Construction site security is paramount in the industry, as sites face constant safety and theft risks. Because of the ever-changing nature of building sites and construction sites, as well as the presence of valuable assets like expensive materials and equipment, construction sites can be particularly susceptible to becoming victims of crime.
UK construction site security stats
Construction site theft costs the UK industry an estimated £800 million annually. According to a report by the Chartered Institute of Building, 21% of construction workers in the UK have witnessed at least one incident of construction site crime, such as theft or vandalism, in the past year. The Federation of Master Builders also found that over 51% of UK builders experienced tool theft in 2023, with an average loss of £2500 per incident.
For these reasons, construction site managers and owners of construction companies must invest in comprehensive measures to ensure the protection of construction industry equipment, building materials, and personnel. Safety and security are integral parts of the construction process.
Common construction site security threats
Theft & vandalism
Some common threats and security challenges at construction sites include theft, vandalism, trespassing, unauthorised access, damage to valuable equipment, and property damage.
Digital & cyber threats
Digital information, such as project data and blueprints, can be at risk of being stolen or breached. Digital criminal activity is becoming more common as the world becomes increasingly digitised.
Effective security measures
Many measures can be taken to ensure construction site security, including physical and digital or technological measures. Other essential factors to consider include adherence to UK construction policies and regulations, functional emergency responses on site, and choosing the right security provider. Read on to learn more about the essential safety measures that should be followed to ensure the effectiveness of a construction site security system.
Physical security
Manned personnel
One of the most important security measures for construction sites is to physically appoint construction security guards at building sites. Manned security is essential for ensuring the safety of a building site. Placing a security guard at strategic points, such as entry points and high-risk areas, can significantly improve the safety at a construction site. Guards can also be made to patrol perimeters and high-risk areas, further enhancing security.
Patrol services from a security provider
Mobile patrol security services can be hired from a security provider to assist with this. Contact a mobile patrol services company to provide manned security solutions.
Securing perimeters
Another essential physical construction site security measure is to ensure a secure construction site perimeter. This can include fencing or barriers that are placed around the perimeter of the entire site, as well as additional barriers around higher-risk areas or more expensive or at-risk equipment. Fences and barriers are basic measures but go a long way in ensuring the safety of personnel and equipment at a building site.
Additional deterrents can include security lighting, razor wire, and anti-climb fencing.
For official guidance on construction site perimeter security, visit the UK National Protective Security Authority (NPSA).
Technological security
Besides manned security and physical barriers, it is essential to invest in technological security measures at construction sites. Technology has advanced to superior levels and can be used as valuable tools in ensuring construction site security.
Alarm systems
The first important technological construction site safety measure of a building site is the installation of construction site alarm systems. These systems can help to alert guards when an area on the site has been breached or if any suspicious activity has taken place. Motion sensors and remote monitoring systems can complement alarm systems to increase security at a site. Real-time alerts from the alarm receiving centre can also assist with this process.
Access control
Access control systems are another essential technological security measure at construction sites. By making sure that only authorised personnel have access to the site and equipment, security is increased significantly. This can be done by using smart IDs, electronic tags, biometric entry measures, and pin codes. Visitors should be made to sign in at the site entrance; metal detectors and scanners can further enhance site security.
Construction site CCTV monitoring
Installing construction site CCTV systems is another essential security measure. CCTV camera software and surveillance systems can help monitor the activity of employees as well as help security personnel keep an eye on high-risk areas and access points at a site. These areas should be well-lit to increase security. It is also important to ensure that you have monitored CCTV security systems in place at the site. Using real-time monitoring increases the likelihood of any suspicious activity being spotted by security guarding personnel and reduces potential risks to equipment and personnel.
For more on CCTV and security recommendations, read the UK National Business Crime Centre (NBCC) Construction Site Security Guide.
CCTV towers
CCTV towers are an advanced security solution for large-scale construction projects. They are self-sustaining mobile surveillance units with elevated 360° coverage, making them ideal for monitoring larger areas.
Cybersecurity
Cybersecurity is another important aspect of construction site safety. Digital information and blueprints must be safely stored and protected within the company’s digital framework or system. These are valuable assets that could be at risk.
Essential cybersecurity tools
Make sure to use antivirus software, firewalls, and the latest digital safety tools and best practices. Provide digital safety and security training to team members and employees to help protect the company against cybercrime, scams, and digital threats. Make sure that project information, financial documents, and any other sensitive information are used and stored safely. Two-factor authentication (2FA) and secure cloud storage can help protect sensitive project data.
For best practices in cybersecurity for construction companies, visit the UK Government’s National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) website.
Construction industry policies and regulations
Besides physical and technological safety measures, it is also essential that policies and regulations are followed at all times to ensure construction site security. You can hire the services of legal experts to ensure your company understands and complies with UK construction safety regulations and laws. Ensure that expensive equipment is insured by comprehensive coverage from an insurance provider.
Important UK construction industry regulations
Key UK construction regulations include: The Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015 (CDM 2015) which outline legal requirements for managing health, safety, and welfare on construction projects; and the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) Construction Safety Guidelines, which provide guidance on ensuring site security and worker safety.
Emergency services and response
When ensuring construction site safety and security, it is essential to have emergency response protocols in place in case of a breach. Make sure that there are measures in place in the event of an emergency safety or security threat. Keep employees and staff regularly updated and trained on emergency procedures. Hire an emergency response service that will be instantly alerted and dispatch security forces to your site in the event of a security breach.
For more on public protection and emergency planning, read the HSE Public Protection Guidelines.
Choosing a security services provider
What should you look for in a construction security company?
Finally, when considering the safety and security of a construction site, it is important to choose the right security provider. The best construction site security companies provide high-quality equipment and efficient service at affordable rates. They also ensure that construction site security regulations are followed. Ideally, you should make sure that the providers you choose are security experts.
Anubis — A leading security solution
Anubis Security, a team of security experts, is a leading provider of construction site security services in the United Kingdom. It provides some of the best services for construction sites in the security industry, with an ACS accreditation and a 24-hour operation centre.
Services offered by Anubis
Anubis are security professionals whose services include the best alarm systems for construction sites, security fencing for construction sites, monitored construction site cameras, and mobile security patrols for building sites, all of which adhere to UK construction security regulations. Other services offered by Anubis Security for building sites and construction sites include construction site security alarms, CCTV monitoring services, access control systems, and key holding services.
Cost-effective solutions
Anubis Security provides all this while staying within your budget. It provides cost-effective security solutions for small and large construction businesses and construction projects. Anubis’ tailored solutions align with your company and project’s unique security needs.
Overall security for construction projects: Final thoughts
These are some of the essential measures for construction companies to consider when ensuring effective construction site security and considering how to protect a construction site from theft and other crimes. It is important to have a multi-layered approach to strengthen construction site security. Robust security measures help protect assets, personnel, and equipment.
Combine security measure types
Investing in physical security, advanced technology, and compliance with industry regulations will enhance overall site protection and the potential risks of crime, theft of construction materials and valuable assets, vandalism, unauthorised access, and damage will be significantly reduced.
Contact Anubis to get started
For reliable and effective security solutions, partnering with a trusted provider like Anubis Security is an excellent choice. Take the first step in securing your construction site. Get a free consultation with Anubis today.
