Construction Site Security

Theft from construction sites is a major problem throughout the UK.?Construction sites rely heavily on expensive tools and machinery and as such they are a target for theft and vandalism which are often left unattended or in open areas during site shutdown periods at night, over the weekend and during holiday shutdown periods.?It is estimated that as much as ￡1 billion worth of tools and equipment are stolen each year from construction sites in the UK alone.

Effective Construction Site Security Management:

A robust, effective, and compliant site security function is important to the UK Construction Industry for several reasons.?By understanding the customers’ requirements and that their sites and construction projects will often involve large investments representing a valuable asset is critical to a professional and experienced security provider.?As such, it is important to protect the site, the equipment, materials, and the workers from theft, vandalism, and any other criminal activities.?Additionally, many construction sites involve hazardous materials, tall buildings, tower cranes and intense potentially dangerous activities to an untrained and inexperienced construction professional, which means that it is essential that security is maintained to prevent accidents and injuries from occurring.?Finally, it is key to understand that a sense of professionalism on the site is maintained throughout the programme of works to ensure that the project is completed safely, efficiently and in a timely manner.

How can you protect your site, its assets and workforce:

1. Provide your site with professional Security Industry Authority (SIA) Approved Contractor Scheme (ACS) approved and compliant security officers and K9 dog units to patrol the site, its perimeter and effectively monitor access and egress.?Ensure that appropriate, detailed and workable Assignment Instructions (AIs) are provided and that you agree to the contents within, inclusive of patrol routes, resource levels and escalation procedures
2. Where security officers are required, ensure that a 24/7/365 command and control room is implemented, carrying out check calls at the start of each shift and at regular intervals throughout the shift to ensure compliance and the welfare of the security officers on your site
3. Install a security camera system and/ or motion detectors linked to an approved, 24/7/365 control room and monitoring service.?A static or sustainable solar CCTV system which will assist in protecting the site from theft, vandalism and trespassers and will assist with any security investigations should a breach occur
4. Install signage alerting potential thieves and trespassers of video surveillance and security officer and dog patrol presence
5. Install a patrol system on your project to ensure that key vulnerable areas are checked at regular intervals, doors and windows are closed and locked and arising matters such as leaks are picked up in a timely manner
6. Install and alarm system which is connected to an approved, 24/7/365 control room and monitoring service or back to the site office where physical security officers are based
7. Install bright security lighting around your site especially in vulnerable areas such as railway lines, dark roads, fence lines backing onto common land or woodland
8. Install a secure and robust site hoarding which is compliant to CDM regulations, fence line and secure gates around the perimeter of your site which is maintained correctly and regularly inspected to ensure that it is fit for purpose
9. Implement an access control system, whether that be biometric or card system, or a physical security control point, make sure that each of your workers have an access card that is necessary to access the site making them easily identifiable.?This way you can track which workers are coming in and going out, making it easier to detect suspicious activity
10. Keep your site as secure as possible when it is closed by locking gates with appropriate chains and padlocks
11. Invest in a lockbox to secure tools and equipment and ensure that plant and equipment is demobilised and stored in a safe area within the site and preferably in sight of physical security officers, CCTV, and lighting
12. Carefully document and photograph your plant, equipment, and material inventory regularly as this will be useful should you ever have to make an insurance claim
13. Consider taking out insurance for equipment and materials and keep accurate records of tools, materials, and equipment on site
14. Make sure that all your construction tools, equipment and materials are labelled
15. Carry out a full threat and risk analysis of the project at the start of the works and then at regular intervals throughout the life cycle of the project as threats and risks will undoubtably change as the works progress.?This will help you to understand the site, local and national threats to your construction site and mitigate against them accordingly

Ensure that your security provider is working to best industry practices:

Choose a fully audited and accredited ACS SIA Contractor and ask to see your security provider’s certificate of compliance.

Check your security providers accreditations, such as Constructionline Gold, Safe Contractor, National Association of Dog Units (NASDU) and SSIP.

Ensure that there will be audits and spot checks on your project in line with SIA ACS accreditation and out of hours spot checks to assure that the officers are on site, carrying out their duties in line with their Assignment Instruction and are able to detect security breaches throughout the life-cycle of any project .

Check that British Standards are being followed and adhered to by your security provider and their workforce. The following British Standards should be incorporated into your providers operational and management procedures: ? BS10800:2020 - Code of practice for the provision of security services ? BS7499 - Code of practice for static site guarding and mobile patrol services ? BS7858 - Code of practice for security screening and vetting of personnel employed in a security environment

Speak to the team at Guardior regarding your site security requirements on 0208 278 7068 or email [email protected]