How to Enhance Construction Site Security at the Lowest Cost

Construction Site Security is a critical concern for every construction company. The environment and materials at a construction site are essential to the project's normal operation. As a result, many companies choose to hire security personnel and install surveillance equipment. However, these measures often have limited coverage and high costs. So, what is the most cost-effective method with a high return on investment?

Risk of Theft of Construction Equipment

Theft of construction equipment presents a low-risk, high-reward opportunity for thieves, especially on unsecured construction sites. The probability of recovering stolen items is less than 25%, leading to project delays and becoming a significant concern for business owners.

Each year, $300 million to $1 billion worth of construction equipment is stolen from job sites across the U.S. The average estimated value of stolen equipment exceeds $29,000, and projects can be delayed while waiting for replacements. A study by Caterpillar found that idle time can range from 400 to 800 nonproductive hours per year per machine, resulting in additional annual costs of up to $3,120.

The risks and costs associated with Construction Site Security are substantial if no measures are taken. So, what effective methods would you employ?

Five Ways to Protect Construction Site Security

Temporary Fencing

Most construction companies use temporary fencing as an effective physical barrier. However, the cost of building fences can be high, especially for large sites. Using materials like wire mesh or metal plates can further increase costs.

Temporary fencing provides limited protection against vandalism and theft. Criminals can easily climb over a six-foot fence, and it is ineffective against theft that occurs inside the site.

Onsite Security Personnel

Security personnel can quickly intervene in case of an incident. However, this convenience comes at a high price: a year of round-the-clock monitoring will cost approximately $525,000, assuming only one security guard is on site at a time. The average cost of construction site security personnel ranges from $30 to $95 per hour, depending on their experience and whether they are armed. The more security personnel required for each project, the greater the investment for you and your clients.

Additionally, on-site security personnel have other limitations:

• Guards have limited visibility and must constantly patrol the site to ensure everything is in order. For large sites, this is highly inefficient.
• Persistent thieves may not be deterred by the presence of guards and may even attempt to harm them.
• Managing on-site security personnel incurs additional overhead. Your staff must schedule their shifts and wages and make alternative arrangements if guards call in sick or are absent.
• In the event of an incident, the absence of evidence other than verbal statements from guards makes it challenging to recover financial losses.

Surveillance Drones

With rapid advancements in technology, drones are increasingly recognized for on-site monitoring. However, they also entail high costs. The initial investment for a low-end surveillance drone starts at $9,950, with operational costs of using monitoring software starting at $3 per hour. The annual cost for drone surveillance exceeds $36,000. Moreover, drones cannot provide 24/7 surveillance as their batteries require regular charging. Companies need to purchase and operate multiple drones for continuous monitoring. Furthermore, drone usage faces many restrictions, especially near military bases, airports, and other sensitive areas.

Fixed Surveillance Equipment

Construction cameras are among the best ways to ensure construction site security, offering excellent cost-effectiveness compared to other methods. Depending on their features, advanced 110V construction cameras on the market range from $2,000 to $7,000. These cameras provide high-definition images and videos, effectively deterring external thieves and monitoring internal theft.

However, their use is limited in remote areas with inadequate infrastructure, and fixed installations require significant wiring and setup time. Large sites may need many cameras, which might not be the best solution for some clients.

Solar Camera Trailer

With the increasing use of solar energy, the solar camera trailer is a new solution. It comprises four main components: a solar power generation system, a power storage system, a surveillance system, and a trailer system. The solar camera trailer uses solar panels and 4G connectivity, offering more flexibility while retaining all the features of fixed surveillance equipment. The trailer system enables monitoring services anytime, anywhere.

Additionally, it offers more benefits:

• Fully solar-powered, reducing carbon footprint. This commitment to a sustainable future greatly enhances corporate brand image.
• Quick deployment without complex installation; the trailer allows for position changes according to different needs.
• A sturdy and elevatable 27-foot mast provides a broader view.
• Achieve 24/7 surveillance without expensive costs.

Solar Camera Trailer wins on cost

With just a few solar camera trailers costing tens of thousands of dollars, you can ensure Construction Site Security in most cases. Compared to other methods, the effectiveness of solar camera trailers is unparalleled at the same cost, with one-time investment and reusable benefits.

Interested in the best Construction Site Security solution? As a leading manufacturer of solar camera trailers, BIGLUX has extensive experience in this field.

Contact our professional team now to learn more!