Ask any superintendent if they care about construction site security, and of course they’ll say yes. Nobody wants to see theft, vandalism, or even violence on their job site.
Ask that same superintendent what they’re actually doing about construction site security, and you’ll be lucky to get a good answer. On many job sites, security is little more than an afterthought. An unauthorized person could simply wander onto a job site looking like he belonged there, steal materials, and casually walk away without being questioned. It’s likely that all of the teams working would be too busy to question his presence. And it’s certainly unlikely that anyone would try to block his exit.
Yes, the typical superintendent is more concerned with budget and deadlines than with security. But we ignore construction site security at our own peril. In a questionable national economy where COVID-19 has driven many people out of work, crime has become more tempting than ever. And COVID-19 itself remains a serious threat—if you can’t control who walks through your job sites, how can you prevent your teams from being exposed to the virus while they’re working?
Six Steps to Better Construction Site Security
Although construction site security is a broad topic with many details to consider, don’t make it any more complicated than it has to be. Just follow these six steps:
- Make a security plan.
Ad hoc security measures may do some good, but they inevitably leave holes in your security infrastructure. Before you invest time and budget in security, sit down with your leadership team and make a security plan that covers all your top priorities. Make sure the plan addresses your biggest needs immediately while leaving room for you to add elements over time. It’s best to work with a trustworthy security consulting services firm as you make your plan.
- Secure your perimeter.
If you haven’t added fencing to your job site, you’re basically inviting criminals to come in and do as they wish. Fencing not only keeps people out, but also sends the message that this job site is closely monitored by team leaders who take security seriously.
- Hire guards.
Even good fencing isn’t enough. Engage highly trained security guards to patrol your perimeter and screen people at your access points. The presence of uniformed guards sends an even stronger message that yours isn’t a site to victimize.
- Post signs.
Don’t underestimate the power of “No Trespassing” signs. They establish with passers-by that your site is off limits and that it would be illegal for them to enter. They eliminate any possibility of confusion among those who may be tempted to wander in and explore.
- Install lighting.
After your construction crews go home for the night, your job site will fall dark and thieves will see an opportunity to hop fences and steal materials. When you leave lighting on through the night, you eliminate the darkness that thieves rely on as they commit their crimes.
- Install cameras.
Once your lighting system is up and running, it makes sense to install cameras that can record what’s happening on your site after hours. If the boldest thieves still target your site despite all the security measures you’ve taken, you’ll have video footage that helps you identify and prosecute them.
Let’s Work Together on Your Security Plan
These six simple steps can help you move construction site security from an afterthought to the forefront of your mind. We think you’ll reap rewards in the form of fewer crime-related losses and a greater sense of security for your crews.
Creative Security is ready to work with you on a construction site security plan that fits your needs and budget. Don’t put off this often-neglected aspect of running successful construction projects. Contact us today.
