The construction industry is one of the largest existing industries in the United States. The sector is estimated to be worth at least a trillion dollars. It’s also expected to experience tremendous growth in the coming years. However, two things can stop this growth: theft and accidents.
Accidents in Construction
Accidents are something that occurs way too common in construction. It’s estimated that there were around 16,000 nonfatal injuries in the industry in 2020. Additionally, there were more than 300 injuries during the same year. So that’s almost one accident every single day.
Construction sites can be dangerous places, with heavy machinery and tall buildings. As a result, construction companies must prioritize their employees’ safety and ensure that they are properly trained and equipped with the necessary safety gear.
Theft in Construction
Theft is also a significant issue in the construction industry, resulting in millions of dollars lost annually. The most common type of theft is materials and equipment being stolen from construction sites, but there have also been cases where workers have stolen from their employers or committed fraud.
Construction companies must implement proper security measures at job sites and conduct background checks on all employees to prevent theft.
Overall, addressing these issues can help contribute to the growth and success of the industry of any project. You have various options for preventing these two things in your projects. Here are the five best ways to keep your construction site safe and secure.
Secure Your Entrances
The entrance to your site is one of the most fundamental areas to secure. Here are different ways to do that.
Utilize Sturdy Materials
Accidents can happen before your workers even enter your site. That’s why you need to use sturdy materials for your entrances. For example, if you’re planning to build a door, consider using a full-surface continuous hinge, as they are more durable and less likely to be forced open from the sides. These hinges are also great if you want to use double doors for your entrance.
Implement an Access Control System
An access control system can restrict entry to only authorized personnel. It can prevent unauthorized individuals from entering your site and potentially stealing from you. Here are some essential things you need for an IAC:
- Biometrics: This can be in the form of finger or hand scans, facial recognition, or retina scans.
- Key cards: These are typically used with an access control system and must be assigned to authorized individuals within your company.
- CCTV cameras: These can be used to monitor activity at your entrance and deter theft.
Have a Visitor Logbook
Even with restricted entry, there may still be times when visitors come onto the site. Have them sign in and out in a logbook and monitor who is on the site.
Training
One of the main reasons construction workers get into accidents is that they don’t have proper training. Ensure all your employees are trained and equipped with the necessary safety gear before starting a project. Have regular safety meetings to keep your workers informed about any potential hazards on the job site.
Lighting
Ensure your job site is well-lit, especially at night. It can deter theft and also prevent accidents from happening in low-light environments. Here are some essential things you need to invest on for better lighting on your site:
Motion Lights
Motion lights are a great addition if you have CCTV cameras installed on your site. They will turn on whenever there is movement, providing better visibility for your workers and deterring potential thieves.
LED Lights
LED lights can provide better illumination and are more energy efficient than traditional lights. In addition, they have a longer lifespan, making them a cost-effective option for lighting your job site.
Secure Your Materials and Equipment
One of the most common types of theft in construction is materials and equipment being stolen from job sites. Here are some ways to secure these items:
Proper Storage
Make sure all your materials and equipment are properly stored when not in use. For example, it could be in a locked shed or fenced-off area on the job site.
Inventory System
Implement an inventory system to track your materials and equipment. This will make it easier to notice if something goes missing, allowing you to take action quickly.
Mark Your Items
Engrave or mark your company’s name or logo on materials and equipment. This can act as a deterrent for potential thieves and also make it easier to track and identify if they are stolen.
Security Guards
Security guards on the job site can protect against theft and accidents. Ensure they are trained in the proper handling of emergencies and equipped with necessary gear, like radios or walkie-talkies, to contact other members on the site quickly.
These are just some ways to prevent accidents and theft on your construction site. It’s crucial to prioritize safety and security for successful project completion. Take the necessary steps to ensure a secure job site for all involved.
