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Construction projects can be a major disruption to your business and cause significant security concerns for tenants and visitors. There are a myriad of potential issues during all phases of construction that require a heightened level of security including break-ins, theft, access control challenges and property damage. It is important to minimize the likelihood of these incidents by engaging with your security team and addressing all safety issues with the project manager and your tenants prior to the commencement of construction.
From the planning stages to the finished product, everyone in the building and surrounding areas should be kept abreast of the latest safety and security updates. Develop strategies with your security team to ensure safety messages and procedures are clear and to the point. Additionally, alerting tenants to construction schedules can help keep them more alert for unknown individuals entering the facility during non-construction hours.
The presence of high value building materials such as metal, copper and lead also pose a concern as these are targets for thieves. Construction related break-ins can result in the theft of not only building materials and the construction team’s equipment, but can also allow for access into the facility, increasing the potential for theft of tenant items. And the culprit is not always someone on the outside. Increased security measures can help prepare your facility before the first hammer swings. This continued investment in security will be vital to the overall safety of every individual involved.
Contracted individuals working on the construction project may have access to otherwise restricted areas of a building because of their job; however, that does not mean they should have access to all areas, especially if the location has nothing to do with their project. It is important that the security team authorizes proper identification badges for contracted individuals and is strict on checking them in and out of the facility. The security team should also ensure that contracted individuals are only in authorized areas to protect your tenant’s environment.
The construction area should also be secured as it is an ever-changing environment. Security officers can monitor access points and inspect individuals, packages, building material crates and storage units. Vehicles should also be stopped and thoroughly examined prior to entrance to prevent against unauthorized individuals or materials entering the construction site. Barriers should be installed to outline where the construction is taking place to alert individuals not related to the construction to avoid the area. Fencing should have a locking mechanism in place at all access points to add additional security during non-operating hours. Security officers should be provided a key to the area so they can continually check on the construction site during their patrols.
In addition to security procedures, safety is also a concern during construction projects. Security officers can play a critical role here as well. Officers can help identify issues with lighting throughout the property and can alert individuals to access points and the overall construction area. Furthermore, outdoor construction projects can create road closures, especially if the building is in a high vehicle and foot traffic area. The security team can help to map out detours for your tenants to manage traffic congestion.
Maintaining a high level of security during a construction project can help create peace of mind for your tenants and visitors. Ensure that all individuals in the building feel safe and know who they can contact if there is an issue. Keeping the lines of communication open and planning for changes will help you create a safe culture and secure environment during your construction project.
