Construction machinery manufacturing in the United States is a $32-billion industry. After all, we’re talking about big, heavy, and expensive machinery such as cranes and tractors.
Warehousing in the U.S. is even bigger, with its 2017 costs estimated at $148.7 billion. What’s more, spending in this industry continues to grow, as shown by the 3.3% increase from 2016 costs. Back then, warehousing expenditures were only at $143.7 billion.
All these show how worksites in these industries are prime targets for criminals. With that kind of money on the line, comprehensive job site security is integral. A job site without effective security practices is a financial disaster waiting to happen.
The question is, what exactly should go into your worksite security plan? That’s what we’ll uncover in this post, so make sure you follow these security tips we’ve laid out for you!
1. Assess and Analyze Site Security Risks and Threats
Security threats vary from company to company, as it depends on the nature of the business. But at the end of the day, all these organizations are at risk of property crimes. FYI, almost 7.7 million property crimes took place in the country in 2017.
In any case, construction sites are at risk of theft of expensive machinery. This is especially the case since these machines and equipment are often left outside.
Warehouses are at greater risk of inventory theft. After all, these sites stock thousands of items with considerable value. For reference, almost two-thirds of warehouses are over 25,000 square feet in size.
Property criminals also hit junkyards and tow lots, often for recycled car parts. It’s a treasure trove for them, what with this industry contributing $25 million a year to the country’s GDP.
That said, the first step to creating an effective job security plan is to know what your business is at risk for. You should conduct regular asset and inventory checks as well as updates. By knowing exactly how much you gain to lose, you’ll be more motivated to ensure strict security.
2. Use Asset and Equipment Tracking Technology
25 million U.S. households use some form of GPS on their vehicles. If the average consumer uses this technology, all the more reason you should! Otherwise, you stand to lose thousands or even millions of dollars.
The good news is that GPS technology isn’t that expensive anymore. Besides, the long list of GPS tracking benefits outweigh the costs.
For starters, there’s the reduced risk of having your machines and equipment stolen. Even if a criminal does steal your pricey machinery, you’ll know right away where it is.
Furthermore, GPS technology lets you know more about your people’s activities. For instance, you’ll know if they’re making unauthorized stops while checked-in at work. You can also track their entire route for the day, so you know exactly where and what they’ve been up to.
Tracking technology also allows you to keep your clients informed about updates. For example, you can tell your warehouse clients where exactly their shipment is. From here, you can then give them a much more accurate ETA.
3. Learn as Much as You Can About Your People
Were you aware that almost one in every three employees engage in workplace theft? Whether it’s something as cheap as sheets of papers or pens, that’s still theft right there.
Warehouses are some of the main victims of insider workplace thefts. Consider that this industry has 957,000 people in its employment. That means it’s possible 300,000 of them are “taking home” some of the inventory.
It’s for this reason you should learn as much as you can about your people. Actually, it’s best you enforce pre-employment policies, such as background and history checks. Make sure you abide by employment laws, though, to ensure you don’t breach on your people’s privacy.
You should also have all of your people wear identification at all times. There should be a visitor or client log for anyone who isn’t an employee. It’s also best to “color-code” identification cards, so it’ll be easier to know who’s an employee and who’s not.
4. Have All Staff Members Undergo Safety and Security Training
Speaking of your people, make sure you also have them trained for job site safety and security. They’re at great risk of accidents, so they should contribute to keeping a safe and secure job site. By having them complete training on a regular basis, you can prevent injuries and even deaths.
Safety training is especially a must in construction, considering its nature of work. From falls to crushing, 21% of all workplace deaths take place in this industry.
So, what kind of training do you need in securing your job site and making it less prone to accidents?
Start by training your people on the proper and safe use of machines, equipment, or devices. Only trained (in some cases, even licensed) operators should handle heavy equipment.
Conduct daily, weekly, or monthly equipment and machine checks too. Ensure your equipment maintenance checklist remains up-to-date at all times. When a machine or a device needs repairing or replacement, don’t delay doing exactly that.
You should also consider installing mobile security surveillance systems at your job site. With these, you’ll know in real-time if an emergency or accident happens and respond right away. At the same time, you can check for any suspicious activities or security threats.
5. Fence and Monitor the Perimeter
This doesn’t mean you should go prison-like with full-on electricity fences, though. But at the very least, you want to have high fences that can be difficult to climb over.
For construction sites, you can choose from a wide array of temporary secure fencing. There are permanent fencing solutions too, for worksites like warehouses and junkyards.
To make the area even more secure, consider adding video security surveillance. Set these up not only at the main entrance, but in strategic locations around the perimeter too. This way, you keep the exterior area under close supervision.
It’s also best to have security personnel manning the entry gates at all times. If possible, place a security guard in this area. In doing so, they can check everyone, including vehicles that enter and exit the premises.
Make sure everyone who comes and goes should also have their info logged in a system. At the very least, details should include complete name, time in, purpose, and time out. Again, employees, contractors, and guests should have designated identification cards.
6. Invest in Top-Notch Jobsite Security System
Jobsite security technology, like surveillance cams and alarms, is no longer a “luxury”. It’s now a necessity, for the simple reason that a property crime occurs every 4.1 seconds. A case of larceny-theft occurs every 5.7 seconds, and a burglary every 22.6 seconds.
Granted, these security devices won’t 100% stop criminals from their heinous activities. But know that eight in every 10 property criminals would first check for signs of security. If they find any, many of them would give up and move to a less secure victim.
That should already tell you how commercial security systems can be effective crime-deterrent. An 80% chance of stopping burglaries or thefts is better than not having any chance at all.
Also, you’ll be happy to know that short-term remote security services are available. These are ideal for construction sites that aren’t a permanent job site. There are still long-term security services for warehouses, junkyards, and other facilities, though.
Remote monitoring can boost security even if you already have on-site security guards. That’s because you can have them track areas where there are no guards. If you don’t employ security guards, then all the more reason to have remote monitoring.
In a nutshell, these services are a great yet affordable way to up security at the worksite. They can fill in the gaps left by human guards. This, in turn, translates to a very small to no window of opportunity for crimes.
Bonus Tip: Devices for Increased Jobsite Safety
To increase jobsite safety, install hazard alarms for smoke, fire, and poisonous gases. For hazardous gases, CO and radon detectors should be on top of your list.
So you know, experts say CO poisoning kills more people than mass shootings. That’s because accidental carbon monoxide poisoning claims 374 lives every year. There’s also radon, which is the second-leading cause of lung cancers in the U.S.
Make Your Jobsite Safer and More Secure for Everyone
All the numbers we’ve mentioned should be enough to make you realize how crucial job site security is. They should be enough to make you enforce better safety and security policies.
Not only is a safe, secure, and healthy job site key to productivity, but it’s even more important to keeping your employees and clients happy.
Ready to create a secure job site with superb performance and amazing productivity? If so, then connect with us now! We can help pave the way to a much safer, more secure worksite for everyone involved.
