Let tech take the strain for improved security over the human element

The construction industry suffers losses of around £800 million per year, and much of this includes crimes such as theft, vandalism and the costs of the consequences such as delays, increased insurance premiums and replacements.

Therefore, construction site security is a top priority for construction companies running sites of all sizes.

The rise in technological advances, such as more powerful and versatile CCTV cameras, makes site security more effective to the point where automation and virtual security is now a better bet than relying purely on the human element.

Site security tech

Companies offering construction and building site security services can deliver them through highly sophisticated systems designed specifically for construction site use. These include:

  • Cameras featuring long life battery power to avoid relying on cabling and on-site mains supplies
  • Easily removable cameras so positioning of security equipment can be re-configured when the site alters as construction work progresses
  • Alarm systems monitored and responders alerted from remote stations
  • Wireless alarm systems not requiring an internet connection or mains power so not reliant on-site electricity supply or vulnerable to power cuts

A modern onsite security system can work round the clock to monitor and report activity, and if set up properly – as it would be using the services of an experienced security company – can cover the whole site efficiently.

Security assessment

Your construction site security experts should offer a full survey of your site or site plan to ascertain what security should be put in place, and details such as where cameras should be positioned.

Armed with this defence, your site is equipped to ward off and discourage potential intruders. The presence of a powerful security system alone is enough to persuade many not to even attempt a break in.

The human element

While manned security has its place, it can’t compete with today’s state of the art alarm and CCTV monitoring as described above as there are a few known drawbacks:

Routine – foot or vehicular patrols are usually scheduled for specific times and normally follow a certain route round the site.

Savvy intruders doing some reconnaissance before attempting a break in may spot when and where these patrols take place and time their visit accordingly.

Human error – whether it’s security personnel or site workers trying to be as ‘security aware’ as possible, no matter how careful people are, the human element can come into play at any time.

It’s possible, for example, for someone to forget to replace a section of fencing when it’s been moved to allow a large machine onto the site or to facilitate a big delivery. Perhaps someone has been allowed onto the site without due diligence being carried out on their identity or not been signed out when they leave.

Some suspicious activity may be missed or even shrugged off at times.

Combine human and virtual

The above isn’t to suggest the human element is pointless in security control; indeed, if site managers and workers are diligent and observe good security practices much can be achieved to help maintain a site difficult for intruders to penetrate.