Rising Material Costs: Don't Let Theft & Vandalism Put Your Site At Risk

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Security is one of the most important aspects of any construction site. Whether you are building homes, offices, or infrastructure projects, it is essential to implement measures that will keep your workers and materials safe from harm.

The recent floods in Queensland, NSW and the rising price of materials due to shortages and freight demand is putting pressure on building contractors to mitigate risks and protect their assets more than ever before.

There are a number of steps that you can take to reduce the risk of theft and vandalism at your construction site. There is a range of options available, from construction security cameras to on-site security guards.

Install The Right Fencing And Gates

It is a requirement of your local building authority in Australia that your construction site is fenced off from the surrounding areas, and access should be gated. This will prevent unauthorised people from wandering into your worksite and deter thieves from attempting to steal equipment and materials.

GPS Tracking

Construction vehicles and equipment can be very expensive to replace, so it is important to track their whereabouts at all times. The ‘Track’ device from Vision Intelligence can be fitted to vehicles and machinery in minutes, allowing you to see the location in real-time from an app on your phone. When it comes to reporting a fleet item that is missing, GPS will greatly assist authorities.

Mobile Solar Construction Security Cameras

A visible security camera system will act as a deterrent to potential thieves and vandals. Mobile solar construction security cameras are ideal for use on remote sites. They are completely powered by solar panels and will not require any connection to the power grid, an ideal scenario when mains power to construction sites is often complex and not established.

By hiring a camera from Vision Intelligence in Sydney or other Australian capital cities, our support team will help to establish the positioning of the cameras in the most vulnerable areas of concern, such as entry points, common areas, storage sheds and equipment yards. Once setup, you’ll be able to view the camera 24/7 on your phone. For only a few dollars a day, you could have full visibility over movement on your site and peace of mind.

Adequate Lighting

Adequate lighting is essential for safety and security. Placing lights on the perimeter of your site and above any high-risk areas will mitigate risk when it comes to maintaining a secure perimeter at night. Vision Intelligence has a range of solutions available from mains powered to solar powered. Motion-activated lights are a good choice, as they will stun intruders when activated and save you money on your energy bill.

The Vision Intelligence solar light can be used to illuminate poorly lit areas of your site cheaply and efficiently. With a long-life battery, you can get 70+ hours off a single battery cycle at a 20W brightness.

Tagging And Labelling

Lost tools can be a significant drain on your finances, so it is important to keep track of all of your equipment. Tagging and labelling every piece of equipment, especially expensive or high-demand items like generators or cordless tools will make it easier to identify any missing tools especially when you report the missing item to the police. Our tracking sensor can help to locate your equipment, can be fitted in various plant and vehicles, is easy to install and operates on batteries.

Keep a Record of Everything

One of the best ways to deal with security issues on your construction site is to keep a record of everything. From inventory lists and staff records to photos and construction security camera footage, it is important to have reliable information that you can refer to in times of need.

This will help you resolve any issues that arise and keep track of your progress. It is also essential for insurance purposes, as you need to be able to prove what was lost and when.

Hire Security Guards

If you are securing a large construction site, it is worth considering hiring security guards or third party camera monitoring. They will be able to offer quick response and ensure that law enforcement is alerted quickly to any intruders.

Security guards can also perform regular checks of the perimeter fence and gates, as well as monitor the construction security cameras for any suspicious activity, making it harder for intruders to find a significant amount of time to break into your site and remove equipment.

Monitoring is a service offered by Vision Intelligence to companies all around Australia, whereby events triggered by the camera notify the trained monitoring team who will establish the nature of the threat, record activity and notify relevant stakeholders.

Implement a Security Plan

It is important to have a security plan in place for your site. This is a comprehensive document outlining all of the measures you have put in place to keep your site protected from potential threats. The security plan should be reviewed and updated regularly, as new risks may emerge over time. Regardless of the size of your site, security plans should be a consideration in the setup phase. Such plans are essential for insurance purposes, especially if you have to make a claim.

Conclusion

Keeping your construction site safe from theft and vandalism can be a challenge, but investing in security is essential to protect your assets. By taking some simple security measures, you can significantly reduce the risk of crime at your worksite.

From installing mobile solar construction security cameras to perimeter lighting, there are many steps that you can take to improve your site's security.

By taking these measures, you can help to ensure that your construction project stays on track and on budget without the burden of delays from stolen materials and equipment.

Talk to the Vision Intelligence team on 13 17 16 to learn more about portable security solutions for your site.