This reduction in liability can save the company money and its reputation in the eyes of customers.
How to Choose the Right Construction Site Security Company
Choosing the right construction site security company involves evaluating several key factors to ensure they meet your customized needs and expectations;
First, assess their experience and expertise in handling construction site security. Look for reviews and their reputation in the security industry.
Secondly, Look for construction security companies that offer a comprehensive range of services, including surveillance, on-site guards, mobile security guards and advanced technologies like drones etc. Verify their reputation through client testimonials.
Thirdly, consider their ability to provide customized security solutions designed to your project’s unique requirements.
Finally, ensure they offer responsive customer service and clear communication to address any concerns promptly.
247 Gard Security Company being in the industry for over a decade, always provides customer-friendly and customized construction security plans. Our construction site security guards are professionally trained by undergoing rigorous drills to minimize any potential loss through a comprehensive assessment of the construction zone before starting their security day.
FAQs
What is the role of construction site security?
Construction site security is essential to defend the construction site from multiple threats such as theft, vandalism and fear of intruders. The construction site security guard is an integral part of the construction site security in maintaining compliance with safety regulations and eradicating risks that could eventually lead to project delays, equipment losses and increased costs of ongoing construction.
What is the main importance of security?
The main goal of deploying security measures at the construction site is to minimize the liability to the construction company in any scenario. This main motive includes saving people and protecting property from potential threats that could arise at any moment of the hour. In a nutshell, security at the construction site contributes to providing peace of mind to owners and workers so that they can focus on performing their core activities.
What are the duties of construction security?
To perform security services at the construction site is an important role to mention. The construction site security guards perform different duties at the construction site, i.e. monitoring the construction site for any suspicious activities, conducting regular inspections and patrol around the site, implementing safety measures to prevent accidents, and assisting in providing the documented reporting of any security incidents.
Conclusion
While planning the structure of a building, people often forget about securing the construction site to save time and resources from theft and vandalism. Security is an important part of the plan if you are planning to construct a building.
Construction security helps you prevent potential threats such as making the construction site a home for drunken people or homeless persons. These elements often don’t care about who the property belongs to, they find a place empty and start living there until someone interrupts.
A comprehensive construction security plan includes security guards continuously patrolling the construction site, especially the areas which are poorly lit and construction security cameras. Construction site video surveillance helps in swiftly identifying intruders and any breach committed at the construction site.
247 Gard security company provides its clients with the best construction site security options specially designed for their construction site. We have the best security guards who are highly trained and qualified to handle any sudden situation like medical emergencies, first aid and CPR to workers, and contact the emergency response teams to minimize the cost of loss.
Contact 247 Gard security to Avoid Potential Loss and Gain Profits.
