"UK construction theft costs £800 million a year" - BFM Magazine. This figure is expected to rise as the lack of production in plant machinery and materials due to the global pandemic in 2020 affects construction sites.
Construction sites across the United Kingdom often contain very expensive equipment and have numerous hazardous areas that are to be monitored and kept safe. When 'No Trespassing signage is not enough, more companies are turning to Security Labour provisions, providing a more cost-effective solution in the long run compared to losing a multi-million pound piece of equipment due to theft.
How can we keep your construction site safe from trespassing and theft?
Security personnel are highly trained to prevent crime and act as a physical deterrent. Adding a human element to construction sites, it reassures and comforts the owners of the property and any residents that their property is always protected.
By employing a Security Labour provision, you will:
- Deter trespassers
- Increase the safety on site.
- Protect Equipment.
- Prevent injury claims and
- Enforce compliance standards.
The deterrent against trespassers keeps valuable equipment from being stolen and provides assistance to those who may be injured on the job.
What are the benefits of utilising a Security Labour provision?
Deterring Trespassers -
''No Trespassing' signage is assumed as sufficient, but unfortunately this is no longer the case.
According to Seton "Trespassing incidents have steadily increased over the last five years, leading to an increase in injuries and fatalities amongst members of the public. Social media, for example, has seen an explosion in thrill-seekers, or 'Urban Explorers', keen to capture images of the skyline from 'unexpected angles' or to post footage of themselves parachuting from rooftops, or dangling from tower cranes".
The main priority to security personnel and construction site employees it to keep trespassers out of the site, by using security officers on the ground, you are providing a physical deterrent, minimising trespassing before it begins.
Safety on Site -
Safety is top priority. With the new SIA licencing regulations that Security personnel must have a First Aid at Work qualification, it means that many more security officers can administer emergency first aid and/or CPR if needed, but they can also restrict who has access to the site.
By controlling the access and egress to construction sites, there will be less injuries and less chance of trespassers.
According to the Crime Survey for England and Wales (CSEW) for year ended March 2020, there were 688,000 incidents of violence at work. Security personnel should utilise and establish a safety checkpoint, should there by any violent occurrence on site, minimising workplace injuries.
Protection of Equipment -
Well trained security personnel are used to keep everything from hand tools to large plant machinery protected from thieves. Each month there is approximately 7000 metal-related thefts recorded across the United Kingdom, with scrap metal and white goods being considered valuable.
Security labour provisions are a cost-effective solution compared to the cost of replacing multi-million pounds worth of equipment.
Protection of Injury Claims -
There are numerous loopholes in personal injury laws and trespassers.
Though committing a criminal offence, trespassers can still claim against personal injury, claiming there has been no reasonable duty of care to keep them off site.
Again, utilising Security Labour provisions, it is more cost-effective compared to paying out a settlement of solicitor costs for injury claims from those attempting to break-in.
Enforcement of Compliance Standards -
Within the construction industry, there are numerous rules and regulations that must be adhered to, such as: wearing the correct PPE, including hard hats.
Security personnel can be used to enforce these rules and make sure any visitors or construction employees abide by these rules.
By complying to these standards, it minimises the potential of legal situations and helps to keep everyone safe.
In summary, utilising security personnel can act as a physical deterrent against trespassers, keeping employees and visitors safe, keeping equipment from being stolen and providing assistance to those who may be injured on the job.
If Red Watch Security Ltd can be of assistance for your construction site, please contact us now on 01934 854200 or email Control@Redwatchsecurity.co.uk
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