How to Keep Inactive Construction Sites Secure: 6 Safety Tips

Unsecured construction sites can bankrupt construction companies. “When sites are inactive or unoccupied, fire, vandalism, theft, and flooding are real dangers,” says Jay Siegel, Senior Energy and Construction Risk Consulting at AGCS (Allianz Global Corporate & Specialty). “The only way to minimize project losses is to take action.”

That’s why AGCS suggests protecting inactive construction sites with these loss-prevention strategies:

1. Maintain Site Security

Before closing construction sites, make sure they’re as safe as possible. If you can’t use security personnel, consider installing a video monitoring system.

2. Safely Store Assets

Consider temporarily moving valuable materials to a safer area. Secure all packaging that might be adversely impacted by the weather. Remove or secure chemicals to prevent spills and accidents. Make sure all flammable liquids and gasses are removed from the site. To mitigate the risk of fires, consider removing all paper and combustible materials (wood, sawdust, trash, etc.).

Store materials separately and make sure to close all areas where valuable assets are kept. The FleetUp 5TA is a discreet and portable asset tracker that can be placed on a door or a pallet. If it’s moved or separated from its base, it sends users SMS alerts.

3. Prevent Asset Loss

If work has to be interrupted, consider delaying equipment delivery until the project resumes. If equipment is already at the site, protect it with fire resistant covers and foils.

FleetUp’s tracking devices help prevent theft. Their automated alert systems send you messages when machinery is moved off-site or used without authorization.

5. Mitigate Risk from Natural Disasters

Sometimes, pausing projects can expose them to unanticipated seasonal events like snowstorms, hurricanes, and freezing temperatures. Excavations and trenches pose particular risks. Consider adjusting the slope of excavations to avoid landslides due to heavy rains. Fill trenches to avoid damaging cables and pipes.

6. Get Ready to Restart Quickly

Prepare for the inspections you’ll need before restarting the project. Before returning to the site, inspect the condition of electrical, water, and gas systems. Have structural, mechanical, electrical, and geotechnical engineers confirm the project’s integrity.

When sites shut down, they can’t be left without security. Tracking devices are the best way to make sure that assets and materials aren’t stolen.

FleetUp won’t only increase the security of your assets, it will also protect your clients and suppliers. Don’t wait until it’s too late – prevent theft now.