Construction sites, by their very nature, are inherently dangerous environments. They are essentially an ever-evolving development which changes every day and hence is left in a different status at the end of each working day, but which is always partly completed. This means that the challenge of leaving a construction site safe and secure overnight changes every day too, and there is a reliance on robust and consistent safety and security procedures being in place to control this, and which can be effectively adapted to the ever-changing circumstances.
Furthermore, construction sites attract attention because they are a place of interest and are usually in a public place with great visibility. For this reason, construction site security is a huge challenge and a priority issue for responsible personnel.
Why is construction site security important?
Operating a construction site presents a huge burden of responsibility in terms of the safety of construction site personnel, as well as the safety of the general public. This is in addition to general security responsibilities for protecting the site and its contents. Safety and security incidents can result in injury and theft or vandalism, which, in addition to the immediate safety concerns, also results in severe financial impacts for the developer in the shape of losses for the construction project and delays in completing it.
Preventing unauthorised access and deterring criminal activity are therefore essential priorities, so let’s look at the most common risks that are present in most construction sites and how you can guard against them.
The most common risks in construction sites
- Falls – Construction sites include partly-constructed walls and floors, and sometimes deep excavations, these can cause falls during day-to-day working, but also overnight if a site isn’t suitably secured or the area suitably guarded.
- Injury – Accidents can occur at any time on a construction site, but particularly overnight if an unauthorised person is on site and has access to tools and equipment, or can access an area that is only partly constructed and includes loose materials, such as bricks, tiles or steelwork.
- Theft – Construction sites need to store valuable tools and equipment overnight, such as power tools and vehicles, as well as valuable construction materials.
- Vandalism – Damage to part-constructions can cause production delays as well as compromising safety.
- Trespass – Construction sites are an obvious attraction to passers-by who see it as something of an open playground, but this presents a public liability issue and can lead to safety incidents.
The best construction site security controls
Any construction project will start with comprehensive risk assessments to cover every activity and which are alive to the fact that the site is constantly changing and new risks and hazards are appearing all the time. Other common security controls include access control systems, security fencing, warning signs, security lighting, alarm systems and CCTV. These will act to highlight areas where there are safety risks, will prevent access to dangerous areas and will provide a visible deterrent to unauthorised personnel. In the case of CCTV, this will also capture evidence of criminal activity, which can be used during subsequent prosecution.
However, perhaps the most effective construction site security control is mobile security patrols, particular canine patrols. A physical security guard will be familiar with the site and its current status and where the most prominent hazards exist at the end of each day. They can patrol the entire site on a regular basis and hence can cover weak spots where they exist (perhaps where there is no CCTV coverage, where gates or locks are not the best standard, or the most remote areas of the site). Security guards are fast and reactive to situations as they occur, are trained to deal with security threats and de-escalate them and can communicate with other parties as necessary. A major characteristic of dog security is that it acts as a deterrent and is a visible presence which will deter acts of criminality in a passive and effective manner.
Contact React K9 for effective construction site security
At React K9 we have SIA-licenced handlers and fully trained dog security teams who have vast experience of patrolling construction sites and are aware of the types of hazards that exist and how these need to be monitored and controlled. We have the skills to make regular patrols and reports and to deal with security threats as they occur, and can also integrate our services with other security controls.
So make sure your construction site is fully safe and secure in the most effective way, and contact React K9 today for 24/7 peace of mind.
