Construction site security tips

Crime prevention on construction sites should be a major concern of all contractors. In some cases, the difference between making a profit and sustaining a loss on a job will relate to the contractor’s ability to control theft and vandalism on the site.

This page provides some suggestions on efforts to control job site security. While each site will present unique situations, the information provided can assist in identifying major sources of crime losses and implementing the measures for controlling these losses.

General

• Establish a written Security Policy.
• Develop a job-site security plan.
• Assign supervisory security responsibilities.
• Encourage security awareness among all workers.
• Contact the police and fire departments before starting a job.
• Establish contact with adjoining properties—encourage them to report suspicious activities on the site.
• Require prompt reporting by workers of incidents of theft and vandalism.
• Report all losses to the police immediately.
• Maintain complete records of all security incidents.

On-site

• When possible, enclose the job site with a security fence.
• Provide for nighttime lighting of the site.
• Provide for limited access to the site at all times, preferably with lockable gates.
• Maintain a clear zone adjacent to fencing.
• Post warning signs to keep unauthorized persons off the site.
• Use only high-quality locks—never leave keys in locks, or leave locks in an open position.
• Check-out the site at the end of each day before securing it.
• Provide parking areas outside of the site for employees and visitors.
• Consider the use of security guards and have them patrol the site on designated rounds.

Equipment, tools, and materials

• Consider utilizing a secured area within the site for equipment storage.
• Maintain an inventory control system for all equipment, tools, and materials. Include photographs of equipment and expensive tools.
• Establish a program for verifying all deliveries.
• Mark all tools and equipment in a conspicuous, distinctive manner to allow for easy identification.
• Implement a check-out system for all tools and equipment. Post a sign stating, “ATTENTION! ALL TOOLS MUST BE SIGNED OUT.”
• Keep tools securely locked in storage trailers or sheds.
• Stamp all heavy equipment and attachments with an ID number. Provide warning signs on equipment indicating that ID Numbers are recorded.
• Establish a supervisory key-control program for motorized equipment.
• Lock all equipment cabs during non-working hours.
• Immobilize equipment by disabling it or using anti-theft/anti-vandalism devices.
• Lock oil and gas tank caps where possible as a means of deterring vandalism.

Construction site security

• Park equipment centrally in a well-lighted, secure area.
• Schedule material deliveries to coincide with installation especially high-value materials.
• Provide a secure storage area for target building materials.
• Keep the on-site inventory of materials to a minimum.
• Store equipment, materials, and tools away from perimeter fencing.
• Remove equipment and materials from the site when no longer needed—do not use the site for storage.

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