Maintaining a safe and secure environment is an ongoing challenge for every construction site manager. Working on and completing a construction project is incredibly satisfying, but this industry involves a particular set of risks.

For example, a lot of the work is physical and can lead to fatigue and injury. Fatigue can also lead to carelessness regarding safety procedures, such as fire prevention.

Also, much of the jobsite is usually exposed to the elements. Weather-related damage can result in serious delays and cost overruns.

A jobsite can be very attractive to thieves, especially after dark. Construction site theft is a common and growing problem. From heavy equipment to building supplies to small tools, the site is full of items that can be resold.

Finally, an empty jobsite can draw the attention of vandals. Many crews have reported to work to find damaged supplies, shattered glass and graffiti-tagged walls that need to be addressed.

Construction Site Theft Risks

Construction equipment is heavy and cumbersome but it’s also mobile. This mobility makes the equipment easier to take. Many equipment models have a one-key-fits-all ignition. This makes it even easier for a criminal to quickly move equipment off the site.

Metals, especially copper, are particularly attractive to thieves because of their resale value.

Other building materials, such as wood, brick, cement and PVC piping are all vulnerable to theft.

Residential sites, in particular, may have unsecured items such as appliances that can be easily sold to unsuspecting consumers.

Additional Challenges to Construction Site Security

Winter months bring the additional challenge of keeping idle, unattended machinery secure.

Port cities pose a special risk. The ability to move stolen goods by boat gives criminals access to a wider range of potential buyers. Stolen equipment that has been transported overseas is also even harder to track and recover.

Development in remote locations. Many new projects are in previously wooded or isolated areas. Sometimes there isn’t even a public road to allow access. These remote areas criminals a greater sense of security than more heavily traveled locations.

Costs of Theft and Vandalism

When there’s a loss, Insurance can pay for damage or injury, but other costs can easily multiply:

• Time spent dealing with insurance and police.
• Unproductive time spent waiting for a replacement.
• Schedule delays that affect the rest of the project.
• Changes in workplace morale.

Prevention Is Wise

Loss prevention is extremely important and taking the right measures can even help lower your insurance premiums.

You may already be using some of these methods to prevent theft:

Lighting

Pros: Proper lighting at night adds a degree of security. While zoning laws and energy costs may prevent 24/7 lighting, motion sensors provide lighting when an intruder is detected.

Con: Even a well-lit jobsite has lots of objects to obstruct the view from outside.

Delivery management

Pros: By aligning delivery of items with the time they are to be used or installed, you reduce the amount of time that they’re easiest to steal. However, even installed pipes and appliances can be stolen.

Con: Despite good planning, other delays can make it necessary to keep unattended materials onsite longer than expected.

Live onsite guards

Pros: A well-trained guard will have the judgment and experience to know how to properly guard and protect your site.

Cons: There is no national standard regarding security guard training, and there’s no telling if the agency or personnel you’re using uses the most up-to-date techniques. Relying on live in-person security carries its risks as well. Fatigue is common, especially on night shifts. If there is an intruder, the security guard runs the risk of injury, especially if there’s a confrontation.

Video Recording

Pros: The very sight of a video camera can be a good deterrent to crime. The recording can often be used by law enforcement to investigate or prosecute the case.

Con: Once a crime begins, a recording does nothing to stop a crime in progress.

The Best Solution

NVMC Solutions provides live remote monitoring for construction sites. This type of solution is a smart, safe alternative to traditional video surveillance. Our US-based, fully-trained agents can see what’s happening on your site and can take action immediately.

Our Commitment

Faster Response Times: If there is an intruder, law enforcement can be summoned immediately, and often before the crime has taken place. In fact, NVMC response times are up to 10% faster than the competition.

Round-the-clock Monitoring: We are a 24/7 operation, which means we’re on duty whenever you need us.

Lower Insurance Costs: Many insurance companies offer lower premiums for monitored security. Let your insurance agent know that your property is protected by live remote agents.

Cheaper Than Onsite Guards: Hiring and retaining on-site guards can be very expensive. Choosing our security system could cost you up to 75% less than using onsite security personnel, and there is no risk of injury.

Passion, Excellence and Integrity: These are our guiding principles, and we put them to use every day. We believe in our products and services and are committed to providing the best protection possible for your business.

If you would like more information about our customized live video monitoring solutions to protect your construction jobsite, please contact us.