11 steps to safeguarding jobsites

Preventing crime on jobsites takes some front-end work, but it’s worth it.

Large construction sites are frequently victimized by the theft of machinery and equipment, tools and materials. But because they vary so much, different jobsites require different protective measures and programs.

To help reduce the threat of theft on jobsites, the Springfield, Missouri, Police Department offers 11 strategies that can minimize or reduce jobsites theft.

1. Identify assets and property.
All assets on a construction site should be identified, inventoried, and tracked as closely as practical. Develop a company identification numbering system and corporate equipment should have some type of logo or advertising prominently displayed. Employees should be strongly encouraged or even required to have any personal property they bring onto the jobsite to be engraved with an identification number.

2. Keep an eye on the jobsite.
Your crime prevention coordinator should contact residents, businesses and other persons who frequent the area for their support in maintaining a safe and secure jobsite. Emphasize your concern for their personal safety as well.

3. Control key possession.
Keys should be issued to as few people as possible. The company crime prevention coordinator should maintain a log of issued keys that details the type of key issued, to whom, on what date and for what purpose. Extra keys should be kept to a minimum and keys should not be hidden on the jobsite and key control numbers should be removed from padlocks. To prevent unauthorized duplication, keys can be “plugged” with a rivet through the bow, which prevents proper alignment on key-making machines.

4. Lock or guard gates.
Gates to the jobsite should be kept to a minimum and strange or unrecognized vehicles on the site should be challenged. If possible and practical, use uniformed guards during working hours to check vehicles entering and leaving the jobsite. Gates should be closed and locked at night and on weekends.

5. Secure tools and equipment.
Storage sheds or fenced areas should be used on the jobsite for secure tool and equipment storage. When jobsite vehicles or equipment are not in use, ignition keys should be removed and the cabs locked. Use metal shields on equipment windows to reduce vandalism. Oil and gas tank caps should be locked. Machines can also be disabled with hidden ignition cut-out switches.

Construction equipment should be engraved or marked in at least two obvious and one hidden location. Use a hardened steel punch or etching tool to mark the serial numbers on the equipment. Report any equipment loss to the police immediately.

6. Light the jobsite.
Lighting can be an effective deterrent to theft and vandalism on the jobsite, especially for deterring casual or impulse offenders. Pay special attention to lighting areas such as office trailers, equipment storage trailers, material storage yards and equipment storage areas. Illuminate them to a minimum of one ft.-candle at ground level. These areas should also be positioned so they can be seen from the most heavily traveled road bordering the site. Lighting systems triggered by a motion detector or passive infrared sensor are also a good idea for the jobsite because it gives the impression that an intrusion has been detected and may also warn neighbors of potential intruders.

7. Fence the jobsite.
Ideally, the entire jobsite should be enclosed in sturdy fencing. If it is not practical to enclose the entire site, fence the area around trailers and material storage. If possible, there should only be one or two access points or gates, which makes controlling access easier.

Chain-link fencing allows security patrols, police and neighbors to keep an eye on the site; chain link fencing topped by strands of barbed wire makes the area even more secure. Pay attention to fencing areas where hazardous materials, poisons, solvents, explosives and flammable materials are stored.

Employees should park personal vehicles outside the construction fence or have a specifically designated parking area within the fenced area.

8. Consider additional security.
In high-risk areas, it may be advisable to hire a bonded and insured security company to maintain guard staff onsite or to make periodic patrols of the jobsite. Local police departments are often not staffed to the point where officers can make periodic site patrols, or they may be tied up dealing with emergencies or other priorities. A contract private security service can set up patrols inside the jobsite as well as the perimeter and can be responsible for checking lighting and alarm systems on the jobsite as well as making sure the fencing is not cut or compromised by thieves.

9. Get employee’s help.
Enlist the support of employees in minimizing theft and vandalism. Report all vandalism and theft to the appropriate law enforcement agency immediately.
Have serial numbers and information about markings on the equipment available when the responding officer arrives. Make sure there is a complete record of model and serial numbers of all equipment assigned to the project.

10. Get rid of graffiti.
Remove graffiti from the jobsite as soon as possible, because graffiti often spawns or encourages further graffiti.

11. Post the area off limits.
“No Trespassing” signs should be prominently displayed on fencing or the perimeter of the job site. They discourage unauthorized entry onto the jobsite and, if correctly worded, aids in the prosecution of apprehended trespassers. “No Trespassing” signs and other danger warnings can help protect the company from liability for possible injuries to trespassers or strangers. Consult the local law enforcement agency or an attorney for warning sign wording.

Published in the July/August 2008 issue of Contractor Tools and Supplies magazine.

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