Construction site guarding: is it essential and in what cases?

Construction site guarding: is it essential and in what cases?‍

Using a specialized company to provide security for a construction site obviously represents a significant cost and in return makes it possible to limit the various risks that construction sites involve. But is it really essential?

In which cases is site security particularly useful?

‍Risks on construction sites

‍The machines, equipment and materials present on construction sites have a high value but are not always stored in a secure place. As a result, they are an easier target for thieves and vandals. Construction or renovation sites present various risks, including:

• Repeated thefts of construction equipment, crane cables, cables, metals, power tools and various materials
• Acts of Vandalism, Deliberate Damage and Squatting of Premises
• Accidents Involving Persons Outside the Construction Site

The role of the security guard

‍Dog security agents at security companies take on various tasks to reduce the risks existing on construction sites:

• They take care of the general supervision of the site and the equipment. For this purpose, surveillance cameras can be installed on the construction site.
• They control access to the site, both entrances and exits, of all persons, employees, stakeholders and visitors, in order to strengthen security, a badge access control system or a biometric system can be set up.
• They carry out random rounds on the different areas of the site that they record on a summary document.
• They ensure compliance with the instructions relating to traffic on the site and the safety rules of the site, in particular concerning the wearing of safety equipment.

The advantages of a security solution

‍The presence of a safety officer on a construction site makes it possible to:

• Guarantee the safety of goods and people. Unauthorized individuals are turned away at the entrance, which helps to limit thefts and possible accidents. The presence of a dog-loving security guard also deters some thieves and vandals from entering the construction site.
• Limit thefts, vandalisms and their consequences. In the event of theft or vandalism, the contractor must pay for the rental of replacement equipment, cover the insurance deductible, assume losses resulting from site downtime, delays in execution and reduced productivity, and also manage customer dissatisfaction.
• Control your insurance costs. Measures to secure construction sites, such as the implementation of a security solution, can have a downward impact on the amount of insurance premiums and deductibles.

Guarding the Most Sensitive Sites

‍For obvious cost reasons, it is not possible to set up a security solution on each construction site and this is why it is generally not used on private construction sites.

On the other hand, when it comes to major projects and in particular open-air sites, involving the presence of expensive machines and materials, and a large number of people coming and going from various parties, it is recommended to use a security company. Indeed, these sensitive sites are subject to numerous acts of theft and vandalism.

Site security is a good solution to limit risks. However, in order to optimize its effectiveness, it is necessary to take additional measures adapted to the size and configuration of the site. This means, for example, storing equipment in a closed place or equipping the site with adequate surveillance systems such as lighting with motion sensors and surveillance cameras.