The Los Angeles wildfires had a significant impact on the construction industry, and project developers are expected to adjust to new challenges and requirements in the coming years.
Particularly across California, material and labor costs are rising, projects have longer timelines, and stricter guidelines are anticipated to make future infrastructure more resilient to natural disasters.
Learn how to create a construction site security plan that addresses prominent risks and discover how a reputable security provider can assist you throughout the process.
Planning Construction Security
Site security plans break down protective measures implemented at each stage of a construction project.
A strong security plan can help reduce theft, protect workers, ensure compliance, and even improve the chances of winning bids.
Construction firms that prioritize security lower insurance risks and speed up project timelines, making them more attractive to potential clients, especially now that safety and compliance standards are becoming more rigorous.
Usually, it’s up to both the contractor and the property owner to work together on this plan. They must collaborate to assess the security budget and level of security needed based on factors such as:
- Project size and location: The nature of the project (e.g., vertical or horizontal) and its location can influence the level of security needed. Similarly, projects in high-crime areas may require more extensive security measures.
- Value of materials and equipment on-site: Highly valuable assets may justify tighter security controls, such as surveillance cameras or 24/7 patrols.
- Budget: Some security measures cost less than others, and a tighter budget requires prioritizing certain technologies or infrastructure.
- Public perception: The local community’s view of the project impacts its security risk. Projects that are perceived negatively or are seen as an inconvenience to the public are more likely to be targeted for theft, vandalism, or trespassing, requiring more protection.
- Insurance requirements: Security measures required for coverage vary between insurers. Construction sites with specific, high-level security protocols may be eligible for lower premiums and better policy terms.
Tip: Security service providers can guide you through the planning process, offering advice tailored to your project’s specifics.
The Most Effective Construction Site Security Measures
Construction suits pose unique risks, and while the optimal security plan will vary between projects, several key measures tend to work well across the board, such as:
Surveillance systems
Security cameras are standard surveillance equipment that are installed around the perimeter of the construction site and in key areas where valuable materials or equipment are located.
If you’re setting up video surveillance on a construction site, it’s a good idea to go with a system that’s monitored centrally. This way, you’ll have someone keeping an eye on things in real time, which can help speed up responses if anything suspicious happens or if there’s an emergency.
Security guards can also monitor the surveillance feeds remotely, such as through their phones, and quickly respond to any incidents.
Mobile surveillance trailers can be swiftly deployed and are a cost-effective addition to the security plan. These trailers can be towed to any outdoor location and set up in a matter of minutes. The cameras are positioned on tall masts, removing blind spots that standard surveillance cameras wouldn’t reach.
Alarm Systems
Alarm systems complement security cameras and help ensure that immediate action can be taken when a threat is detected.
If security cameras flag suspicious activity, the alarm is triggered, instantly notifying on-site guards who may be busy with other duties, such as patrolling the perimeter or checking access points. With this setup, guards don’t have to watch the feeds constantly, and it still allows for a quick response if anything happens.
Visible alarm system signs also act as a deterrent, making intruders think twice before attempting to trespass. A site that clearly shows alarms are in operation appears significantly less vulnerable, reducing the likelihood of break-ins or vandalism.
Access Control Systems
Access control systems grant or deny access to the construction site based on predefined permissions. For instance, workers, contractors, and visitors may be required to scan an ID badge, keycard, or biometric credential before gaining entry. More advanced systems integrate facial recognition or PIN codes for added security.
These systems also keep detailed logs, so if an incident takes place, security teams can quickly review access records to identify who was on-site at the time. These systems can also aid investigations since potential witnesses or suspects can be more accurately pinpointed.
Access control permissions are edited instantly through the system’s control panel to account for changes in personnel or security protocols.
Security Guards
Security guards are an adaptable, high-deterrence option for keeping threats at bay. Guards stationed at a specific post or on patrol can prevent crimes, such as vandalism or trespassing, while addressing safety incidents whenever necessary.
Guards will be trained in observation and will note any potential safety hazards that may need to be addressed. If there is a fire or other emergency, security guards can also aid in evacuations, helping everyone on the site to get to safety.
Construction security guards will also have other responsibilities, including:
- Maintaining logs of security incidents
- Controlling access points
- Enforcing site rules and regulations
- Monitoring surveillance feeds
- Handling and de-escalating worker disputes
- Inspecting security equipment
- Collaborating with emergency services
Perimeter Protection
Other physical security measures can prevent or deter criminal activity and improve worker safety, such as:
- Fencing: Fencing around the construction site makes it tougher for unauthorized individuals to enter. It helps protect materials from theft, and just having the barrier in place might discourage criminals from attempting to break in.
- Signs: Warning signs are a strong deterrent that let people know the area is being watched. These can include messages about legal consequences for trespassing or tampering with equipment, which also encourages on-site workers to follow the rules.
- Lighting: Intruders often target construction sites at night, using dark areas and blind spots to navigate undetected. Floodlights and other lighting can illuminate these dark spots, making it harder for intruders to get onto the site unnoticed. Motion-detection lighting can also save energy costs by only turning on when someone is nearby.
