Rudy Penner - Director, Risk Management
Job sites theft is a growing concern within the construction industry and can have serious implications for your business. In addition to the direct costs of replacing tools or equipment, there are also severe indirect costs, such as lost productivity.
It is important to have prevention measures in place at your job site to lower your risks and reduce the chances of thieves making off with valuable equipment. Here are some strategies to keep your construction site safe and your production on track:
Light It Up
Proper lighting on your job site can deter thieves from entering the site. It also makes it more difficult for thieves to enter and exit the job site without being seen.
Secure Your Job Site
Whether it is a home renovation or a large commercial project, it is important to have control of who can enter and exit your job site. For home renovations it is a good idea to have a list of who has access to the site and create a sign in/out process. On a large commercial project temporary fencing can be a great way to keep thieves out of the job site and set certain access points.
Track Your Tool Inventory
Whether it is a detailed catalogue or simple labelling, it is important to keep a record of your current tool inventory. You can use this inventory to ensure you have all equipment counted for when leaving a job site and can be used to file an insurance claim if theft does occur.
Lock Away Your Tools
Tools are especially high target items for thieves so it’s important to ensure that they are secure when not in use. A storage locker, locked job site trailer or locking tool boxes are great options to help keep your tools secure on the job site.
Secure Your Company Vehicles
Company vehicles are frequently targeted by thieves due to the likelihood of tools and other high value items being inside. Vehicles should be stored in a secure compound if available or parked in areas that minimize the opportunity for theft, such as well-lit or high traffic areas. Vehicles should also be be equipped with secure lock boxes for tools.
No job site is 100% safe but by taking steps to increase your security, you can reduce your risk for theft. For more information on how to keep your job site secure this year, please contact one of our risk management professionals.
The information provided in this blog is intended to be general in nature and should not be taken as advice or as a recommendation about insurance.
