CCTV cameras have been a long-standing security measure on construction sites and – some would argue – are seen primarily as an intruder deterrent.
However, recent CCTV camera technologies have seen some rapid developments, making them a key component for intruder and crime prevention, observation of health and safety protocol and even as a preventative measure against fire.
For many, CCTV will be a contractual obligation and a feature that must be incorporated into a site’s security provision. For others, CCTV will be that ‘added reassurance’ for when a site is unoccupied overnight, or shuts down over a holiday period, and there are no manned guarding procedures in place.
As with most technology, we are often bombarded with jargon-filled features and benefits which can leave us more confused than before.
In this post, we aim to cut through the jargon and get to the gist of the types of alarm triggers and security responses available – helping you to consider the right CCTV solutions for your construction site.
#1 Construction Site CCTV Alarm Triggers
Alarm ‘Triggers’ refer to CCTV cameras that have motion detection enabled, often via infrared technology.
A ‘basic’ option would be an infrared trigger that detects movement only, whilst the more advanced solution provides analytics. Video analytics technology will differentiate between human movement and ‘other’ movement, such as that of animals or birds.
A CCTV camera with this ‘smarter’ movement detection technology will mitigate false alarms in the event of, say, a fox innocently roaming your site at night.
#2 Construction Site CCTV Security Response
A common criticism of construction site CCTV – and indeed CCTV for any purpose – is that it captures the crime on video, to only be watched long after the event has taken place and the damage has been done. However, the type of CCTV response procedures selected could stop a thief or vandal in their tracks.
A key feature to note is the ability to send an alarm signal to a monitoring centre manned by security professionals.
Once alerted to an event via a trigger, designated security personnel can instantly view recently recorded or live video and give voice warnings to intruders, call key holders, deploy security personnel or request Police attendance, as necessary and agreed with the client.
#3 In-App Technology for Construction Site CCTV
A lesser-known response feature worth mentioning is the ability for stakeholders to view live footage of their site from the comfort of their own home. This can be achieved through an app which provides high-definition, 24-hour coverage that you can access, as long as you have a secure 4G or Wi-Fi connection.
This gives an added layer of protection and piece of mind as areas of your site can be seen, no matter what time of day or night it is.
You can even add ‘audio challenge’ to the app and warn intruders off your site via speakers placed within it. “You’re intruding on a private site, please leave now or the Police will be called.”
Not Sure What CCTV is Best for You?
With so many makes and models out there, it can be difficult to pinpoint the CCTV solution that’s most suited to your construction site.
At Secure Site, our site assessment will help you to determine the security provision that’s right for you. This will be achieved via our unique three step process, more details here.
Conclusion
Once you understand what types of triggers and responses you can utilise, it’s much easier for you to specify the correct CCTV solution for your construction site.
An effective CCTV system will enable you to observe any intrusion risks, respond efficiently and mitigate any incidents that may have a damaging impact on your livelihood.
What’s more, CCTV is often more cost-effective than 24-hour manned guarding, which should be carefully considered if you’re working to a tight budget.
If you’d like any further information on your construction site CCTV options, don’t hesitate to speak to an expert today.
