5 Reasons Security Guards Are Essential for Construction Sites

Construction site security guards are a must-have thanks to their ability to deter theft and vandalism, monitor for safety hazards, perform access control duties, respond to emergencies, and reduce liability. All of these tasks help protect your bottom line while elevating the overall safety and security of your construction site. Project managers, developers, and construction decision-makers across Canada are feeling increased pressure to deliver projects as quickly and efficiently as possible. Fortunately, construction site security can help in key areas to help keep your project on time and on budget. 

The team at Blackbird Security has years of experience safeguarding major construction sites in Canadian cities from coast to coast. This blog will share key insights into how we’ve seen construction site security help protect our clients’ sites. 

Key Takeaways:

• Construction site security guards proactively protect sites from theft through their on-site presence and immediate response times.

• Guards monitor closely for hazards and safety concerns, reducing the risk of on-site injuries and liability issues for construction companies. 

• They monitor access points to prevent unauthorized entry while logging all visitors and contractors.

• At every stage of construction development, guards prevent vandalism and arson.

• An on-site security presence results in more comprehensive response capabilities compared to remote monitoring. 

1. Protecting Against Theft

Thefts from sites have the potential to cost construction companies hundreds of thousands of dollars in losses, and according to surveys, companies experience an average of two thefts per year. Fortunately, an on-site security presence provides an effective means of protecting against theft. 

Security guards proactively maintain a presence on the site, along the perimeter, at access points, on patrol, and near lockup areas, deterring potential thieves from stealing. As soon as a guard sees suspicious activity, they respond. An on-site presence is a more effective means of securing construction sites than relying solely on CCTV cameras and alarm systems. These methods are more reactive in nature and may not provide an adequate deterrent factor for potential thieves.

2. Monitoring for Safety Concerns and Reducing Liability

Construction site workers are often too busy working to pay close attention to potential safety issues on site. This not only leads to the creation of hazards but can also result in injuries and, ultimately, liability issues if workers fail to notice these hazards in time. 

Guards provide an extra set of eyes to monitor for tripping hazards, debris, unsafe activity, unsecured scaffolding, PPE non-compliance, and other potential dangers. Since their job is to monitor the site, they can more easily spot issues than the busy workers performing their own jobs. Spotting hazards early can prevent injuries, timeline delays, time spent sourcing temporary replacement labour, or, at worst, tragedies. 

In addition to monitoring for hazards, security guards are trained to support crews in emergencies. Many guards are trained in CPR and first aid, and will dial 911 immediately in emergency situations. All of these skills combine to reduce liability for construction companies, as well as improve safety for everyone on site. 

Curious to learn more about how security guards maintain safety on construction sites? Check out our previous blog, How Security Guards Enhance Construction Site Safety. 

3. Access Control and Visitor Management

Many construction sites, particularly those in major cities such as Vancouver and Toronto, are located in densely populated areas. Not only do these sites experience heavy nearby pedestrian traffic during the day, but they also need to protect against foot traffic at night. This is especially true for sites located near transit hubs.. While transit-central locations are favoured by developers, tenants, and buyers, they can pose security and liability risks during the construction phase due to unauthorized access.

Security guards monitor and control all entry points around the entire site. They patrol the perimeters, stand guard at high-traffic areas, and strictly monitor anyone who attempts to access the site. Depending on the scale of your construction site, you may require a front desk security guard. These guards log visitors and contractors, and provide directions throughout the site as needed. 

Some construction sites, particularly those with parkades or sheltered areas, may be prone to vagrancy and trespassing. In these cases, a trained security guard will be able to resolve the problem peacefully and swiftly, escorting the individual off the property. 

4. Protecting Against Vandalism

Similar to theft, vandalism is another common cause of construction delays. Arson poses a serious threat in the early stages of development, after homes have been scheduled for demolition but before demolition takes place. 

There have been many cases of vacant homes in Vancouver catching fire as a result of improper security measures. When an owner vacates a property prior to demolition, the building becomes susceptible to squatters. Without electricity or heating, squatters may attempt to start fires indoors in an effort to keep warm. A fence combined with mobile patrol security helps ensure properties remain vacant prior to construction efforts. This reduces liability for developers who own the land and improves overall neighbourhood safety. 

Of course, fires can also be caused by accident. This past August, a major fire broke out at a construction site in Langley, leading to the evacuation of nearby residents. Blackbird Security guards are trained in fire safety and can immediately respond to fires and prevent them from getting out of control. 

Several Blackbird Security guards have helped prevent fires from escalating. Read their stories in our article, Recognizing Blackbird Security’s Lifesaving & Award-Winning Team.

5. Real-Time Response and Reporting

Compared to remote monitoring methods, such as CCTV cameras and alarm systems, an on-site security presence provides a more comprehensive and proactive form of coverage. After-hours remote monitoring relies on waiting for a triggered alarm or suspicious activity caught on camera. Once remote teams have been alerted, the damage has likely already been done. On the other hand, guards stationed on site can immediately assess and address the situation before it escalates into theft, arson, vandalism, or a safety issue. 

Guards also provide comprehensive patrol reports throughout their shift. At Blackbird Security, our guards report through TrackTik, the industry-standard security reporting software. Through TrackTik, our internal teams and clients both have access to real-time reports, including GPS guard locations. This allows our clients to have as much insight into their site as desired. 

Partner With Canada’s Most Trusted Construction Site Security Company

Security guards prevent theft and vandalism, improve site safety, and manage access on construction sites. Importantly, a security presence helps reduce liability, protect your bottom line, and ensure your projects finish on time and within budget. 

At Blackbird Security, we know that every construction site faces unique challenges. Our team has experience with security projects of all sizes across Canada, including large-scale developments. We tailor our services to meet your exact needs and address your site’s concerns.

Ready to protect your investment? Contact us today to learn how our construction site security services can support your next project.