While winter weather is still in full force, spring will soon be upon us. That means residential and commercial construction projects will be ramping up. The 2014 construction season could be one of the busiest in the past five years, with the McGraw Hill Construction forecast calling for a 9% increase in construction starts. This transition into peak season is a great time to think about an important topic that can fall by the wayside once the site is buzzing: construction site security.
Common construction site security measures are important. These may include fencing, no trespassing signage, limited access points and adequate lighting. But with valuable equipment and materials on-site, taking additional steps will keep a construction site secure.
Benefits of Security Officers
Trained security officers can help to deter theft, vandalism, and other risks to a worksite around the clock. Security officers patrol the property and protect assets. They can also serve many additional functions, such as provide customer service, control access to the site and manage special events like open houses.
Fire Watch
A security company can also offer dedicated Fire Watch services. Trained Fire Watch personnel identify and react to fire hazards to ensure that personnel, equipment and materials are protected. This can be a huge asset at all times, but particularly during and after hot work, such as welding and cutting. It’s also valuable during demolition and other dangerous operations.
Security for Inactive Construction Sites
A security presence has benefits even when a project is not actively under construction. An inactive site, such as a project that is on hold over the winter, may be at significantly greater risk of theft and vandalism. When the site is unattended, the presence of security officers can provide peace of mind that it remains secure.
The next few months will see activity picking up at construction sites around the nation. To ensure your construction site’s security during peak season and beyond, consider a security consultation. A consultation will include an assessment of your worksite and how to best protect it.
