Security on the construction site is a big deal. If anyone has access when they should not, you may have problems with theft. It’s more common than you might think, and it’s the last thing that you want. But if you prepare ahead of time, you can minimize your risk. Here’s what to do.

Enclose the Jobsite
One of the best ways to improve the security of the site is to enclose it. You may be able to build temporary fences around the site, so the people have to go through designated openings to get in. Thieves can scale fences, but it will act as a deterrent for people looking to grab and go. If you’re working on a smaller project for a personal property owner like a homeowner, it’s a good idea to find a place to secure tools and materials. No one wants to leave expensive equipment in an open backyard only to discover that it’s missing the next day.

Track Who Enters and Leaves
On a larger construction site with many teams working at the same time, developing a monitoring system is paramount. Everyone who enters or leaves the site should be required to sign in and out. There are plenty of systems that use identification badges to the same effect, for faster processing. If you have visitors to the site, like clients or inspectors, you can track their participation as well. The existence of such a system on the site often acts as its own deterrent. People are less likely to come on the site and steal something if they know that somebody is tracking their presence.

Maintain an Inventory of Tools and Materials
Although you might expect that construction site theft is only done by random people, you may also have to be careful with the workers who are on the site legitimately. You don’t have to assume that all of your employees are going to steal from you, but there are ways to minimize the risk. One of the best methods of guaranteeing that everything stays put is to maintain an inventory of tools and materials that you are using on the site. Track who uses equipment and make sure that they put it back when they’re done. At the end of work each day, take a moment to review the site-specific inventory and confirm that everything is in place.

Don’t Let Materials Sit for Days
A big pile of materials, sitting apparently unmonitored, is an enticing prospect for thieves. These days, practically any construction material could make a handy sale for quick cash. If you’re in the habit of delivering all the materials that you need to the site at the beginning of the project, it may be worth rethinking that process. With few exceptions, you can have materials delivered a day or two before you need them without causing interruptions to the work. Time your deliveries earlier in the week, and make sure that you put them in a secure place that is out of sight from the street.

Add Security Features
Ultimately, ensuring the security of the jobsite and your business may require a few additional security features. You might be surprised how much additional lighting on the jobsite can help to discourage thieves from breaking in. Similarly, it may be worth investing in:

• Motion sensor lights
• Security cameras
• Alarm systems, when needed

The existence of these features makes thieves less likely to try the site, because they know that they are likely to generate attention.

Keeping your contracting business safe from theft can save you up to hundreds of thousands of dollars a year. You just have to make the right investment. For more information about building your construction career, contact CSLS today!