The Christmas shutdown is fast approaching, and it’s time for all our thoughts to turn to the lighter side of life – festivities, presents and time spent with family and friends.
Construction sites around the country will be closing down for several days, and without wanting to sound a Scrooge-like note, or be dubbed the ‘Grinch who stole Christmas’, it’s also time to plan for a safe and secure shutdown.
Simple precautions pay
Police forces around the country report that thefts of construction equipment are on the increase, and it’s not just smaller tools and portable on-site equipment that are attracting the attention of thieves. Stolen JCBs have been used by thieves to ram shops and bank premises to dislodge and steal cash machines.
So in the spirit of the festive season, here are a few security reminders to help make the 12 days of Christmas memorable for all the right reasons.
Top site security tips for the 12 days of Christmas
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First Tip of Christmas |
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Ahead of shutdown, make sure everyone on site is familiar with your security procedures, and aware of their personal responsibility for their tools. Encourage all staff to identify potential site security issuesahead of the holiday. |
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Second Tip of Christmas |
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Display warning notices around the site stating security systems are in place, without being specific. |
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Third Tip of Christmas |
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Store valuable materials such as copper pipe and electrical cable securely, and protect with intruder alarms. |
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Fourth Tip of Christmas |
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Ensure that security lights, alarms and CCTV systems are in working order – thieves are put off a site that’s lit up like a Christmas tree! |
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Fifth Tip of Christmas |
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Consider storing construction equipment securely off-site during the break. |
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Sixth Tip of Christmas |
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Catalogue all machinery that’s to be left on site over the holiday period. |
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Seventh Tip of Christmas |
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Only hire security guards who are Security Industry Authority approved. |
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Eighth Tip of Christmas |
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Check that all on-site IT equipment is secure; it’s not just tools that thieves target. |
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Ninth Tip of Christmas |
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Remove ignition keys from all vehicles left on site, and store in a secure place. |
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Tenth Tip of Christmas |
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Add unique identifiers to your equipment, so that if it’s stolen and recovered it can be returned to you. |
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Eleventh Tip of Christmas |
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Monitor site access points – ensure your perimeter fencing is secure. |
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Twelfth Tip of Christmas |
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Consider your stock control over the break – only order the minimum amount of materials needed. |
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Bonus Tip! |
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Focus’ Site Safety Assessment Tool, developed in partnership with our risk management partners Cardinus, is the perfect way for Brokers to help their Construction clients self-assess and improve their site safety, in order to keep future premiums and policy terms down. That should help them get into the Christmas spirit! To find out about this highly useful online tool, please click the link below. |
Focus’ Site Safety Assessment Tool
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The team at Focus wishes you a very Happy Christmas and looks forward to working with you in the New Year!
