Worksite break-ins do not only lead to equipment loss. They also cause damage. In a worst-case scenario, burglaries lead to loss of work time and production.
As construction is often time-critical, loss of productivity is costly.
Understanding the Importance of Worksite Security
Appreciating the importance of worksite security is crucial when operating a construction site in Australia.
The Rising Concern of Theft and Damage in Australian Worksites
How do you combat theft and damage in worksites?
There isn’t one answer or solution. Awareness is a crucial point. Everyone on the site needs to know crime including the risk of internal theft is an issue.
Construction equipment is valuable and has a high resale value. Anything from smaller tools to larger pieces of equipment goes missing from Australian worksites every day.
A recent 60 Minutes investigation revealed the extent to which criminals have infiltrated Australian worksites.
How Effective Worksite Security Protects Your Assets
Security helps to secure vital assets.
Boundaries and fenced-off areas are important. However, internal crime is on the rise. Cameras and other technical equipment, such as alarms fitted to doors and gea,r help to keep both workers and equipment secure.
On larger sites, employing permanent security is a must. Needless to say, ID cards are another important tool.
All of these measures help to control crime on worksites.
Key Components of a Comprehensive Worksite Security Plan
What is the answer to site security? There is not only one solution. Both large and small construction sites need to operate with a range of security measures.
Role of Static Guards in Preventing Theft and Damage
Security guards are crucial when it comes to construction site security. They can help to evaluate visitors and even control traffic flow around the site.
Most worksites have a lot of movement in and out. Making sure only authorised personnel have access is part of any good security plan.
Not only do security guards prevent unauthorised access. Furthermore, they help to reduce incidents of vandalism, theft and accidents. Unnoticed damage to equipment including vehicles easily leads to accidents.
The Significance of Highly Trained and Fully Licensed Security Personnel
Visual security plays a vital role when it comes to preventing crime. Security guards don’t only offer a physical presence.
Well-trained security offers also help to oversee the installation and maintenance of security systems. Lighting and camera systems make construction sites less appealing.
Security guards can also use cameras to monitor site activity from a location on the site.
Having static guards offers a more proactive approach when it comes to site security.
Technological Advances in Worksite Security
Every day we are seeing an increasing number of technological advances when it comes to security monitoring. AI plays a larger role than ever before.
Utilisation of Surveillance Cameras for Continuous Monitoring
Cameras are an important tool when it comes to surveillance. They are easily monitored and controlled from a site office. However, that is not all, further, backup can be offered by remote off-site monitoring.
Digital cameras instantly record what they see, and information can be shared quickly. Facial recognition software can also be built in. Often, someone trying to commit a crime “frequents” other construction sites.
Built-in facial recognition software quickly identifies a person. Security guards can then almost instantly share this information with law enforcement agencies or other building sites.
Cameras are small and easily fit into temporary buildings and vehicles.
Integrating Access Control Systems for Enhanced Security
Modern security control systems have other benefits as well. Apart from offering camera and perimeter monitoring, they can also offer other security data.
Site personnel and visitors can be asked to show cards with bar codes. When swiped, the security system is immediately updated giving security guards information about who is on site.
This further enables proactive crime detection and mitigation of potential threats.
Benefits of Professional Worksite Security Services
Ensuring both monitoring systems and professional worksite security services are available to aid with more than catching criminals.
Deterrence of Potential Thieves and Vandals
Good site security is not only about catching thieves and vandals. It is also about preventing and deterring crime.
Most criminals think twice about committing a crime including theft and vandalism on sites with security. Signs indicating the presence of security systems and physical guards are often enough to deter criminals from entering.
Reduced Insurance Premiums Through Risk Mitigation
One of the main benefits of enhanced physical security is lower insurance premiums.
This does not only apply to the site itself. It often reduces the cost of associated insurance, including site vehicle premiums.
Implementing Effective Security Measures for Your Business
Proper and professional security arrangements don’t happen overnight. Just as with site traffic control, security measures must be planned and then integrated.
Conducting Regular Security Audits and Risk Assessments.
The importance of conducting regular audits and risk assessments should not be underestimated.
New threats appear all of the time and they vary a great deal. A security hazard can be anything from a hole in a fence to a new employee adding oddly. Constant monitoring is great, but every so often systems need to be re-assessed.
Customising Security Solutions to Fit Your Specific Needs
One size does not fit all when it comes to security arrangements.
Any security arrangements made must be part of the greater scheme of things. Perhaps the worksite has more one than entry and exit. In that case, all access points need to be taken into account.
Conclusion
A properly implemented site security plan has many advantages. At an early stage, it is important to recognise human security resources are as important as technical ones.
Questions:
What Makes Worksite Security Essential in Today’s Environment?
Worksite security is a crucial element when it comes to the smooth running of the site. In today’s climate, it also helps to protect critical data and provide a secure working environment.
How Can Static Guards Enhance the Security of a Worksite?
The most critical factor is direct presence. The focus of most security measures is prevention rather than catching a criminal.
What Are the Benefits of Hiring Fully Licensed Security Personnel?
They are professionally trained and know how to deal with both people and technical equipment.
In What Ways Do Technological Tools Contribute to Worksite Security?
Allowing for monitoring of a greater part of the site from one area.
How Often Should Security Audits Be Conducted on a Worksite?
As often as possible. Perimeter inspections are as relevant today as they were years ago.
