Keeping the construction site running and safe is always a challenge for contractors. Apart from trespassers, vandals, and thieves, they also need to make sure that no one can get hurt. With expensive equipment and building materials on site, there is always a chance that someone will try to steal it.
Contractors are also liable for a trespasser who mistakenly enters the site and gets injured. That’s why businesses are always trying to find the best construction site security guards in Los Angeles to rely on.
Your building site must have some security measures, but these agencies bring their years of experience and can fix the gap. From enhancing surveillance with security cameras to deterring threats with guard patrol, there are various ways you can improve security at a construction site. In this blog, we will provide some of the most valuable tips and explain how you can implement them at your site.
Construction Site Security Statistics
- In the US, there were about 1,056 construction worker deaths in 2022, which is a high number compared to other industries.
- The human cost is tragic, but the financial impact is significant, too. SkillSignal reports that construction fatalities alone cost the US economy an estimated $5 billion annually
- Even non-fatal injuries are a major concern. Claris Design Build states that construction workers experience the highest number of injuries requiring medical attention compared to any other industry, with over 4.5 million reported in 2022.
- Estimates suggest construction theft in the United States alone costs between $300 million and $1 billion every year. This includes stolen equipment, materials, and tools.
- Construction equipment is particularly attractive to thieves, with heavy machinery theft alone reaching staggering losses of over $531 million, according to a report by the National Equipment Register.
8 Ways to Improve Construction Site Security
There are many ways to improve the safety of the worksite but not all are suitable for your place. Here are some of the most common ways you can improve it with the help of a construction site security firm,
1. Planning and Procedures
The first step to improving construction site security is to plan and build a security strategy. We need to create a robust security protocol without causing delays or problems with workers. When you approach a construction site security company, they will send a specialist to the site and conduct a site assessment.
To strengthen the site security, we first need to find the weak points, and that’s what the security specialist will do. They will look for poorly lit areas and gaps in the parameters. Once they find pinpoints on the building site, they will create a security protocol to implement.
This includes assigning construction site security guards to the right places. Here are some of the first steps you need to take to improve your construction site security once the plan is in place,
2. Securing the Perimeter
One of the most important parts of enhancing your building site security is that you need a secure parameter. These are the first line of defense against trespassers and thieves. If we secure the parameters, we will discourage most of them as it will be harder to cross. Here is how you can secure the parameters of a construction zone for better security,
- Fencing
Make sure to invest in a strong, well-maintained fence that discourages potential trespassers. Security guards will regularly inspect the fence for damage and repair any breaches promptly to prevent future break-ins.
- Gates
Access control is a must for boosting security at construction sites, that’s why secure all entry and exit points with robust gates. Implement access control systems like keypads, swipe cards, or security guards to manage gate access.
3. Controlling Access
While keeping unsavory characters out is preferable, construction sites are always buzzing with people going in and out. There are constructors, workers, drivers, electricians, visitors, and more who constantly come and go out of the site. Construction site security guards play a vital role in this as they keep a watch on every entry and exit. They constantly patrol the area, look for any suspicious activity and report it. To implement site safety measures, we can go with some of these security protocols,
- Visitor Management
A good visitor system makes sure that only authorized people come into the work site. Visitors should sign in, show their valid ID, and wear badges that show they are visitors.
- Worker Identification
To distinguish workers from trespassers, give all workers ID badges with their photo, name, and company. This helps show who is allowed and prevents people who aren’t allowed from coming in.
4. Deterrence Measures
The best security measure is always deterrence. Security cameras, signs, lights, and security guards can help keep criminals out. Construction zone security guards act as a visual deterrent. Having them patrol the site discourages trespassers and opportunistic criminals who might target unattended equipment. Here are some common ways you can Fortify construction site defenses,
- Lighting
The smallest change can make all the difference in elevating security at your construction site, and that is lights. Criminals thrive in darkness. Strategically placed floodlights throughout the site reduce hiding places and deter potential intruders. For that, you can go for energy-efficient LED lighting to minimize operational costs.
- Signage
When someone sees signage that says this area is under surveillance or watched by CCTV, it makes criminals think for a second. Clearly, visible signage that warns of security measures and the consequence of trespassing serves as a strong deterrent.
5. Protecting Property and Equipment
Construction workers use expensive equipment like cranes, excavators, drills, and more, which can fetch hefty prices. Keeping this equipment safe is one of the most important parts of a security guard’s job duty at the construction site. While they can keep an eye out for any theft, we need to make sure the equipment stays safe even without them. Here are some of the ways to ensure site safety and security,
- Secure Storage
Make sure to follow the right security protocol for equipment and keep your tools, equipment, and materials in locked containers, sheds, or trailers. Choose a strong padlock for extra security.
- Inventory Control
Keeping tabs on all your equipment makes it hard for thieves to get away with it. Track all your valuable equipment with a detailed inventory system. Regularly check your inventory to find any missing items quickly.
- Marking Equipment
Label your valuable equipment with unique tags. This will discourage theft and make it easier to identify and recover stolen items.
6. Leveraging Technology for Enhanced Security
Alarms and security cameras are must-haves for any construction site for security measures. They can alert security guards if someone enters the facility and tries to break in while the surveillance camera allows guards to track them down. Construction site security cameras and motion sensors can enhance the safety of the place to a new level. Here are some ways you can Increase construction area surveillance,
- Security Camera Systems
For better security at your construction site, it is advisable to install CCTV cameras to monitor activity in real time. You can also review recorded footage later for incident investigation. Choose weatherproof cameras with night vision capabilities for the best coverage.
- Alarm Systems
Motion sensors and alarms on gates, sheds, and other vulnerable areas are a must for building sites. These alarms can be connected to your security camera system to trigger an immediate response when activated.
7. Maintaining a Secure Environment
Security is not a one-time thing, it’s a continued effort. Construction site security guards need to make sure that the area is safe for workers, and that nothing can delay the work. Regular patrolling and reporting helps them maintain the security of the place. Here is how construction site security services can help you maintain a safe environment and improve it,
- Regular Inspections
Make sure to have regular security checks to find and fix any security problems. This includes checking the fence, counting equipment, and making sure security cameras and alarms work well.
- Incident Reporting
Encourage people to tell you about any suspicious activity or security problems right away. Look into all reports carefully to find out what caused the problem and stop it from happening again.
8. Building a Culture of Safety
The best way to improve safety at a construction site is to avoid incidents at all costs. This includes regular briefings and training for new workers on how to handle equipment and work. This will not only reduce incidents at the worksite but also allow the business to focus on outside threats, which can be handled by a security company.
Conclusion
Remember, a secure construction site is a successful construction site. By investing in a well-planned security strategy and partnering with a reliable construction site security company in Los Angeles, so you can focus on building your project with confidence, knowing your valuable assets are protected. There is no one size that fits all approaches to these as different worksites require different types of security measures. Each location must be evaluated individually to determine the specific protocols needed, ensuring that all unique risks are adequately addressed.
In this blog, we have covered all the various ways you can improve construction site security. However, the first step is always to find a suitable construction site security agency that can help you with it. Businesses can take some steps to boost the safety of the site, but security guards are necessary for extensive security measures.
If you are constantly facing security issues at your construction site and need to strengthen security measures, you can hire construction site security guards from Citiguard. They have decades of experience in the construction industry and provide their expert guidance to keep the workplace safe. Consult with us today and let our expert construction site guards draw up a plan to ensure the safety and continuity of work at your site.