8 Proven Forms of Construction Site Security

Construction site security is one of the biggest concerns in the construction industry.

Theft and vandalism cost the construction industry billions of dollars each year. Fortunately, there are multiple levels of protection that you can employ to improve the security of your job sites. Combining these various types of construction site security will often give you the best protection available.

Reliable Construction Site Security Systems

#1: Security Locks and Fences

It may seem to you a basic construction site security measure, and it is. However, construction site managers don’t always use fences and locks to keep their sites secure. No fences and locks on your site make you an easy target for theft or vandalism. At the very least, perimeter fences will help keep out any unwanted intruders. Ideally, you should also have effective fences and locks around important tools, equipment, and supplies, as well. This will allow for an extra barrier between your most valuable unattended assets on the site.

Beyond essential locks and fences, electronic locks with keycard or code access may improve your security even more. These are especially effective in protecting data and equipment in offices and expensive supplies. With electronic locking devices, you can limit access to only those who need to be in that particular area of the job site.

#2: Warning Signs

Many would not consider signage as a security measure. However, when signs on a job site express the possible penalties of unauthorized access, it can make would-be intruders think twice. Clear, concise signs increase construction site security by reminding intruders of the criminal nature of entering and damaging or stealing the property.

Clear signage helps prevent the kind of theft and vandalism many sites experience with simple trouble-makers. Not all theft and vandalism is about gaining valuable equipment. Sometimes dumb kids are just looking for something to do. Reminding them of the penalties for such behavior is a great incentive to find another pastime.

#3: Thorough Equipment Identification and Inventory

Many construction site managers do not have a central system for identifying and tracking the inventory of equipment and tools. All equipment and tools should be identified with unique markers in multiple locations on the equipment. Many choose to engrave owner-applied numbers to aid in the inventory.

Marking the equipment in several places will prevent thieves from shaving off all identifying numbers. An updated inventory list will help ensure that equipment stays on-site, where it belongs. Also, having all identifying information on your inventory increases the chances of stolen equipment recovery.

#4: Proper Lighting

Most construction site theft happens in the dark, as thieves find comfort in the shadows. It is no wonder construction site security suffers when these large, outdoor targets have inadequate lighting. Having sufficient lighting for your job site will reduce areas of comfort for thieves. If you employ motion-sensor lighting, startling the thieves with the light when they move in too close to your site can often have an even more significant impact.

There are so many construction sites not properly lit that great lighting alone can sometimes be enough of a deterrent to thieves. They may simply move on to an easier target.

#5: Reliable Security Alarm Systems

Alarms are an effective way to scare off thieves quickly. Motion sensors can set off alarms with audible sirens and flashing lights. These alone can stop an intruder in his tracks.

Depending on your job site, silent alarms might be the best option for your construction site security. These can alert and dispatch authorities to your site to follow up on the breach. Many alarms will also alert the site manager or supervisor, so he or she can also deal with the intrusion.

Additionally, we should note here that video verified alarms often take priority in the dispatch of authorities. This leads to higher on-site apprehension and recovery of stolen goods rates. Quicker dispatch leads to faster response times. Consequently, more rapid response time means you are more likely to catch a thief in the act.

#6: On-Site Security Guards

Construction contractors sometimes hire security guards to help with construction site security. A live guard can be a great deterrent to thieves. While live security guards can be an immediate challenge to an intruder, the intruder may just be able to avoid the guard and still complete the robbery.

If you prefer having a live presence at the site, it is most effective to use the security guards in conjunction with other forms of security. Guards alone are expensive, but they can easily become distracted or bored (or even fall asleep). They are also limited by what they can see or handle at one time. Guards cannot be in multiple places at once.

#7: Video Surveillance Security Solutions

Perhaps the most effective construction site security system is video surveillance. You have many options within video surveillance, so it is important to be sure you customize your system to meet your needs. Having construction site security cameras visible may be a deterrent for thieves. However, equipment with the right features and resolution will be a deterrent and lead to higher apprehension rates.

Depending on your particular needs for construction site security, you may want to investigate additional features. For example, pan, tilt, and zoom cameras allow you the flexibility to look around your site in real-time.

Video analytics can help in poorly lit areas, specific protected zones within your site, perimeter detection, and much more. Some video surveillance systems can be equipped with a talk-down feature so that you can address an intruder in real-time from another location. Video surveillance systems can be mounted on work trailers or utility poles, as with EyeSite’s ESS-HD Net ATOM System.

However, mobile surveillance units are also available for more flexible location and infrastructure needs. Video surveillance will get you the best return on your investment by protecting your construction site from substantial loss.

#8: Video Monitoring Security Solutions

In conjunction with video surveillance, professional video monitoring is another layer of protection you can add to your security plan. The highly trained professionals who monitor your site via video surveillance know what to look for and how to react. Professional monitoring will quickly dispatch authorities when needed and actively monitor your site when no one is there. Those who monitor will also contact you with concerns when appropriate.

Construction Site Security You can Count On!

There are a variety of options available in construction site security, from very basic to very high tech. Using a combination of these options will typically afford you the greatest protection.

EyeSite Surveillance always works with clients to ensure that all of their construction site security needs are being met. This is why we only offer the best technology with the best service, including changes in camera position throughout your project, site visits to evaluate your systems, and much more.

EyeSite Surveillance is your most trusted solution for construction site security.

Give us a call today at 855-466-8433 to secure your job site and your investments!