Construction business owners know that they face significant liability risks from trespassers on their sites. These risks stem from a range of factors and legal principles, and all of them can create costly and timeline-detrimental issues that can have a significant impact on project budgets and bottom lines. This means construction businesses must be vigilant about securing their sites and mitigating potential hazards, not just for workers and authorized visitors- but also for potential trespassers. This involves understanding local laws, implementing effective safety measures, and possibly even taking steps to warn known trespassers of potential dangers on the site. Failure to do so can result in significant legal and financial consequences.
Liability for Injuries to Trespassers: One of the primary risks involves potential injury to trespassers. If a trespasser is injured on a construction site, they may be able to hold the company liable for their injuries. This can occur even if the trespasser was engaged in illegal activities at the time, such as vandalism or theft. For example, if a trespasser is injured due to a hazardous condition on the site, the construction company may be found liable in a lawsuit.
Occupiers’ Liability: While property owners need to maintain safe premises, there is also a duty imposed on occupiers (which would include construction companies) to take reasonable care for the safety of trespassers. This duty relates to risks arising from the state of the premises or activities conducted on them. Essentially, this means that if a construction site is inherently dangerous and a trespasser is injured, the company could be held liable if it did not take reasonable steps to ensure safety.
State Laws and Regular Trespassers: In some jurisdictions, if a property owner knows that trespassers regularly enter their property, they may be legally required to warn these trespassers of potential dangers. This aspect of the law recognizes that some properties, including construction sites, might attract regular trespassers, and owners need to take precautions accordingly.
Trespassing as a Gateway to Other Risks: Trespassing can lead to other liability risks for construction companies, such as vandalism, theft, and other criminal activities. These activities not only pose a direct financial risk through loss and damage but can also exacerbate the potential for injury and subsequent liability claims. For instance, a trespasser injured while committing theft or vandalism might still be able to sue the construction company for their injuries.
In this Arrest of the Month video, a pair of trespassers were caught in the act not only on-site afterhours, but also making dangerous choices that could have resulted in a legal and financial nightmare for the construction business Stealth security professionals were monitoring. Watch what happened below.
At roughly 4:15 a.m., Stealth security professionals monitoring a construction site observed two individuals trespassing on the property. Within moments, the pair were accessing construction equipment, putting themselves in danger. Local police were dispatched to the site and responded quickly, intercepting the suspects, and taking one into police custody without further incident.
Help Mitigate Risks and Reduce Criminal and Unwanted Activity on Your Jobsites with Proactive Security Measures
As theft, vandalism, and liability issues continue to pose pressing challenges at construction sites, ECAM’s proactive surveillance solutions have emerged as an essential tool for project owners and contractors alike. Historically, static security cameras have relied largely on visibility as a deterrent. However, bold perpetrators may not be discouraged by the mere presence of equipment if they believe they can evade the camera’s view or disguise themselves. When trespassers think they can avoid detection, more vigilant monitoring is imperative.
Transitioning to remotely monitored video surveillance enables firms to actively watch over sites in real time. With exhaustive visual coverage of the site that can be modified alongside site progression, remote video monitoring can provide comprehensive protection that routine patrols cannot match. Most importantly, it allows construction teams and security personnel to respond quickly when unlawful or hazardous activity occurs on site.
Our customized video surveillance solutions combine smart, strategically positioned cameras with the expertise of trained security professionals. Together, they keep careful watch over high-priority jobsite areas in real time. When an anomaly is detected, our skilled operators are notified instantly so they can take swift action – from triggering on-site alarms to alerting police when critical intervention is needed.
By providing local police dispatchers with precise real-time details on unfolding events, our operators can amplify the priority level of calls, typically resulting in a faster law enforcement response. With enhanced information, officers can often intervene before major damage or theft takes place.
To learn more about bolstering site security for your business, contact our team today for a complimentary quote or to consult with a construction security specialist in your area. We’re ready to partner with you by taking a proactive approach against crime, protecting your assets, people, and progress.
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
