The security of your construction site should be an important consideration when setting up every project.
Not only can vandalism and theft threaten your bottom line, site security can help to meet occupational health and safety standards and keep both staff and the general public out of harm’s way.
A build site is full of potential hazards, especially for people who don’t have a background in the construction industry. According to Workplace Victoria temporary electrical installations, on-site and plant equipment, stored construction materials and incomplete structures all present inherent and ongoing risks to the community when a build site is not properly secured.
So what steps can you take to ensure that your projects are secure?
1) Adequate fencing
A fence is an important first step in keeping any build site secure. Marking the parameters of your build makes it clear that the site is private property. This can help to deter curious onlookers from entering the area. A fence can also decrease the likelihood of vandalism or theft occurring at your construction site.
Chain mesh or plywood board fencing, of at least 1.8m in height, is recommended. A fence of 2.4m in height is recommended for a demolition site. Limit the number of entry points. If appropriate, consider a single entry point with a lockable gate. Always lock up the build site whenever it is unattended.
2) Keep your equipment safe
Store all of your equipment where it can not be easily seen. An office area or secure trailer are both great ways to keep expensive or hazardous equipment secure. This is particularly important if you are unable to fence off your entire build site. Turn all heavy vehicles off and remove the keys after use. Store keys in a secured office space.
We are only human and it is always easy to forget an item or lose your keys. To help avoid any mishaps, assign the safety of a particular vehicle, piece of equipment or keys to a specific individual. One thing to remember can be a lot easier than trying to remember a whole list of items.
Ensuring your equipment is secure works to prevent anyone wandering on-site and using potentially dangerous or hazardous equipment. It also decreases the potential for theft.
3) Security cameras
CCTV or remote security systems are a great way to keep your site secure and monitor what is happening on-site after hours.
Whether you select a basic system or one that allows you to view footage remotely, cameras are able to capture the conditions of your site while you are not around.
This means you will have evidence of both work conditions and visual footage of any trespassers.
There are many quality systems available. A few options include iDetect and iPatrol security surveillance systems.
While security cameras act as a great deterrent for intruders, your MUST have adequate signage for any footage to be used as evidence if anything should happen.
Signs that read “recoding in operation” or “cameras on premises” at regular intervals around the build site are recommended. “No trespassing” signs also act as a strong deterrent, with many people recognising private property and fearing any repercussions.
For further recommendations visit Worksafe Victoria.