The future of construction site security in the UK conjures up two contrasting images:
For the optimists out there, you may be thinking that access control technology and increased site efficiencies will help contribute to safer, more secure and productive construction sites.
However, for the pessimists (or, some would argue, the realists), the picture is very different.
Unauthorised access, theft and vandalism continue to cost the construction industry millions each year. The social and economic unrest that has occurred due to the COVID-19 pandemic, some would argue, will continue to make construction sites more vulnerable for months (or even years).
Will this negatively affect my projects’ security? Are people more likely to commit acts of crime out of sheer desperation?
Perhaps the view should be less about the future and more about what construction site managers can do now to make the future of construction site security a little brighter.
In this post, we explore some of the things that are likely to enhance security on construction sites for now and in the future.
Read on…
Construction Site Access Control
Construction site access provision usually conjures-up images of individuals entering a site using a keypad password or card. However, in recent years, there have been a growing number of technological advances applied in the field.
This is all centred around the integration of biometrics in turnstiles to create a much more streamlined and efficient signing in and clocking out process for individuals entering and leaving a construction site.
Below, we’ll briefly mention some of the efficiencies that are achievable with biometric turnstiles:
- Contactless access control
- Face recognition scanning & face mask detection
- Temperature checking via thermal cameras
- Online pre-enrolment
- Time & Attendance reporting
- Health & Safety muster reporting
- Fire/emergency features and reporting
Looking into the Future…
You may think that the above is an impressive list, but as we look more to the future, you can expect to see human microchipping, which involves having a microchip embedded in your skin, allowing you to access areas with a simple wave of your arm.
We’ll let you ponder that one for a moment…
The Future of Construction Site CCTV
A big criticism of traditional CCTV systems has always been around the fact that you only notice an incident once the act has taken place. Often, this occurs outside of operating hours, which means little can be done to deter the thief or vandal.
Advancements in CCTV now mean that you can be more ‘present’ and proactive than ever, even outside of working hours.
Here’s what you should look out for:
- Alarm triggers – to differentiate between human and non-human activity (i.e. no false alarms).
- More efficient alarm responses – the ability to send an alarm signal to a monitoring centre manned by security professionals.
- In-app technology – allowing you to keep an eye on things on your smartphone, from the comfort of your own home.
To read a more in-depth overview of the latest advancements in construction site CCTV, click here.
The Future of Security Guarding
Are you getting images of security guards being replaced by robots? Do you envisage your construction site being manned by RoboCop-type, cybernetically enhanced officers?
Think again, sadly.
The future of security guarding will depend on how well you’ve adopted other construction site security provisions.
In other words, if you have the right access control procedures in place and if you have the correct CCTV technology in place, then you will be able to deploy your security guards in a manner that is most appropriate and most effective.
Of course, this will vary from site-to-site. But what you’ll want to avoid is spending money on guarding when certain roles could be replaced with technology.
A classic example of this – something we see regularly – is when guards are used to clock people in and out of a construction site. By streamlining this process with biometric turnstiles, you’ll save thousands on unnecessary labour costs.
To learn more about how you can get the most out of your security guarding provision, read this post here.
The Bottom Line
The future of construction site security will depend on how quickly site managers can adopt the advancements and efficiencies that are available to them today.
To find out more, why not speak to an expert who’ll be able to assist you further.
At Secure Site UK, our dedicated team are here to ensure you get the most appropriate security provision suited to your site. No overspecification. No unnecessary gadgets. Just real, honest solutions to create long-term investments and increase your construction site productivity.
