During the last nine months, there has been a significant fall in the number of properties and developments planned or under construction throughout the UK, as well as a sharp fall in the number of people employed in the construction industry, mirroring the downturn in the wider British economy.
With sites ceasing to operate due to a lack of funding, and so becoming derelict, they are open to arson and theft. If a construction site is not secured properly, people may gain access to them, risking their own lives, as well as giving opportunity for vandalism and the potential for expensive equipment to be stolen.
RSA warns that if sites do not follow the advice given to them by insurance companies, then they may not be insured if equipment is stolen or the construction site itself is subject to vandalism or arson.
Simple rules to keeping your construction site safe:
Erect a perimeter of timber hoarding (2.4-3m high) around the premises
Secure window openings and doors with steel shuttering or 18mm plywood
Maintain good levels of lighting at night
Manned security guarding - Contract security should be licensed under Private Security Industry Act 2001
Use remotely monitored CCTV cameras
While contractors may be tempted to cut corners in the current economic climate, RSA is advising them to value the quality of service an insurer can offer if they are forced to stop work on their site, as it could save a lot of money in the long term.
David Swigciski, Regional Training Leader for Construction at RSA, said:
"Unfortunately, due to the recession, sites are being closed down or the work is being put on hold as the funding is no longer as available for completion.
"During these hard times, site managers and owners must seek professional advice, to ensure that their site is totally protected, and to prevent them from losing money unnecessarily. If people do not follow the advice given, then they are exposing themselves to the risk of vandalism and other criminal activity resulting in further financial losses."
