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Last updated: 10 June 2024
The importance of construction site security
Construction site security is essential on any project. A secure site is a vital component of health and safety regulation, delivering a seamless service and protecting a project from costly damage or losses.
Importance of having construction site security
Crimes occur all too often on construction sites. A site that falls victim to theft or vandalism leads to increased costs, delayed projects and unhappy clients. This is why construction companies need to protect themselves and their workers.
A survey conducted by the Chartered Institute of Building revealed that 21% of construction sites were affected by theft weekly.
This figure goes to show how important construction site security is. This is as well as performing a comprehensive risk assessment to implement the correct levels of security.
Why are construction sites at risk?
Construction sites are often considered easy targets for criminals. This is because when workers are at home, sites are left empty and they subsequently become susceptible to theft.
This is why effective security is so important, as it helps to both deter criminals and protect construction sites.
Construction site challenges
Construction sites face a number of security threats that can be costly and detrimental to project progress:
Theft and vandalism
Much construction equipment and apparatus is high value. Without comprehensive security measures in place, construction sites are at risk from thieves attracted to goods.
From materials, tools, equipment and even fuel, thieves can be enticed by open construction sites. These open sites are also at risk of vandalism.
Theft and vandalism not only cost companies the loss of equipment but also delay projects, stretch budgets and shake stakeholder confidence.
Safety
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) notes that the fatal injury rate in the construction industry is three times the all-industry rate. So it’s crucial that a site is secure and safe.
No matter the scale of the project, employers have a duty to keep their site and their employees safe from harm.
For instance, when working at heights, risks arise. And safe working practices as well as scaffolding health and safety regulations must be firmly in place.
As a site manager, Identifying and preventing common construction hazards should be at the top of your priority list.
Liability
Under the 1984 Occupiers Liability Act, landowners have a duty of care to trespassers on construction sites.
This is another reason why construction security is so vital; sites should have sufficient protection in place, as the costs of any potential injuries caused could be substantial.
Efficiency and productivity
If a site isn’t protected and secured, it can slow down productivity and reduce the overall efficiency of a project. This is due to a lack of organisation and the threats above that can delay projects and prevent a seamless delivery.
Site Security Risk Assessment
To implement the correct level of security for your construction site, you must perform a risk assessment. This is to ensure you understand the threats you need to address, as well as the severity of any hazards.
Here are some checklist points you should ask yourself when assessing your construction site security:
Do you have a site security plan specific to your project and site?
Do you have a comprehensive inventory of all assets onsite?
Are all workers security conscious and assigned security roles?
Do you have a perimeter fence around the site?
Are all tools and mobile assets securely stored overnight?
Do you have a single point of access to monitor site access?
Do you have CCTV cameras and/or security guards?
Do you have floodlighting to light the site overnight?
Construction site security methods
Next, let’s delve into some ways in which you can help secure your construction site.
Access control
With a single point of access, a biometric or ID card-based access control system enables you to stay in control. You’ll be able to keep track of who is coming on and off the site. This will not only deter crime but also ensure safety standards are met.
Access control will not only help protect your site but also the workers on your site. You’ll also know exactly who has access to your tools and resources.
CCTV
Implementing CCTV can provide site monitoring protection (for evidence) and deter thieves and vandals from accessing a site.
It’s a necessary step when working towards crime prevention and building site security. Not only this but it will give you all-important piece of mind.
Security guards
When it comes to security for construction sites, security guards can help to secure premises from unauthorised access.
Dedicated security patrols can be extremely beneficial for larger construction projects. It’s widely known that a physical security presence is great for ensuring construction site safety.
Secure storage
All construction sites should have secure storage to protect tools and equipment overnight. Safely keeping them in a secure, indoor area will ensure a thief never has easy access to them.
Over a longer closing period, you could remove tools from the site to a safer alternative storage facility.
Floodlighting
Security lighting illuminates a construction site at night. This removes the impression of hidden spaces, improves CCTV footage and deters criminals.
Keeping your site illuminated is a simple way to boost construction site security.
Hopefully, you’re now feeling equipped with the necessary knowledge about how to ensure construction site security.
If you take steps to create a secure construction site, you can help ensure your project is delivered smoothly and on time. You will also have the peace of mind that your site is safe for workers and secure overnight.
Making sure your site is secure- both in terms of protecting your employees and your projects, is key.
So, follow the above top tips to enhance your building site security.
