| About BauWatch | 12-12-2023 |
7 tips to guide your (construction) site safely through the dark days
Did you know that site thefts are reported to the police on a daily basis? With the nights getting longer, intruders can enter your site unseen – increasing the risk of additional costs, delays to your project and all the accompanying frustrations.
Your site doesn’t have to be a victim of dark days. Follow BauWatch’s 7 top tips and protect your sites from unwanted visitors this winter.
1. Put your sites in the spotlight
Darkness attracts thieves and vandals. It is key is to minimise the chance of intruders thinking they can enter your site unseen by installing proper lighting, especially in entrances, exits and places where valuable materials can be found. Putting these places “in the spotlight” makes intruders more likely to be noticed.
2. Set up security cameras
Another way to reduce the chances of intruders thieving your equipment unnoticed is to set up cameras in a highly visible position. In most cases, when criminals know they are being watched, they will not offend.
3. Have your sites monitored 24/7
On the off-chance that burglars persist despite the cameras, it is important to make sure that your cameras are monitored 24/7. In the event of a break-in, the team in the control room will respond to the threat in seconds with the best course of action; Wether this be communicating with the intruders through a loudspeaker on the camera or calling your chosen security service.
4. Store your materials safely
82% of construction companies take all materials off site at the end of the working day. When this is not possible, it is crucial to store your assets safely in site containers with a sturdy lock (you can purchase special armoured latches with padlocks specifically designed for this purpose). Only 27% of construction companies do this already.
5. Make access to your site as difficult as possible
Don’t make it easy for intruders. Lock all entrances and exits, close all windows and doors and cordon off your sites with lockable construction fences or temporary fences firmly anchored in the ground. In short, do everything possible to make access to your site as difficult as possible.
6. Sensitise your staff
Safety on the worksite is everyone’s business, so everyone working on site needs to be made aware of the risks – especially now that it is dark for longer. Hang stickers or posters to keep the risk permanently under the spotlight, ask people to help keep an eye out and make people share the responsibility of safely storing equipment and locking down the site.
7. Have a security plan drawn up
Wantpeace of mind that your site will be safe when you finish the day? Have a security specialist take a close look at your site. Where are the risks? Which cameras are best to install? And where? The specialist will answer all these questions and draw up a customised security plan, so that your site can get through the dark months safely.
