Often for companies active in construction the safety of the own shipyards it is not considered a priority, even if the conditions that characterize them are highly unstable: the presence of valuable equipment, tools and materialsfor example, makes these areas particularly attractive targets for thieves, which is why many construction sites, especially if located in remote and poorly monitored areas, tend to be frequent targets of criminal activity.
In light of these threats, BauWatch – a European company operating in security technologies – has developed a guide with some key rules and best practices to maintain safety on construction sites.
1. Take a proactive approach and use deterrents
Plan safety measures before the actual start of work allows companies to carefully evaluate potential risks and to adapt the security strategy to the various stages of the project. According to data from BauWatchin fact, as many as 66% of companies begin to take construction site safety into consideration during the pre-construction and strategic planning phase: a proactive approach which ensures complete protection of assets, ensuring business continuity and eliminating the need for further and costly changes in the future.
THE’installation of visible measuresfor example, like the video surveillance towers or the temporary fencesacts as an effective deterrent: it is no coincidence that according to the BauWatch Crime Report fences were the most popular security measure (51%), together with a correct lighting of the sites, which effectively discourages the action of thieves and intruders.
2. Clearly communicate safety rules
Personnel on site must receive aadequate training on safety protocols established and on operating procedures, always keeping in mind the applicable best practices for site protection, such as security strategies access control (e.g. with distribution of keys or access cards), the removing keys from machinerytheir storage in locked boxes, and the ensuring that the gates are closed to avoid unwanted intrusions.
It is equally important that field teams also inform surveillance service providers, especially in the event of changes in regulations, to avoid false alarms and ensure greater effectiveness of the chosen protection.
3. Choose a cutting-edge security system
Crime today adopts increasingly sophisticated and advanced methods. For this reason, traditional measures are no longer sufficient, and it is important that companies can evaluate solutions that can meet their specific needs. Advanced systems such as those developed by BauWatch allow, through the use of innovative technologies like AI, to implement video surveillance systems in real time that allow remote monitoring and rapid response to incidents, thanks to the strategic positioning of cameras connected to a control center.
Current technologies can ensure a continuous site surveillance, with immediate alerts and timely reactions to any unauthorized activity. In case of incidents, the control center coordinates actions with security forces and provides detailed information for accurate analysis, capable of preventing and detecting even the most insidious threats.
4. Analyze operating costs
Evaluating security solutions also means consider the total cost of ownership in the long termwhich depends greatly on the evolution and timing of the initial project. Threat levels can vary – for example, in the case of increased vulnerability of sites during the holidays – and for this reason it is essential to adopt an agile approach and prepare for any additional costs.
It is often thought that the initial investment in security services is high, without realising that in reality it generates a significant long term savingsreducing the risk of security breaches and limiting the impact of any incidents on business operations. It is therefore always necessary to consider not only the costs of ongoing maintenance and management, but also those associated with delays or interruptions to the project due to the lack of adequate security measures.
Explains Laura Casparrini, General Manager of BauWatch Italia: “The recommendations in our vademecum show that safety in construction involves a proactive and conscious approachwhich ranges from the initial planning phase to the implementation of advanced surveillance and security principles. By understanding the risks, choosing appropriate and advanced security solutions and considering the total cost, companies can create an effective security ecosystemadaptable to the specific challenges of the construction sector. Our guide, which we invite site managers to observe, therefore aims to be a help reduce the risk of theft and vandalismthus improving the efficiency and punctuality of the work.”
