One of the responsibilities of construction project managers is to account for risks during the initial planning for a project and mitigate them. With all the tools, construction materials, and heavy machinery during the initial stages of a project, the construction site is a dangerous place to be at.
However, this is not the only risk that project managers need to protect a site from. With plenty of valuables both physical and virtual within a construction site, it is also a prime target for theft and arson.
Improving the security of construction sites
It is important now more than ever that construction business owners and project managers invest in improving the security of construction sites. After all, security on construction sites is for the protection not only of valuable assets but also of workers and members of the public.
Investing in adequate resources for construction site security can prevent several issues, including:
- Theft of expensive tools and construction equipment
- Cybersecurity breaches leading to loss of sensitive information such as invoice data
- Arson resulting in loss of life and property
- Vandalism of construction site property
- Trespassing by unauthorised parties and exposure to construction site dangers
- Risks of injuries that can result in litigation and legal claims
Identifying security issues
Having a dedicated security team in place is a good first step in bolstering a construction site’s security. They will be able to prevent theft, vandalism, and deter unauthorised personnel from entering the site. They can also identify security issues that can potentially arise and even respond quickly to accidents and other calamities should they occur.
| Having a dedicated security team in place is a good first step in bolstering a construction site’s security |
For a better implementation of construction site security measures, it is critical that business owners and managers assess an assessment of the site itself. This will help identify both internal and external risks that can affect the site’s security and guide project managers in putting systems in place to address them.
Construction site security checklist
To guide you, here is a sample template that you can use to form your own construction site security checklist.
| SECURITY COORDINATION | YES | NO |
| 1. Does the site have designated security coordinators? | ||
| 2. Are the security coordinators available for contact during non-business hours? | ||
| 3. Does the construction site provide a means to contact the police, fire department, and other relevant authorities in case of emergencies? | ||
| 4. Does the construction site have a written security plan, including procedures for specific scenarios? | ||
| 5. If so, are construction site employees aware of the security plan? | ||
| GENERAL MACHINERY | YES | NO |
| 1. Are all machinery adequately marked? (Identification number, corporate logo, tags, etc.) | ||
| 2. Have all the machinery been inventoried? (Serial number, brand, model, value, etc.) | ||
| 3. Does the project have a list of the names of operators handling the machinery? | ||
| 4. Are all the machinery fitted with immobilisers and tracking devices when appropriate? | ||
| 5. Are all the machinery stored in a secure area with a proper surveillance system? | ||
| 6. Are the keys to the machinery stored in a separate, secure area? | ||
| TOOLS AND OTHER EQUIPMENT | YES | NO |
| 1. Are all power tools and hand equipment marked? (Identification number, corporate logo, tags, etc.) | ||
| 2. Have all power tools and hand equipment been inventoried? (Serial number, brand, model, value, etc.) | ||
| 3. Are tools and equipment fitted with tags and tracking devices when appropriate? | ||
| 4. Are tools and equipment stored in a secure place? | ||
| INVENTORY CONTROL | YES | NO |
| 1. Is there a system in place to check material inventory to ensure they are not misplaced or stolen? | ||
| 2. Are there procedures in place for checking materials that go in and out of the construction site? | ||
| 3. Is there a set schedule for checking materials and equipment? | ||
| 4. If so, do the records show that the schedule is followed strictly? | ||
| 5. Are all material suppliers arriving for delivery properly identified? (e.g license plates, driver’s license, etc) | ||
| CONSTRUCTION SITE PERIMETER | YES | NO |
| 1. Is there a physical barrier in place to secure the site? | ||
| 2. Is the number of gates kept to a minimum? | ||
| 3. Are there uniformed guards at every gate to check personnel and vehicles entering and leaving the site? | ||
| 4. Are security warnings displayed prominently at all entry points? | ||
| 5. Are entry points adequately secured? (With industry-grade padlocks, steel chains, etc.) | ||
| 6. Is there an alarm system? | ||
| 7. Is the locking system integrated with the alarm? | ||
| 8. Is the site perimeter regularly inspected? | ||
| 9. Are “NO TRESPASSING” signs displayed prominently along the perimeter? | ||
| LIGHTING AND SURVEILLANCE | YES | NO |
| 1. Is there sufficient lighting on the construction site? | ||
| 2. Is there a dedicated staff member assigned to check if the lighting is working properly? | ||
| 3. Is the site protected by CCTV cameras? | ||
| 4. Are there signs posted on site indicating the presence of security cameras? | ||
| 5. Are there motion detection lights installed on-site? | ||
| INTERNAL CONTROLS | YES | NO |
| 1. Is there a policy on employee theft? | ||
| 2. Are employees aware of the policy? | ||
| 3. Are employees required to check in and check out company properties when using them? | ||
| 4. Are staff members encouraged to report suspicious activity? | ||
| 5. Is there a hotline employees can call to report security lapses and breaches? | ||
| SITE VISITORS | YES | NO |
| 1. Are visitors checking in and out? | ||
| 2. Are vehicles entering and exiting the site recorded? | ||
| CYBERSECURITY | YES | NO |
| 1. Are the construction site’s documents and other sensitive data stored in the cloud securely? | ||
| 2. Does the company have a strong password policy? | ||
| 3. Are asset-tracking data accessible online? | ||
| 4. Are confidential documents and data regularly backed up? | ||
| 5. Are employees well-informed about current cyberattack methods such as phishing? |
Security is a serious business in construction. Because of the dangers already present on your construction site, a lapse in security can have devastating effects on your business’s operations. Not only do you risk losing money in a security breach, but more importantly, you also risk endangering the lives of your site’s personnel and third parties. Business owners and project managers need to make a concerted effort to educate employees about security and double down on their best practices for protecting their sites.