9 Easy Ways To Save Money On Construction Site Security

In the bustling world of construction, security is not merely a matter of safeguarding equipment; it extends to worker safety, regulatory compliance, public welfare and the entire project management in general.

Robust security measures often strain budgets and people usually scramble to find good and cheap construction site security systems.

In this article, we write some tips for improving security on construction sites and strategies that can be used to keep your site safe and secure.

Construction site security is a comprehensive strategy aimed at protecting physical assets, equipment, materials, workers, and the project’s entire progress. It is staggering to note that construction security sites experience an annual loss of nearly $1 billion due to equipment theft.

This figure comes to around $45 million for Canada alone. This eye-opening statistic underscores the urgency of investing in effective security measures. In addition to this, insurance claims regarding property damage on construction sites are one of the top claims made in the construction industry.

The question has to be asked: Why is construction site security so important? And why are people still wary about spending on a good quality security system for it? We explore the major reasons for that below:

Among the major reasons why construction site security cameras is important are trespassing onto the security site, theft of the construction equipment, and vandalism. These prove to be a major burden for construction site owners and managers.

Beyond the financial losses, theft and vandalism can lead to substantial project delays. These disruptions can cascade through project timelines and budgets, ultimately jeopardizing overall success.

Moreover, if the value of stolen goods is less than the insurance deductible, they are not covered and have to be borne by the site owner.

A construction site camera directly translates to a safer work environment for personnel. In order to prevent lawsuits and to ensure a safe workspace, constant monitoring of all areas of the construction site with cameras, both during and after working hours is necessary.

Unauthorized access escalates the risk of accidents and injuries, potentially compromising the health and well-being of the workforce or anyone that trespasses.

Construction site security cameras and live video monitoring can help prevent fires in construction sites which are a common occurrence.

This leads to a safer construction site, and prevents it from spreading to the neighboring buildings in case the site is in a busy street or a suburban town.

Compliance with security regulations is non-negotiable for construction companies. These are government-enforced regulations about the working standard and the safety procedures that have to be followed for a construction site to be compliant.

Falling short of security standards can result in fines and penalties, which in turn can strain project finances and resources.

Beyond site-specific security, these measures contribute to public safety by preventing unauthorized access to potentially hazardous areas. In case a construction site is close to streets, or houses, proper security measures like fencing, warning signs and video monitoring can help make the construction site safer for the general public as well.

Moreover, robust security protocols show a commitment to risk mitigation, potentially leading to lower insurance premiums.

A secure site is integral to preserving the integrity of the project by minimizing disruptions and ensuring a seamless flow of construction activities unhindered by security incidents.

This ensures timely completion and avoids unnecessary halts in the construction flow.

Construction sites can have various security measures that combine and integrate to make up a construction site security system.

Here are the options available to site managers to pick from:

Erecting a robust perimeter fence serves as an initial deterrent. It signifies that the site is restricted and discourages unauthorized entry.

Ensuring adequate lighting across the site creates a safer environment and deters unauthorized activities. Well-lit areas are less appealing to potential intruders.

Modern CCTV cameras can be strategically placed to cover vulnerable areas. They not only serve as deterrents but also provide valuable evidence in case of security incidents.

While hiring guards can incur costs, their presence can be a powerful deterrent. Consider using guards during high-risk hours or in tandem with technology for a cost-effective approach.

Real-time video monitoring, where remote security experts observe the site, can supplement or replace physical guards. This intervention can be immediate and more cost-efficient.

Implementing access control systems regulates site access. Key cards, biometric scanners, or digital access codes ensure that only authorized personnel enter the site.

Begin by conducting a thorough assessment of site vulnerabilities. Instead of going it alone, hire a security specialist to design a tailored security strategy that identifies high-risk areas and allocates resources where they are most needed.

This would not only remove blind spots but also make sure there are no loopholes in the system that can be exploited by trespassers, thieves or anyone with a malicious intent.

Going for a well-reputed security company like Spotter Security makes sure you get the best value for your money.

Investing in a robust perimeter fence is a fundamental step. Employ clear signage and sturdy barriers to establish a strong first line of defense.

Numerous incidents in Canada, that include people getting injured or killed after trespassing construction sites have been reported throughout the years, which can be prevented using fences and warning signs.

Not only do actual security guards cost more ($25-$35 per hour depending on the agency), they are also prone to errors, since they cannot cover all the site at once. Moreover, weather conditions and such can impact their efficiency, as many have been reported sleeping on jobs, or absent in case of an incident.

As technology advances, consider replacing or supplementing guards with CCTV cameras. High-quality cameras offer round-the-clock surveillance and critical evidence collection.

With so many options to pick from, it gets difficult choosing which cameras to get and what functionality to focus on. Getting a CCTV camera system can get expensive considering your wish list.

Getting expert advice is the best way to go, especially since there are a score of factors to consider, like weather conditions, facial and license plate recognition, thermal or night vision etc. Moreover, in case of expansion, checking for compatibility with the recorder and VMS is necessary as well.

If in addition to security cameras, guards are necessary, analyze peak hours and site requirements. Align guard staffing with these needs to ensure comprehensive coverage without incurring unnecessary expenses.

Since one or two guards cannot cover the entire site at the same time, consider the most crucial areas of the site and install guards there, for instance to safeguard where construction equipment is stored.

Regularly maintaining security equipment is essential. Well-reputed security companies working in construction site security provide assistance in scheduled maintenance of security systems, checking for access control systems, CCTV camera footage, fencing and other measures to ensure there are no issues with any component.

Malfunctioning systems can result in false alarms or security gaps, defeating the purpose of the security measures.

Access control, when strategically deployed, reduces the number of entry points. This decreases the need for constant monitoring while enhancing overall security effectiveness.

This can help save costs since instead of securing the whole site, efforts can be concentrated on one area where construction equipment is stored to prevent theft or any unauthorized access.

Invest in live video monitoring services equipped with advanced analytics. These systems detect suspicious activities in real-time, triggering immediate alerts to security personnel and minimizing potential threats.

Instead of investing in an on-site security team, there are options to off-shore it, and still ensure the best quality round-the-clock surveillance and reporting.

Embrace the technological edge by integrating cloud-based access control systems. This enables remote monitoring and control, reducing dependence on on-site security staff while ensuring comprehensive coverage.

You can now access video footage, grant and restrict access to personnel from anywhere and through any device that runs your security system software.

Construction site security is a diverse sphere, including protection, safety, compliance, and project management. By adopting a strategic approach and using advanced security technologies, construction companies can install stronger security measures without straining budgets.

It’s essential to remember that effective security not only saves costs but also safeguards against potential losses, delays, and disruptions, ultimately contributing to the overall success of the construction project. It is better to consult a security company to help devise the best plan for your construction site, in order to maximize utility and keep costs at a minimum.