A construction site presents some unique security challenges, which are similar in nature and risk level to the unique health and safety challenges that also exist. For this reason, it is important to consider these associated risks together for a comprehensive security and health and safety plan, and it is essential that you start the planning process early.
Security is a high priority management issue for a construction site because:
- There are several health and safety risks that need to be monitored and therefore controlling unauthorised access to a construction site is essential
- The site is usually left vacant and vulnerable overnight and at weekends
- There will be a considerable number of tools and equipment of high value stored on-site
- The boundaries and layout of a construction site are changing all the time, so different security measures need to be monitored, reviewed, updated and implemented, sometimes on a daily basis.
Common security measures on a construction site
Although every construction site is different, there are common features and characteristics which mean certain security measures will always be needed. Effective security controls for a construction site can include:
- Boundaries – Creating fencing and entry/exit points which are secure, robust and durable.
- Intruder Alarms – Adequate notification of a security breach.
- Access control – Effective systems and protocols for authorising entry and exit of personnel, deliveries and vehicles.
- Security guards – Static security guards and mobile patrols for monitoring the entire site footprint and perimeter, as well as vulnerable security locations.
- CCTV – Temporary and portable systems which can monitor the site over extended periods of vacancy, such as weekends and holidays, as well as be integrated to work with other security controls at all times.
- Key-holding and alarm response – Nominated personnel to hold keys, keep a site secure when vacant and to respond to alarm notifications.
These security measures, alongside other site-specific controls that are identified, can help to keep a construction site safe and to maintain security from the threat of vandalism, theft, trespass and nuisance. But security needs to be prioritised and planning towards this must start early in the project.
The importance of considering security in the design and pre-construction phase
Security of a construction site has to be effective in order to protect the health and safety of all individual stakeholders, even those who don’t have authorised access. But it is also important to safeguard the physical assets of the construction company and the various contractors and sub-contractors involved, namely tools and equipment and the construction itself. Prioritising construction site security at the design and pre-construction phase is therefore important to:
- Proactively identify risks – This process will enable management to effectively foresee possible hazards and mitigate against them. A thorough risk assessment should ensure the entire project has complete visibility so that hazards can be managed, reduced or eliminated as appropriate to their risk status.
- Compliance – Current CDM Regulations require pre-construction information to be shared and planning to go into management issues such as security. This ensures that security is positioned alongside health and safety as a key management consideration, and is in addition to standard compliance with the various health and safety regulations that are applicable on a construction site, such as working at height, falls, operating machinery and equipment, hazardous substances, electrical and gas hazards and manual handling.
- Planning and co-ordination – Having a suitable and effective security plan at an early stage ensures that a construction project can operate efficiently and that workflows are smooth and cost-effective. If there is no security plan in place there can be damaging and costly delays at the start of and throughout a project, while any changes to operations can also lead to costly delays if security is not a primary consideration. Ensuring design decisions consider both security and safety will reduce risks and help to deliver a successful construction project.
- Messaging – If all the design team understand that security is prioritised from the outset, this helps to set the tone and ensures that suitable standards are in place from the beginning. It means that policies, procedures and systems will incorporate and prioritise security and this will be inherently ingrained in behaviours and protocols.
The benefits of effective security in a construction project
A construction site is still vulnerable in terms of security and health and safety until it is handed over and occupied. It can take considerable time for a completed site to be signed off and a new owner or leaseholder taking it on. In between times this is a vacant property with its own range of unique risks. Implementing robust and effective security services at the beginning of a project ensures they are in place throughout the project and right until the end. It also acts as a blueprint for future projects and provides the foundation for success in terms of site safety, asset management, compliance and how a construction project should be managed going forwards.
