How can construction businesses keep their tools safe and secure?
Construction sites are often targeted by thieves due to expensive equipment, large numbers of employees entering and exiting and a lack of security. The UK construction industry typically loses around £800 million a year from theft, meaning small business owners in the industry must be prepared and protect their assets. Here, we will discuss some of the ways you can try to minimise the risk of theft in your construction business and keep your tools secure.
Security
One of the most important safety precautions for a construction site is the use of security cameras and alarms. These should be visible from all areas and there should be relevant signage positioned around the site so potential thieves are aware of being caught red-handed. Cheaper measures may include the use of motion-sensor lighting and alarms that can do well to frighten thieves into leaving the site once they have entered. Even fake CCTV cameras can be effective at deterring thieves and can be acquired easily and inexpensively.
Storage
Ensuring your tools are stored in a secure and organised manner is paramount. Keeping expensive equipment and job site materials in a tool chest on wheels means you are less likely to misplace them and enables you to carry heavy items around worksites with ease. The protective seals of the lids of storage facilities also help to prevent damage from debris and water, guaranteeing the tools will remain efficient and safe for operation. During out-of-office hours, toolboxes should be locked in a secured space, away from prying eyes.
Verification
Sometimes, theft may occur directly under your nose, so it is imperative that you stay on top of things and know exactly who is working alongside you on-site. Before hiring individuals to work for you or outsourcing jobs, conduct thorough background checks and gather references where you can – honesty is the best policy, and you should be able to trust whoever you are hiring. You should also aim to limit the number of access points on the construction site so people cannot just wander in without difficulty – technology, like geofencing, can be used to assess the number of individuals on-site or you can have someone verify those who enter and leave if you do not have the funds.
Lighting
Believe it or not, lighting can have drastic consequences on a thief’s ability to make a decision. Having well-lit areas around your business or construction site means they are more likely to become noticed or picked up on cameras, should there be any. Most of the robberies of construction sites are motivated by compulsion, so make it unfeasible for them to simply walk out with your possessions.
