A 2019 study found that construction site theft costs contractors an average of $6,000 per incident. If that sounds like a big windfall, keep in mind that this figure was calculated before the pandemic, meaning the actual cost is much higher today.
Inflation combined with supply chain slowdowns have driven up building material prices, making the cost of theft higher than ever for contractors. Construction site security is now critical for construction companies to deter intruders and alert the authorities.
Good security isn’t necessarily about finding the biggest and best security system on the market. It is important to evaluate the project, security goals and other factors before deciding on the right solution. This article will walk you through the process and options to help you decide on the best security solution for your project.
Things to consider before choosing a workplace security system
Before choosing a site security solution, take stock of your project and your security needs.
Consider the budget, the size and layout of the construction site, the cost of materials and the owner’s requirements. A larger project with a higher overall value may require more security resources, such as multiple cameras for full coverage and physical security guards on site. Smaller projects can achieve affordable yet comprehensive theft protection with security cameras and visual monitoring.
Grab a pen and paper and write down your answers to these important questions so you’re ready when it’s time to choose the right security system for your project.
- What is your security budget? Knowing ahead of time what your business can spend on security will narrow or expand your options.
- What is the size of the work? The size of your construction site will determine how many cameras, guards or other personnel you will need to fully secure it.
- What is the value of the project? High-value projects will have more to lose, which means skimping on security is likely to cost more in the long run.
- What personnel resources do you have? Some security systems will be more reliant on company personnel, so this is something to consider before choosing a security solution.
- What security measures are already in place? Knowing what security options are already available will help guide the security selection process and reduce costs. Consider fencing, lighting, motion-activated flood lights, workplace cameras, etc.
- What are the requirements for your builder’s risk insurance? Most insurance companies offer reduced premiums for builders who deploy security on their job sites. It is important to understand the requirements in advance.
Comparison of construction site security options
Now that you know what you’re working with, it’s time to compare security options for your project.
The security measures you need may vary by location, project size, and company preference, but most contractors agree that some form of security is critical.
Workplace security cameras may only be perfect for some locations, while others may require a more robust solution. By comparing the most popular site security options, you can be sure you’re getting the best security for your project at a price that’s right for you.
Option 1: Work security guards
According to ZipRecruiter, construction site security guards earn an average of $42,612 per year in the United States, or about $20 per hour. That’s a lot for a small construction company to spend on non-productive labor, and even larger companies could struggle with the numbers to make it work for their budget.
While hiring security guards may not be an affordable solution for some construction companies, there’s no denying that having a real person to watch over a site is an effective way to deter theft and break-ins. If intruders enter the site, the guards can alert the authorities immediately, which can reduce losses due to theft or vandalism.
Because security guards cannot be everywhere at once, security cameras are often used in conjunction with guards to help them identify and respond to threats throughout the site. The cameras also provide visual documentation of events for legal evidence, prosecutions and insurance claims.
Employing security guards reduces the time contractors have to spend on security, making it a mostly free option. The trade-off is the expense and potential need for staff to supervise the hired guards.
Security guard overview
- The most expensive option
- The best next to security cameras
- Security day and night
- Fast response time
- More absence for contractors
For the other two main security solutions, read the full article.
