Construction site theft is an ongoing issue that hits the industry hard. In 2021 alone, more than 11,500 burglaries occurred on U.S. jobsites. The repercussions of theft and vandalism extend beyond the immediate financial burden, potentially leading to significant project delays, increased insurance premiums, and downtime for equipment operators. With each instance of equipment theft averaging around $30,000 in losses, a single breach could have devastating effects on contractors and their teams.
In the world of construction, time is money, and every minute lost can have a profound impact on a project’s bottom line.
Fortunately, there is a solution: professional jobsite security monitoring. Cameras alone have value for deterring theft and gathering video evidence, but they can only do so much on a jobsite without the tools specifically developed for construction projects. And video evidence, while valuable for investigations, often arrives after the damage has been done.
To learn more about keeping jobsites secure and elevating your construction practice, read on for the top benefits of investing in professional security monitoring:
Real-time Monitoring Saves Time and Money
Lost equipment not only incurs replacement costs, but also leads to time spent waiting for these replacements to arrive. Jobsite cameras with real-time monitoring are a cost-effective way to either replace or reduce the need for onsite security officers. This translates to significant cost savings in the long run, making your construction project more financially viable.
A visible camera strategically placed on your construction site, particullarly when equipped with Strobes and Sirens, serves as a powerful deterrent to potential criminals. However, real-time dispatch of emergency services takes security to the next level. This not only lets criminals know they’ve been detected, but also reduces the window of opportunity they have to carry out illegal activities before law enforcement arrives. In certain instances, it can even prevent them from leaving the site with your valuable equipment, ensuring greater protection for your assets.
Gain Peace of Mind, All the Time
Construction projects don’t always adhere to a strict 9-to-5 schedule, and neither do criminals. They strike at any time – on nights, weekends, and holidays, when your site might be least protected. This is where 24/7 monitoring comes to the rescue. With professional monitoring services in place, you can rest assured that your construction site is always covered, even when you’re not there to oversee it personally.
Professional monitoring services handle everything from reviewing the footage to verifying potential threats and, when necessary, dispatching authorities. This means you can enjoy your well-deserved time off without worrying about what’s happening on your jobsite. When choosing a jobsite security monitoring provider, look for certifications such as UL Listed and Five Diamond Certified, which indicate that they rank among the top 5% of monitoring centers.
Compliance with Insurance Requirements
Insurance companies are keenly aware of the value of video evidence when a crime has been committed. High-quality footage helps investigators review incidents and take appropriate action. In some cases, insurance providers may even require additional coverage, such as 24/7 monitoring, to ensure that your construction site is adequately protected.
Beyond meeting insurance requirements, having professional monitoring services in place can help you avoid the unfortunate consequences of filing claims. When an incident occurs and a claim needs to be submitted, your insurance rates are likely to increase. By investing in monitoring services that deter and prevent theft and vandalism, you can reduce the likelihood of claims and the subsequent rate hikes that often follow.
Reduce Notification Fatigue and False Alarms
Modern jobsite cameras are equipped with customizable motion alerts, capable of intelligently filtering out false alarms triggered by irrelevant events, such as a stray cat wandering onto the site or passing cars. The catch is that they may not always distinguish between legitimate and unauthorized personnel entering the site.
This is where professional security monitoring professionals come into play.
Having a human security monitoring team provides a valuable layer of assurance. They posess the capability to validate alerts by thoroughly reviewing the footage and identifying genuine threats, such as someone cutting through a fence. In cases where it’s merely an employee entering the jobsite for legitimate reasons, the monitoring team can contact you to confirm for authorization. This not only reduces false alarms, but also ensures that you are only notified when there’s a verified threat, saving you time while minimizing unnecessary interruptions.
Emergency services also face notification fatigue, and many municipalities impose fines on companies that generate too many false alarms. With professional monitoring, emergency services will be notified for verified emergencies only, reducing notification fatigue and increasing the likelihood of swift intervention when it matters most.
Bonus Benefits of Jobsite Monitoring
Increased Accountability: Jobsite monitoring encourages employees and subcontractors to adhere to safety protocols and rules. Knowing that their actions are being observed can promote responsible behavior, reducing the risk of accidents and liabilities.
Project Progress Tracking: Beyond security, jobsite cameras can be used to monitor the progress of construction projects. They provide an invaluable visual record of each stage, helping project managers track timelines, identify bottlenecks, and improve overall efficiency.
Remote Access: With jobsite monitoring, you can access live video feeds and recorded footage remotely, using a computer or mobile device. This means you can keep an eye on your construction site from anywhere, providing peace of mind even when you’re miles away.
