The necessity for robust construction security measures in the industry has always been a constant. According to the National Equipment Register Equipment Theft Report, the theft of heavy construction equipment results in losses ranging from $300 million to $1 billion. The report further reveals a concerning statistic: about 75% of stolen construction tools and equipment are never found.
This reality leaves construction sites exposed to risks like theft, vandalism, and unauthorized entry. With rising inflation and escalating costs of building materials, it’s more important than ever to prevent theft. Construction companies must therefore take proactive steps to help safeguard their sites.
Beyond theft prevention, there’s also a vital need for companies to guarantee the safety of their employees and all site visitors. Implementing advanced construction security technology and other security measures is key to addressing these challenges.
Why Theft Drives the Need for Construction Security?
Theft in the construction sector is a significant issue affecting both the U.S. and Canada. According to ConstructConnect Daily Commercial News, which quotes Procore CEO Tooey Courtemanch who says it’s a challenge that’s impacting construction globally. Not only is large equipment being targeted, but also smaller items like power tools.
The NYU Dispatch predicts that power tool thefts are likely to persist at least until 2025. One factor contributing to the rise in these thefts is the shift in legal categorizations in many states, where certain types of theft have been downgraded from felonies to misdemeanors. This reclassification particularly affects lower-valued items, leading criminals and organized crime groups to view these misdemeanors as low-risk, high-reward endeavors.
During the Canadian Construction Association conference, as reported by ConstructConnect Daily Commercial News, Northbridge Financial Corp.’s President and CEO Silvy Wright highlighted that theft is the most frequent insurance claim in the construction industry, constituting nearly 40% of their claims.
Wright further mentioned that ongoing supply chain issues are exacerbating the situation in the construction industry by driving up the costs of materials and equipment. This, coupled with inflation and rising interest rates, is compounding the challenges faced by the sector.
What Construction Security Options Are Available?
Construction firms have a duty to ensure the safety of all individuals on their worksites. Additionally, they must implement effective security measures to help prevent the theft of costly and irreplaceable materials and equipment. Neglecting to establish a robust security protocol in construction can endanger lives, as criminal activities have become increasingly violent and dangerous.
That said, here are some construction security options.
Lighting
Lighting plays a crucial role in construction site security. Proper lighting is not just a matter of convenience. It’s a fundamental component of a comprehensive security strategy. Here’s a look at how lighting serves as a valuable security tool in construction settings.
It acts as a deterrent because well-lit areas are less appealing to trespassers and thieves. Bright lighting eliminates shadows and dark corners where intruders might otherwise hide, thereby reducing the risk of unauthorized entry. Combining lighting with motion sensors adds an extra layer of security. Lights that activate upon detecting movement can startle intruders and alert security personnel.
Lighting can enhance worker safety and help prevent accidents. Proper lighting helps in thwarting accidents by providing clear visibility for workers. This is especially the case during early morning or late evening hours. If there is an emergency, well-lit areas allow for quicker and more efficient response. Lighting helps rescue personnel navigate the construction site.
The best construction security integrates multiple layers. Lighting works well with surveillance cameras. The light can help make sure that camera footage is clear so it will be easier to identify trespassers or review incidents.
Fencing
Fencing plays a pivotal role in helping to bolster the safety and security of the bustling and equipment-laden construction sites. The strategic implementation of fencing around construction sites transcends its basic function as a physical barrier. Fencing has evolved to become a multifaceted tool that addresses various aspects of site security.
At its core, fencing serves as the first line of defense against unauthorized entry. Establishing a clear physical boundary separates the construction area from the surrounding environment, thereby helping to deter trespassers and potential vandals. This boundary not only acts like a psychological deterrent, but it can be a formidable obstacle that physically impedes access. It aims to ensure that only those with legitimate reasons and proper authorization can enter the site.
One of the strengths of fencing lies in its adaptability. Depending on the specific needs of a construction site, fencing can vary in height, material, and design.
Fencing can be augmented with advanced security measures. Integration with surveillance cameras, motion sensors, and alarm systems can enhance the security capabilities of a fence.
Beyond security, fencing helps ensure the safety of construction workers and the public. It helps contain construction-related hazards within the site. A fence can help reduce the risk of accidents and injuries. Fencing also serves as a guide for vehicular and pedestrian traffic around the site.
Security cameras
Unmonitored security cameras simply view the site and maybe capture it in recordings. They can’t do anything about what they see. Often, the business won’t know about a security incident until they see evidence of a crime. That’s why traditional video surveillance is considered a reactive solution.
A proactive solution consists of video analytics and a trained monitoring operator. This pairing levels up video surveillance. Video surveillance with live remote monitoring is proactive because it combines cameras, video analytics, and people watching the footage. This can enhance security and help reduce risks.
A good remote video surveillance system can watch the whole construction site and save all recordings of what transpires. Companies can check the video footage anytime to see what happened or use it in training.
Companies like ECAM watch security cameras from a different location away from the construction site. They use trained monitoring operators with video analytics. This delivers a one-two punch in a video surveillance system.
If a construction site has a security guard, the cameras can greatly complement them. Security guards can’t be everywhere and can’t see everything. Cameras can fill in the gaps for security guards. Construction sites are inherently dangerous. For this reason, security guards cannot patrol the entire site. Cameras can.
If the monitoring operator spots a potential problem, they can call the security guards on the construction site. The operator can follow the action on the monitors and call emergency if needed. The security guards may be so focused on the situation that they can’t call local authorities.
Video surveillance could get a quick ROI. A lot of companies are surprised to learn just how affordable security cameras with remote monitoring services can be. Many ECAM clients see an ROI within months. In some cases, clients have been able to get their insurance premiums lowered due to video surveillance.
Access control system
Access control is an effective component of construction site security. It controls who can enter and exit the site. It’s another way to monitor and document site activities when integrated with video surveillance.
Working with fencing, an access control system automates the process of access to the construction site. The fewer entry and exit points, the better. Fencing, video surveillance, and access control together give you greater control over who can enter and leave the site.
Access control systems can speed up entry processes and lower the risk of unwelcome individuals sneaking in behind authorized personnel. Integrating cameras with these systems can further minimize the chances of these security breaches happening.
The Need for Integrated Multilayered Construction Security
In short, the best option for construction security is an integrated one with multiple layers of security. They would include lighting, fencing, video surveillance, monitoring, and security guards. The layers work together to make it harder for intruders to attack the construction site. These cover a lot of ground in protecting a jobsite.
Moreover, an integrated security system can help improve productivity and construction site organization. Managers can keep the vehicular and foot traffic separated. Video cameras provide high-level views of the construction site to make sure of this. The views can help organize the construction site in the safest way possible. Project managers can map out the site to shorten distances for transporting material around the site.
It’s best to work with security companies that have experience in working with the construction industry. It’s also wise to work with a security professional on lighting and fencing as well as they’re not all equal.
Construction companies are responsible for everyone’s safety on the jobsite. Additionally, with the growing number of construction site thefts, they need multiple measures to help deter theft of and damage of expensive and hard-to-replace materials and equipment.
For a deeper dive into this topic, check out the construction security and safety best practices guide. This guide covers construction site challenges and suggests solutions. It includes recommended industry best practices to help construction companies set up more secure and safer construction sites. If you’d like to learn more, feel free to contact us.
Texas Private Security License Number: B14187
California Alarm Operator License Number: ACO7876
Florida Alarm System Contractor I License Number: EF20001598
Tennessee Alarm Contracting Company License Number: 2294
Virginia Private Security Services Business License Number: 11-19499
Alabama Electronic Security License # 002116
Canada TSBC License: LEL0200704
