A Guide to Construction Site Security 

Construction site security is an important aspect of site management. A construction site is often a target area of crime due to the high value of equipment and materials that can be found. This is a comprehensive overview of security measures that should be taken to protect construction equipment, assets, and employees.

Here are some of the most common security features for construction sites that you should consider introducing to your own. 

Proper Lighting

Construction sites are full of hazards, such as sharp objects and heavy machinery. Workers also risk being exposed to harmful chemicals and other toxic materials. Proper lighting will ensure that workers can see properly and furthermore avoid accidents. OSHA requires that employers provide adequate light for employees to see color differences in work clothes, tools, equipment, and other materials. Proper lighting will also help improve productivity.

Security Guards

A security guard can patrol around the site and be aware of any suspicious activity. They are also trained in how to spot potential criminals and apprehend them or call in law enforcement if need be. Providing them with walkie-talkies allows them to communicate effectively with each other. They will also be able to monitor surveillance systems, access points, and inventory. 

Camera Surveillance System

A camera system can help avoid vandalism and aid in construction site theft prevention. It can also record any incidents and monitor on site employees to ensure that there is no internal theft. For example, a CCTV system could be installed to monitor your construction site safety procedure because they are extremely discreet. Typically, these systems are monitored by a security guard who responds to alarming events by taking appropriate action. 

Inventory Management

Inventory management will allow you to keep track of your assets and in turn protect construction equipment. Designating a secure area in a well-lit environment will also allow inventory to be assessed easily. Ensure this area is separated from the outer perimeter and is under camera surveillance. This secure area should have an access control system to control who enters it and a check-out system for all tools and equipment. Materials, tools, and supplies can be cataloged and marked with an identifier such as a serial code, barcode, or tag. Heavy equipment can also be cataloged for this purpose. In addition, it’s always a good idea to photograph equipment for records.

Access Control System

A reliable access control system will allow you to monitor who enters and leaves the site as well as what they are carrying with them while they are there. It can also limit vehicular access along the outer perimeter and any gates to manage traffic. Additionally, it can be used to ensure that unauthorized guests stay out of your construction site, which will limit incidents and remove liability.

General Best Practices for Construction Site Security

It’s important to take construction site security seriously. Every site has unique security vulnerabilities and risks. 

Here are some ideas to help guide you in building a construction site security plan that will work for your business: 

• Develop a security plan for your site
• Establish a written security policy for the site.
• Assign responsibilities to personnel to act upon during an emergency
• Train employees in safety and security practices
• Establish and maintain contact with emergency services before construction begins
• Develop relationships with nearby properties, local groups, or associations so that they can report any suspicious activity
• Enforce mandatory reporting of incidents from all employees

Construction Site Safety Practices

Here are some of the best construction site safety procedures to enforce at your site:

• Enclose your construction site with a fence
• Establish limited access with an access control system at external entry and exit points
• Display clear warning signs to deter any unauthorized entry
• Use high-quality locks and repeatedly ensure that they are functioning
• Enforce daily inspections of the construction site at the beginning and end of each day to monitor supplies and assets 
• Establish parking zones outside of the construction site for employees and visitors
• Use a security camera system to monitor and record footage

Construction Site Safety and Security Practices for Equipment and Materials

Here are some of the best practices for protecting your equipment, materials, tools, and supplies:

• Designate a secure and well-lit area for equipment and inventory storage
• Create an inventory control system for all equipment, tools, supplies, and materials
• Create a delivery schedule to monitor inventory and traffic in and out of your construction site
• Add markers or identifiers, like barcodes or tags, to equipment and tools for easy identification
• Establish a supervisory key control program for motorized equipment
• Use anti-theft devices to disable equipment
• Use oil locks and gas tank caps to prevent theft
• Minimize on-site inventory to improve inventory management efficiency
• Supervise waste removal from the construction site

About OPS
OPS Security Group has over 80 years of combined experience protecting executives, businesses, residents, guests and government officials throughout Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, Washington D.C. and New Jersey. As a regional security alternative with a service-first approach, we offer a level of customer service that international providers are too big to deliver. If you’d like to learn more, you can contact us at https://opssecuritygroup.com/contact/