Construction project job sites big and small are often targeted by thieves, and the current high price of construction materials is a contributing factor. Anything that can be sold for cash, such as building materials, equipment, trailers, and construction vehicles, is at risk. Developing a site security plan can help your crew mitigate the risks of trespassing, theft, and vandalism at your job site. Here are some tips for protecting your construction site from theft.
Tips for Protecting Your Construction Site
Whether it’s a disgruntled neighbor trying to obstruct construction or a thief trying to make off with some valuables, an open job site can be hard to defend. However, there are a lot of things contractors and developers can do to address these vulnerabilities. Here are a few ways to prevent crime on your job site:
- Surveillance Systems: The presence of motion-activated detection systems or cameras alone may be enough to deter would-be trespassers. You should designate a staff member to monitor these surveillance systems continuously.
- Security Guard Service: Hiring a reputable and insured security guard service can provide you with an on-site presence while workers are off the clock. They'll perform regular rounds of the property and notify law enforcement and site management of any abnormalities.
- Construction Material Management: Building materials are often delivered to the job site before any buildings are adequately closed in. If possible, plan your deliveries just in time for them to be used or when secure on-site storage has been established.
- Physical Barriers: While it may seem like a given, setting up physical barriers, like fencing or locked access gates, can make getting into the site more difficult and make it more challenging for thieves to remove cumbersome objects from the property.
Providing your staff members with site security education can also help. You can inform them of how to cut the fuel supply in the construction vehicles before leaving and how to store equipment properly. Performing background checks on your workers can also safeguard you from theft on the inside. 
Invest in Construction Site Coverage
Your construction business insurance will cover some of your stolen or damaged equipment, but you can invest in specific commercial insurance, much like inland marine insurance, to ensure you’re protected from all angles. Some of the overlooked coverages when it comes to job sites are:
- Stored Material Coverage: Stored materials are not covered by your business's personal property coverage, so purchasing construction site coverage is necessary.
- Trailers and Vehicles: Vehicles and trailers should all be accounted for on your commercial auto insurance. Keep your insurance agent up-to-date on your inventory, especially if you have a large fleet of vehicles.
- Equipment Coverage: Lost equipment is not included in your commercial auto policy and needs separate coverage. Construction site insurance will not only cover the business’s equipment but the employees’ tools, too.
Purchasing additional insurance only further safeguards your investment and adds layers to your job site’s security.
While protecting your construction site from theft can seem tedious, taking these steps now will help prevent future costly delays in your project. Not only do you want to prevent any interruptions in your construction, but you also want to ensure you have funds available to you to replace any equipment or building materials. If your construction company is looking for coverage against any job site risks, including theft, contact World Insurance Associates today.
This article is not intended to be exhaustive, nor should any discussion or opinions be construed as legal advice. Readers should contact legal counsel or an insurance professional for appropriate advice.