The State of Construction Site Security in 2023
In the wake of COVID-driven supply chain struggles, Builder magazine points out what you probably already know. They say, “High-priced materials and supply chain issues have made job site theft more appealing to thieves.” According to Verisk, in just one week in 2022, Texas, Florida, and California reported more than $7 million in equipment thefts from construction worksites, equipment dealerships, and storage locations.
We’ve previously reported on construction site security statistics:
DeseretNews reports, “The scarcity of TPO and other construction essentials — like copper, aluminum and lumber — has led to price spikes that heighten incentives for thieves, and it’s causing bad actors to become more audacious.” A lack of security on construction sites costs companies up to $1 billion annually. The theft of copper alone from ongoing residential and commercial building projects costs around $1 billion each year.
But it’s not just external bad actors messing with construction site security; it’s your workforce. All Business says, “Anywhere from 30% to 85% of job site theft results from someone that you authorize to be on your job site.” It’s easy for small tools to “become misplaced,” but the reality is that even heavy equipment or large volumes of material can be at risk:
In these cases, holes in construction site security allowed thefts to occur. High-value equipment, materials, tools, and wiring are often vulnerable. Thieves know that sprawling construction sites are sometimes difficult to secure and that workers go home in the evening or on weekends. It’s a heady mix for thieves that leads to big losses every year.
Understanding how to secure a construction site begins with better security planning. This process starts with an assessment of your potential security risks.
Developing a Construction Site Security Plan
Identifying potential risks can help construction site managers develop a comprehensive security plan that addresses all possible threats. Some common security risks on construction sites include:
All these incidents are preventable. Yet the industry continues to struggle with construction site security. Common problems include:
If your construction site security plan checks any of these boxes, your company has preventable risks.
Construction Site Security Systems
When it comes to security on construction sites, you have options. But determining which construction site security measures to employ can be a challenge. Once you’ve identified the potential security risk, it’s crucial to implement the appropriate approach to mitigate these dangers.
Here are some of the most widely accepted techniques for securing a construction site:
Construction site crime correlates with rising construction costs. That makes it even more important to maintain the best security practices possible. Ultimately, construction site security systems can pay for themselves. But only if you use these tools wisely.
Best Practices for Construction Site Security
In addition to implementing essential security measures, there are several best practices that construction site managers can follow to ensure the safety and security of their construction site:
Security on construction sites starts with your employees. All Business suggests creating a security culture at each job site to include honest communication and employee awareness. It’s certainly true that job site security impacts employees as much as it does the employer. High company costs often lower our ability to pay better wages. Employee theft can create a climate of distrust between managers and employees.
Companies should educate staff on the importance of construction site security. Employees should understand the measures you’ve taken to keep the job site and employees safe. The workforce should receive training on how to identify suspicious activity and where to report it. They should also understand their responsibilities for securing large and small equipment when not in use.
How to Effectively Use Construction Site Security Monitoring
Construction site security monitoring is essential to ensure safety and avoid crime. This type of monitoring involves using security cameras, sensors, and other equipment to monitor a site. These tools alert security personnel during an intrusion or other security breach.
Modern construction site security cameras allow companies to monitor their job site without hiring expensive onsite guards. Today’s video surveillance tools offer remote monitoring via a cellular or internet connection. Connectivity can even occur if the job site lacks electricity. These tools provide alarms and sensor technology. Plus, security cameras for construction sites have powerful analytics that spot trends while storing data in the cloud.
Recent Advances in Construction Site Security
With increasing thefts and vandalism in these project locations, construction site security cameras have become necessary tools for protecting assets, equipment, and personnel. Recently, there have been significant upgrades to video surveillance. These innovations make security cameras for construction sites even more effective and efficient in deterring crime and ensuring safety. Some of the latest security camera updates include:
Security cameras don’t need access to electricity, making them perfect for an ever-changing construction site. Before selecting a system, just make sure the cameras have one of the two features listed below:
Even if your construction site doesn’t have Wi-Fi, there are a few ways security cameras for construction sites can connect to the internet:
While Wi-Fi is the most common and convenient method of connecting a video surveillance camera to the internet, these other options can provide connectivity in situations where Wi-Fi is not available or reliable.
It’s important to note that the type of camera you choose will depend on the specific needs of your construction site and the level of security you require. Additionally, you may need to consider the cost of the cameras and the additional equipment required to power them when making your decision.
Pro-Vigil for Advanced, Effective Construction Site Security
Construction site security monitoring is an essential component of ensuring the safety and security of a construction site. By following these tips, construction site managers can effectively use security monitoring to prevent theft, vandalism, and unauthorized access to the site. It is important to work with a professional security company to design and implement a security plan that meets the specific needs of the site. Regular monitoring and review can help to ensure that the security measures remain effective and up to date.
Pro-Vigil is the nation’s leader in construction site security. We specialize is the design, implementation, and monitoring of essential construction site security systems. If you’re worried about how to secure a construction site, call on us. We can help.
