State-of-the-art CCTV is having a significant impact on security budgets in the construction sector…
In the past 12 months there has been a switch from the use of human patrols to a reliance on digital technologies to keep construction sites safe.
Specialist security provider VPS Site Security said the change had been seen due to the advances in digital technologies. Devices such as CCTV offer around the clock surveillance and as technology continues to develop can be incredibly cost effective.
For example, the JCB Smart Tower offers the latest camera technology coupled with wireless networks, sensors, and power sources. One of the benefits of this technology is it enables long stretches of highway construction to be monitored night and day via a remote station.
Some projects have seen savings of over 60 per cent in their security budget by switching. A number of major contractors have already begun to utilise CCTV systems to improve security while cutting costs. This includes Costain, GallifordTry, Carillion, Taylor Wimpey and Murphy.
Managing Director of VPS Site Security Simon Alderson said: “Manned guards have always been the traditional mainstay approach in the building sector to secure difficult sites such as highway construction and large, remote areas.
“But technological solutions have really proven themselves in recent years. So much so that, combined with truly dramatic cost-savings and better 24/7 protection and safety, we’ve seen a definite shift towards systems designed with CCTV included as the preferred choice.”
Alderson added: “Mobile patrols may still be required, but they are much more efficient when deployed with the support of these tower systems, as they can help target problems.
“The high definition videos are also being used as safety tools and traffic management systems, adding an extra layer of health and safety protection for construction workers and the public alike, providing immediate alerts if a potential danger is spotted, enabling the site to act before it comes an incident.”