How to Implement a Construction Site Security Plan
Follow these key stages of a construction site security plan to demonstrate your commitment to safety and security.
Your effort to create a detailed construction site security plan will show you’re prepared to protect both the workers and the valuable assets on-site, which can be a key factor in winning bids for projects.
If needed, work together with your security service provider during this process.
1. Conduct a Risk Assessment
A risk assessment involves evaluating the site to identify vulnerabilities and pinpoint specific threats to the safety or security of the project.
Common construction site security threats include:
- Vandalism
- Arson
- Theft of equipment/tools
- Attacks on construction workers
- Intentional/unintentional trespassing
- Protesting
Start by assessing the site layout and its surroundings to identify areas with limited visibility or easy access points.
Talking with local law enforcement can help you assess risks specific to the site’s location and ensure you’re prepared for all possible threats common in the area.
2. Secure the Perimeter
The construction site’s perimeter is your first defense against intruders.
Most construction sites use temporary fencing, such as chain-link, mesh, or portable panel fencing, typically 6 to 8 feet high. Keep in mind that longer-term projects may require sturdier or more permanent fencing solutions.
Maintaining the fences is up to the contractor or site manager, and they should regularly inspect them to spot and fix any damage. Security guards can also monitor the condition of the fencing as part of their duties.
3. Install Lighting
Installing lighting is the process to highlight in your security plan.
The level of lighting required must comply with regulations, such as those outlined in OSHA standard 1926.56(a), which specifies the minimum foot-candles for different areas of operation.
A foot-candle measures the light emitted from one candle falling on a one-square-foot area one foot away, equating roughly to one lumen per square foot.
If the main lighting fails, there should be emergency lighting in place to illuminate routes and exits for at least one hour. This ensures that workers can safely evacuate and that firefighting equipment can be easily accessed if needed.
The lighting should also be bright enough to make warning signs visible, especially around areas where equipment and materials are kept.
4. Deploy Security Systems
Based on your budget, you can choose from a range of security systems. Just make sure to plan their placement carefully to avoid overlapping coverage.
For example, the layout of security cameras should cover the entire perimeter of the job site, ensuring that all access points, including entrances, gates, and fencing, are monitored. To save costs, try to avoid placing multiple cameras in areas where one strategically placed camera can cover multiple angles.
Cameras should also be positioned to cover select high-risk locations within the construction zone. This includes areas where valuable materials or equipment are stored and any other vulnerable spaces, like temporary storage or work areas not actively in use.
Site managers should also ensure the footage is securely stored and easily accessible for review. All footage should be retained for an appropriate period, in line with local regulations or insurance requirements.
Other security systems, including alarms, access control systems, and mobile surveillance trailers, should receive equal consideration.
5. Hire Security Guards
When planning to hire security guards, think about how you want them to oversee your site.
What are the site’s primary security concerns?
Do you need 24/7 surveillance, or would periodic checks suffice?
Do you need a mobile security patrol or fixed-position guards?
What should the guards’ specific responsibilities be?
Should the guards be clearly identifiable through uniforms?
How should guards respond if they encounter unauthorized persons on the property?
How will communication with the security team be handled?
Addressing these questions will help you communicate your expectations to your security provider, who can then allocate and deploy the appropriate number of trained guards.
Tip: Make sure to confirm whether you’ll need to provide the PPE or if the security provider will supply it.
6. Develop Worker Security Awareness
Construction sites are among the most dangerous environments for workers, with both fatal and non-fatal accidents happening regularly.
Although security systems can deter crime, safety hazards still pose a significant risk. You should plan how to address these hazards to minimize worker injuries and reduce the likelihood of insurance claims.
Although workers gain experience on the job, safety training should start before they even step onto the site and continue as the project progresses.
Construction site safety training should:
- Educate workers on the laws and regulations regarding site safety.
- Teach the proper approaches to identify potential hazards specific to the construction site.
- Show how to assess risks and implement control measures to prevent accidents.
- Highlight the importance of regular site inspections and equipment checks to ensure safety.
Construction safety training courses are available for construction workers and contractors. These courses, offered through OSHA, include topics such as basic safety orientation, fall prevention, drug and alcohol abuse, excavation safety, fire protection, hazardous materials, electrical safety, and general safety.
Choosing the Right Security Partner for Your Construction Site
Winning bids for construction site projects often depend on your ability to present a comprehensive security plan. Don’t forget to factor in the main risks, the security measures you’ll use, and the training process for workers.
Make more informed decisions by partnering with a security service provider like American Security Force as you develop your security plan.
Our team has extensive experience offering construction site security services and will provide expert advice and guidance throughout each stage of your plan. We’ll also conduct a thorough risk assessment of your property and determine where systems should be installed.
Once your project is approved, we’ll install our systems and deploy security personnel to protect your workers, materials, and equipment.
Contact us today for a quote or more information about our services.