Documentation for Disputes: Disputes can arise over project details, timelines, or quality of work. Jobsite monitoring offers clear, timestamped video evidence that can be invaluable when resolving conflicts or legal matters.
Marketing and Client Engagement: High-quality construction site footage can be used for marketing purposes. It allows you to showcase your projects to potential clients, investors, or stakeholders, enhancing your company’s reputation while attracting new opportunities.
Safety & Compliance Training: Footage of incidents on the jobsite can be saved to use as real-world training examples. These real examples can help keep employees safe in the future.
Jobsite Monitoring Solutions: A Closer Look
Professional jobsite monitoring comprises the latest in construction technology, all with the goal of providing security for your projects. To get a better understanding of this potential investment, here are the main components:
High-Resolution Cameras: The backbone of any effective jobsite monitoring solution is a high-resolution camera. These cameras capture detailed images and videos, ensuring that nothing goes unnoticed. Modern jobsite cameras offer exceptional clarity and can capture footage even in low-light conditions, thanks to features like infrared night vision. The ability to see clearly at all times is essential for identifying potential threats and documenting construction progress accurately.
Weatherproof Housing: Construction sites are exposed to the elements, which means monitoring equipment must be rugged and durable. Weatherproof housing protects the camera’s sensitive electronics from rain, dust, and extreme temperatures. This ensures that your monitoring system remains operational and reliable in all weather conditions, 24/7.
Remote Viewing and Management: One of the key advantages of modern jobsite monitoring solutions is the ability to access live video feeds and recorded footage remotely. This feature is especially valuable for project managers, site supervisors, and contractors who need to keep a watchful eye on multiple jobsites simultaneously. Remote access allows you to stay connected to your projects, even when you’re off-site or managing projects in different locations.
Intelligent Motion Detection: While cameras are excellent at capturing everything, sorting through hours of footage can be time-consuming. This is where intelligent motion detection comes into play. Look for jobsite monitoring solutions that can be configured to alert you only when significant motion is detected, such as a person entering the site or a vehicle approaching. This minimizes the need to review mundane footage while ensuring that you are promptly informed of potential security breaches.
Cloud-Based Storage: Storing vast amounts of video data can be a logistical challenge. Traditional on-site storage solutions are cumbersome and can be vulnerable to theft or damage. Many jobsite monitoring solutions now offer cloud-based storage, which provides secure, scalable, and easily accessible storage for your video footage. Cloud storage ensures that your valuable data is protected, and you can retrieve it whenever needed.
Mobile Apps: The construction industry is fast-paced, and project managers are always on the move. Mobile apps accompanying jobsite monitoring solutions allow you to access your camera feeds and alerts directly from your smartphone or tablet. This level of convenience and flexibility ensures that you’re always connected, regardless of your location.
Integration with Other Systems: For comprehensive site security and management, integration with other systems is essential. Modern jobsite monitoring solutions can be seamlessly integrated with platforms like Autodesk and Procore to provide seamless collaboration and transitions between tasks.
The Solution: Construction Camera Solutions for Jobsite Monitoring
Construction theft and vandalism pose significant risks to contractors and construction firms, resulting in substantial financial losses, project delays, increased insurance premiums, and operational disruptions. The solution to these challenges lies in investing in professional jobsite security monitoring. This proactive approach not only saves time and money, but also provides peace of mind, fulfills insurance requirements, reduces notification fatigue and false alarms, and offers a range of additional benefits.
To address the critical issue of construction theft and vandalism, investing in construction camera solutions for jobsite monitoring is paramount. These cameras are designed specifically for the unique challenges of construction sites, offering features such as high-definition video quality, night vision capabilities, and weather-resistant housings to ensure reliable performance in all conditions.
When it comes to selecting jobsite monitoring for your construction projects, our team at TrueLook is dedicated to providing the best security solutions. We offer a wide range of construction camera solutions designed to meet the unique needs of contractors and construction firms. Whether you’re overseeing a small renovation project or a massive construction site, TrueLook has a camera system tailored to your needs. From compact, fixed-position cameras to cameras offering 360° coverage, TrueLook provides a comprehensive suite of options to fit your project’s specific requirements.
With features like real-time monitoring, high-quality video footage, and intelligent motion detection, you can enjoy the peace of mind that comes with knowing your construction project is under constant surveillance, even during off-hours and holidays.
TrueLook Construction Cameras have been designed to provide a robust defense against theft and vandalism while meeting the unique demands of construction sites. By implementing professional monitoring services and advanced camera solutions, you can secure your jobsite, mitigate risks, and ensure the successful completion of your construction projects. If you’re ready to take the next step in securing your jobsites and elevating your construction practice, contact our team for a free live construction camera demo!
