HOW TO IMPROVE SECURITY FOR CONSTRUCTION COMPANIES

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WHY SO INSECURE?  BILL, THAT TOOL BELT LOOKS GREAT ON YOU…  HOW TO IMPROVE SECURITY FOR CONSTRUCTION COMPANIES

Construction companies are hot spots for theft. Most construction sites are open without proper security to assist them in combating the growing issue of theft. Stolen construction equipment and materials alone can account for up to $1 billion a year in losses.

As a construction company owner, it’s time to face your insecurities. Here are a few strategies you can implement to get more secure and we mean, improve your worksite’s security. 

START BY ENSURING YOUR SITE IS LIT. (LIKE YOUR AUNT MARTHA ON NEW YEAR’S EVE)

In all seriousness, having a well-lit construction site is one of the most important and simple actions you can take to ensure your site’s safety. Most criminals work hard to stay hidden, so having lighting that ensures they can’t hide is extremely helpful in preventing crimes of opportunity. 

Outside of those crimes of opportunity, construction theft is most perpetrated by employees. With proper lighting, employees will be less likely to move unseen into areas in which they are not authorized and less likely to share the worksite location with nefarious friends and relations who might take advantage of a poorly lit site. 

FENCING (NO, NOT THE SPORT) AND SIGNAGE CAN HELP!

While a sword is an effective weapon, we mean perimeter fencing, not an epee.  Fencing is a simple means of discouraging theft on the construction site.  Signage is a great way to ensure that no one can claim ignorance in the face of a trial. If the job site permits signage and fencing, consider adding a temporary fence (and be sure it remains locked during the night). 

If you’re looking into fencing for your construction site, a fence of at least 8 feet will make it difficult for criminals to climb over. Make sure there is only 1 entrance and exit into the site and install cameras for monitoring activity through the non-active working hours or at night.

Another old-school but effective way to increase your construction site’s security is to post “no trespassing” signs throughout. And if they’re out of those signs at Home Depot you can post your “beware of dog” sign as a backup plan as well! Not even the scariest of criminals wants to have a meet and greet with Cujo.

This signage ensures that outside people know only certain people are permitted in the construction area. Adding that the site is under surveillance (and actually placing the site under surveillance) could help increase awareness and security. 

RECORDS OF INVENTORY AND CONSTRUCTION EQUIPMENT ARE ESSENTIAL

Because there isn’t a national registration database, like the DMV, that registers construction equipment, it’s important you take on that task on your own. Be sure to document all your materials and equipment, and log who has access to each piece of equipment and when. Photos and a record of tool serial numbers can be extremely helpful when something is stolen or lost.

The National Equipment Register (NER) is the best place to register your equipment and improve your chances of getting stolen equipment back. If equipment does get stolen. Notify the police and the NER to help recover stolen equipment from pawn shops and second-hand tool websites. 

MAKE SURE DELIVERIES ARE SCHEDULED IN A TIMELY MANNER

Ensure your deliveries are scheduled as you need them. Therefore, there will be fewer materials lying around, making it harder for those with criminal intentions to steal from you. Contact your supplier to work out a more efficient delivery schedule for your construction project where materials arrive on time.  Having piles of tools lying around can give thieves the false impression that you won’t notice if just one pneumatic drill is missing. 

CLEAN UP AND LOCK UP MATERIALS AND EQUIPMENT

While this tip may seem obvious, it’s important to say. After each workday, make sure all building materials and equipment are organized and locked up. If your tools cannot be locked up and are portable, consider taking them with you. For equipment that is not portable, consider utilizing chains and cables to anchor them to their place, and remove all keys. 

LAST, BUT CERTAINLY NOT LEAST, IMPLEMENT SECURITY SYSTEMS

Security cameras and motion detectors can be extremely useful on a construction job site. An important part of these professional monitoring services is to communicate that they are being used. Consider placing these cameras around the perimeter of your property and near the work trailer. And don’t forget those signs we suggested earlier.

Our digital video monitoring can protect your facility against internal or external theft, and vandalism. They can also keep track of movements and people. Our systems can connect to your IP network. Previously recorded or live video can be viewed from a computer anywhere with internet access. 

At VFS, we understand how important the safety of your construction sites are to the success of your business. We always utilize the best combination of hardware and software to provide reliable and cost-effective, integrated solutions for your security needs. Contact us today for your personalized solution!