Have you ever experienced theft, vandalism, or other crime on your construction site?
If so, you are not alone.
As per Moduloc, every year, theft costs Canadian construction companies about $46 million, which they report to their insurance companies.
Here, we will share essential security tips to optimize safety using live video surveillance.
Sirix has clients all over North America in the construction industry for whom they do remote video monitoring.
If you want to keep your worksite safe, follow these three straightforward steps.
Let’s jump right into it.
Tip 1: Maximize video surveillance advantages and reduce costs by answering these 9 key questions:
By answering the important questions your security installer asks, you can improve your site security and avoid paying for services you do not need.
Here are the 9 most important questions you should answer and why:
1. What are the required hours of remote video surveillance?
Most construction sites have variable hours.
If this is the case, you may require a means of arming and disarming that you can handle on your own.
A “no detection corridor” is a useful way to let the first employee on the premises to disarm the zones using a keypad or reader.
Another alternative is a mobile app that lets managers arm and disarms the site remotely.
It is also feasible to have a solution that forces arming at a specific time. If no one remembers to do it, it will arm itself when the last person leaves the site.
Many construction site access control options are available. We can help you pick the best one for your business. Just check out our 8 Easy Video Surveillance Tips to Boost Your Business Security blogpost.
2. Will subcontractors be going on-site?
If subcontractors frequently visit your site during monitoring hours, it is essential to advise them of the security measures in place.
For example, cleaning crews, delivery personnel, and site guards should all know how to arm and disarm your site.
This way, they do not cause false alarms.
If a subcontractor shows up unannounced, you can put up big signs near the entrance with a phone number they can call to let you know they are there.
You or one of your trusted managers can disarm the site for them in this case.
3. Will there be adequate lighting?
There should be multiple light sources for optimal security.
This way, the AI in your security cameras will be able to spot threats correctly, and the security operators will be able to make decisions based on clear images.
If there is insufficient lighting, you should choose thermal cameras over infrared ones.
In fact, analytics typically perform poorly with infrared cameras during extreme weather such as rain, snow, fog, etc.
4. Will there be electricity when the project starts?
Your security installer needs to know if there will be electricity on the site as soon as the project starts.
If there is no electricity, they will plan for self-powered security equipment.
This ensures that your site is never subject to security breaches.
5. Is it possible to add poles on the site?
Since the building’s structure will change over the course of the project, it does not make sense to put the site security equipment on it.
The security devices should be put on poles that can be strategically placed across the site to provide top perimeter protection.
6. What is the project timeline?
Construction surveillance cameras are very important for keeping your site safe.
But at the end of the project, they will need to be taken down.
Then, you must know when they will be removed.
The installer should tell you the removal date.
7. Which areas require video surveillance?
Some portions of your site may not require active video surveillance.
You can save money on security services if you only protect the parts that need to be secured.
8. Is there going to be a lot of dust on the construction site?
The security installer needs to know if there will be a lot of dust on the job site so they can come up with a cleaning strategy.
In fact, for site cameras to work well, the lenses must always be clean.
9. Is it required to verify a person’s credentials when they arrive?
Some construction sites, like those on military bases, require the individual control of each worker.
If this is the case, you need to tell your security installer so that he can set up the right construction site access control solution.
Hattrix by Kantech is a great cloud solution for access control on construction sites.
Tip 2: Leave no weak spots unprotected with a design plan:
Insist that your security installer gives you a security design plan.
This way, you can make sure that no area on your construction site remains vulnerable to security breaches.
The design plan should include:
- Surveillance cameras
- Detection angles
- Selected lenses
- Speakers and sound dispersion direction
- Server
- Switch/POE switch
- Wireless antenna
- UPS/battery backup
- Conduit/overhead cable
- Added poles
- Electrical outlets
Read this blog to learn how to choose the best security cameras for your construction site, The Ultimate Guide on How to Choose the Best Construction Site Cameras.
Tip 3: Keep criminals away with these 4 best perimeter security practices for construction sites
To supplement construction site video surveillance and ensure your site is effectively protected from trespassers, good perimeter security practices are essential.
Here are 4 on-site protection techniques we strongly recommend to all our clients:
1. Secure your valuable items:
Never leave tools, equipment, supplies, or other valuable materials lying around on your site.
Put them in cases that can be locked.
