CCTV has become commonplace on almost all construction sites in the UK. Historically CCTV was only ever used as a security system, however CCTV can now arguably offer the most efficient means of construction site management too.
It’s simply not possible for site managers to monitor all activity taking place on busy construction sites in person, thus making CCTV one of the most valuable tools for management to have at their disposal.
Here are some of the most common uses for CCTV on construction sites:
- Health and Safety
- Security & Surveillance
- Site Efficiency/Productivity
- Number Plate Recognition
- PA – Tannoy System
- Virtual Trip Wires
- Motion Sensors
Health and Safety
Construction sites, by nature of the type of work being, are also hazardous places – not just for workers but also visitors and even members of the public who live or work in close proximity. Consequently, the risk of accidents is an ever-present concern, despite all the actions that are taken to prevent/minimise such events.
At all times, construction site managers have a legal duty to know who is on their site at any one time and where they are at all times, this is especially important in the event of an emergency.
A CCTV system provides an extremely effective way for site managers to monitor an entire construction site and allows the management team to observe activities in real time or via recorded data. Apart from contributing towards improving site safety and security, CCTV footage can provide undisputed evidence with regards to issues such as controversy regarding on-site accidents, aggressive untoward behaviour, disputes, bullying, dangerous acts or horseplay etc.
Should an incident or accident take place, management can very quickly look back at any event, determining whether the incident was a result of human error or even equipment failure, allowing management to take the appropriate measure to avoid it from happening again. By the thorough nature of assessing incidents in this way, construction companies can significantly reduce the quantity and frequency of accidents on-site, as well as gaining a better understanding of why any existing safety precautions have failed, and how they can be improved.
Such evidence can be used to support accident reports, legal disputes arising from injury at work and information for taking disciplinary action and or refresher training, should it be required.
As well as being used as a method to disclose responsibility, CCTV can also be used to identify corrective and preventative actions, to ensure the incident does not repeat itself in the future. The video evidence will show exactly how the incident occurred, so that the risk of injury can be eliminated or reduced. Often in construction, machinery malfunction is the cause of accidents and CCTV systems are ideal for monitoring such occurrences.
Security & Surveillance
Without any form of security or a CCTV system, construction companies will struggle to effectively manage site security and will more than likely become a target for theft and vandalism.
I-HT CCTV will provide 365 days a year and complete 24 hour security & surveillance, it is an obvious solution to construction site security. Coupled with clear and concise CCTV signage which is a legal requirement which also often deters trespassers, vandals or those with criminal intent from even entering the site.
High resolution CCTV will provide face recognition footage – which is always an important factor to consider, especially if the police require evidence to pursue a criminal offence.
Site Efficiency/Productivity
I-HT has spoken with previous clients that have had a security system in place providing coverage of the site being constructed and have noticed a significant upturn in productivity.
Without making workers feel like they are being scrutinised by the ‘Big Brother’ effect, once workers are aware that the site is being monitored, they are much less likely to engage in horseplay or lark around. This also makes workers more conscious that procedures & protocols are adhered to all resulting is less incidents.
Camera positioning is also an important consideration to ensure it offers full coverage of the site, as is choosing a combination of camera type – fixed, movable, wide angle, close-up feature recognition etc.
Number Plate Recognition Cameras
These are helpful when large amounts of vehicular traffic is moving around a site, detailed logs can be provided of every vehicle as it enters & exits a site. These cameras can be programmed to read certain vehicle number plates, only granting access to pre-approved vehicles.
The cameras can also be connected to an access control barrier, so that if any unauthorised vehicle attempts to enter the site, security will be alerted to investigate the situation. This allows access to the site to be continuously monitored and can significantly reduce on-site crime.
PA – Tannoy System
If an alarm is triggered and an unauthorised person is found being on-site, it is very easy to communicate with that individual. Multiple horn speakers can be position around a site and easily connected into the CCTV system.
This can be incredibly useful in preventing a crime being committed on a construction site.
Virtual Trip Wires
Virtual Trip Wires can be set up within the field of view of any camera, these can be set to trigger an alarm if a trip wire is crossed. These can be set up to only trigger an alarm between programmed days and certain times of day, which is especially beneficial to only trigger alarms when the site is not operational.
The Artificial Intelligence aspect of these systems allow you to teach the system when a false alarm is triggered (i.e small animal etc), this will teach the system to not send alarms the next time a small animal is detected.
Motion Sensors
A good low cost option that can also be integrated into the CCTV system, motion sensors use very little energy and are generally very sensitive to any movement. When the sensors detect movement in an area, they can send an alert to the CCTV system to trigger an alarm that movement has been detected.
By using the CCTV system’s smart viewing software, the security personnel will very quickly be able to view the cameras where movement was detected. Motion sensors are very beneficial when connected to a lighting circuit, once movement is triggered the lights will turn on to draw more attention to the site, which could indicate a theft in progress.
