If you manage a construction site, then you understand how many moving parts make projects come together. When one element is off, it can negatively affect the entire job. And at the end of the day, that reflects on you.
It is important to monitor a site with quality security cameras to ensure everything stays in working order and minimize risk. However, I know it’s hard to keep an eye on an entire site simultaneously.
Through the power of surveillance cameras, you can keep your area secure 24/7.
Getting Started Checklist
Here are the top features to consider when selecting a security camera for a construction site:
- Durability: Choose a camera that can withstand harsh weather and construction site conditions.
- High resolution: Look for a camera with high resolution to ensure that you can see clear footage.
- Wide dynamic range (WDR): WDR helps balance the camera’s exposure, allowing it to capture clear footage in bright and low light conditions.
- Night vision: Consider a camera with night vision capabilities to ensure you can see footage even in low light conditions.
- Wide field of view: Choose a camera with a wide field of view to cover a large area.
- Remote viewing: Look for a camera with remote viewing capabilities to access footage from anywhere with an internet connection.
- Motion detection: Choose a camera with motion detection to alert you of any activity on the construction site.
- Two-way audio: Consider a camera with two-way audio so you can communicate with anyone on the other end.
- Onboard storage: Look for a camera with onboard storage, such as a microSD card, to store footage in case of an incident.
- Compatibility: Make sure the camera is compatible with your construction site’s Wi-Fi network and any other security systems you may have in place.
Why Invest in Security Cameras
There are many reasons to purchase a surveillance device, but the most important is protection. You should invest in a security camera for businesses with HD quality to protect equipment, deter burglars, and protect from vandalism.
If you can supervise employees, deliveries, and more with the help of a camera, you will have peace of mind. You will worry less about monitoring your staff because your camera will do that for you.
Considering these benefits, consider which camera you buy based on the following factors.
1. How will it be Powered
One of the most important things to consider when shopping for a device is how it will be powered. You don’t want to buy an incompatible camera with your site.
Because a construction site might take many months or years to complete, a constant power source isn’t always a given. There may be no source of electricity whatsoever, or the source is unreliable.
If that is the case at your site, don’t worry. You can choose several options instead of a traditional device powered by direct electricity. The two most popular options include:
- Solar-powered cameras
- Battery-powered cameras
Solar Powered Security Cameras
This is a great choice for your power source, especially if you live in an area with year-round sunlight, like California, Florida, or another sunny area. The average solar-powered security camera has a built-in solar panel that can harness the sun’s energy and power the device.
If you choose a solar-powered option, you can also take pride in the fact that it is an environmentally-friendly decision for your company. However, if your site is primarily indoors, you may want to consider the following option.
Battery Powered Security Cameras
Besides solar power, you can also turn to a battery-powered security camera. Once you install it in one or more locations, just put in the batteries and let it do its thing. However, ensure you know how long the average set of batteries will last for the type of camera you purchase. The last thing you want is to miss an important moment because the batteries died!
Some models even feature a hybrid of solar power and battery power. With this kind of model, you get the best of both worlds. Plus, you don’t have to worry when it’s overcast outside.
2. What Kinds of Features do You Want in a Camera
Another thing to consider when researching cameras to buy is what features you want in a camera. Not all models are created equal.
There are many manufacturers, each with different approaches and ways of making cameras. What you should look for ultimately depends on your needs. But some of the most common features include:
Video Quality
When choosing a surveillance device, you want to ensure it captures critical moments with clarity. That is why a camera with high video quality is so important. It would be best to look for models that offer at least 1080p. Finding something with a high-quality video, even at night, is also a good idea. The late-night hours are when sites are most susceptible to break-ins.
Accessibility
Another important feature is accessibility. You want a model you can access when you need to the most. This is a good way to access recordings if you have the camera connected to a monitor somewhere in an office or other location.
In recent years, it has also become popular for people to access footage through their smartphones and mobile devices. This allows you to check in on the progress at your site and watch for any suspicious activity even when you aren’t around. The remote control is a great option if you have to travel or take care of things at home.
Portability
You want a surveillance device you can take from one job and bring to the next. For that reason, it should have some degree of portability. You don’t want to waste days trying to uninstall something. It should be able to be broken down without much hassle.
Resistance to Water
If your project is outdoors, this is a must-have feature. Don’t assume that your outdoor camera will be safe, even in sunny California; every region has stormy days. This kind of technology is valuable, so you don’t want it to break as soon as it rains. You should find a waterproof model. Also, it will help if the device is resistant to some other elements, especially if it is outside for extended periods. Most modern models will offer this feature.
Wires
A construction site is busy, full of workers, building materials, and complex equipment. To make your security approach simple, look for a wireless camera. Wired models may end up cluttering the workspace you are trying to manage. If there are too many wires involved, workers may damage them. A wireless option will ensure that nothing interferes with the device.
Zoom Capabilities
If you can find a security camera with adequate zoom capabilities, this will benefit you in the long run. You will be able to see small details. For example, if you capture theft on camera, you can use the zoom feature to identify the perpetrator. Or you may be able to use it to capture other identifying features, such as a vehicle license plate number.
3. Time and Money for Maintenance and Repairs
Once you know how your device will be powered and what features you want it to have, think about how you will use it.
Of course, you will want to know where to install it, what angles you will shoot, and so on. But another thing to consider is how much you will use it and how that will affect its performance.
The longer you have construction site security cameras, the higher the chances they will need repairs or maintenance. You should budget for repairs and maintenance with care. You may have to consider other solutions if you can’t afford the upkeep of a reliable security system. However, video surveillance is a smart investment that could save thousands of dollars by preventing any theft on the premises.
Other Ways to Strengthen Your Construction Site Security
In addition to installing a camera on your construction, you can do several other things to strengthen your security. Some of them include the following:
- You are keeping things locked up. Never leave your valuable items unsecured. You should be able to lock them up or store them in a secure location when they are not in use. After the workday, have a protocol for locking things up and ensure everyone on staff knows the protocol.
- Hiring personnel you can trust– You want trustworthy people working on and around your site. This includes the workers that are on staff. Get to know them. Conduct background checks. Whatever you need to do to vet them. Also, hiring security guards as additional reinforcement isn’t a bad idea.
- Placing identifying markers on equipment and materials– Try marking your equipment and materials in some way that allows you to identify them as yours. Some people will paint or engrave them as a simple solution. If someone steals these, this will make your valuables easier to find. For heavy and extremely expensive equipment, some people add GPS tracking.
Wrapping Up
The more you invest in security for your construction site, the greater your peace of mind will be. You will feel like you are in control of the situation. Plus, it will look great to current and future clients. If you can talk to them about the incredible security measures you have in place and your top-of-the-line camera, it will be an extra perk that makes your business seem more reliable.
A great camera might be expensive, but remember that you are investing in yourself and your business.