You can use containers with strong locks, such as padlocks, electronic locks, or smart locks for larger items.
2. Keep the lights on at all times:
Set up lights on your site that will stay on even when it is closed.
When the light is bright, thieves will find it embarrassing to come near your property.
3. Put up live surveillance warning signs:
Putting up signs saying that security cameras are protecting the construction site makes people less likely to break in.
Install signs on the construction site gates, around the perimeter, and inside the site.
Make sure the message can be seen from a far distance and in the dark.
4. Leave your business truck on the site:
If your business has a truck with lettering on it, leave it at the building site.
Make it a daily habit to move it.
This makes it look like someone is working on the site, which will keep thieves away.
If you’re looking for a reputable security company that provides remote video surveillance in Canada, check out our blog Top 10 Live Video Monitoring Companies in Canada.
Sirix’s solutions:
Sirix specializes in building site security.
We provide strong remote video surveillance tailored exclusively for the construction industry.
The Autonomous Security Box:
This innovative box has a loud horn speaker for voice talk-down, a battery backup, autonomous LTE communication, and cameras with analytics detection ranging from 60 to 1000 meters.
It is easy to put in place and move around on a construction site.
Sirix’s Mobile App:
You can arm and disarm your site from any Internet-connected device using the Sirix mobile app.
You can add and manage users, see reports in real-time, and look at the time and video records.
FAQs:
How do you ensure security on a construction site?
Installing an AI-powered CCTV monitoring system on a construction site is a highly effective security measure. You can protect your employees, visitors, and assets from theft, vandalism, and accidents by monitoring them around the clock.
Do they put cameras on construction sites?
Cameras are used as a security measure on many construction sites. Cameras installed on a construction site can deter theft, vandalism, and other criminal activities while also providing valuable information in the event of an incident.
What site security measures may be used on a construction site?
To prevent theft, vandalism, and accidents on construction sites, a variety of security measures can be implemented. Installing CCTV cameras, alarm systems, and signage, controlling access with appropriate gating, providing adequate lighting, using fencing and barriers, using locks on storage and access points, and securing scaffolding towers and ladders when not in use are all examples of these measures. Construction sites can help ensure the safety and security of workers, visitors, and equipment by implementing these measures.
What is the camera-like device used at a construction site?
Time-lapse cameras are commonly used on construction sites to improve security and project visibility. While they provide numerous benefits other than security, such as tracking progress and promoting marketing efforts, they continue to be a popular choice due to their versatility and ease of use.
Are there motion sensors in construction sites?
Yes, motion sensors are frequently used as a security measure on construction sites. These sensors can detect movement and send alarms or notifications to security personnel or on-site management, alerting them to potential security breaches or safety hazards. They can also help save energy by turning lights or equipment on and off automatically based on activity in the area.
What is construction surveillance?
It refers to the monitoring of construction site activities, which is typically done with surveillance cameras and other security devices such as motion detectors. Surveillance can be set up during working hours to monitor the progress of operations and ensure that safety protocols are followed, or it can be set up during off-hours to protect the site from theft, vandalism, and other criminal activities.
What are the construction cameras?
Construction cameras are simply cameras that record and film footage on a construction site.
They are typically used to secure a job site’s assets, employees, and visitors, to ensure safety protocols are followed, and to review the progress of operations.
Time lapse cameras are one of many recording devices used on construction sites to increase project visibility and security presence.
How do you tell if there are cameras in a building?
There are a few tricks your can use to find out if a building has cameras.
Large warning signs near the entrance and on the walls of a building will usually alert you that you are being watched. They could say “Live Video Surveillance”, “24/7 Remote Video Monitoring”, or “Smile, you are being filmed”.
However, there are times when the cameras are hidden. Here’s what you can do in this situation:
- Look around the room for any unusual objects.
- To locate hidden cameras, turn off the lights and use a torch.
- Examine the Wi-Fi Network
- To discover hidden cameras, use mobile phones.
- Use a camera detector or sensor designed for professional use.
- Examine the mirrors for any hidden cameras.
- Employ a professional team.
Conclusion:
That’s a wrap-up!
You now know the three easy steps to use video surveillance to make your construction site as safe as possible.
If you’re interested in getting cost-effective security for your site, please explore our construction site security services and contact us today. Thanks
