Construction site CCTV cameras: see exactly what’s happening at your site

Jaybro is now supplying CCTV systems for construction sites

With so much going on at a construction site, it’s hard to keep a watchful eye on every aspect of the project at all times.

Security cameras have long been used to deter theft and vandalism, but did you know they can be useful for much more? All types of project management, site scheduling and safety aspects can be monitored using security cameras.

If you find yourself wondering if a delivery truck has arrived yet, if your team are following safety guidelines, if subcontractors are working to your standards and just generally needed to check on the progress of your project, you no longer need to be physically on site!

There are other benefits too, such as recording accidents and injuries on site. Having documentation of a safety incident (or even a near miss) can help you review your procedures, and ensure that the hazard is rectified before future injuries occur.

Why you need a CCTV surveillance system at your site:

Takes the load off site managers

Installing a security camera or CCTV system can take the load off the site manager or project management team, by removing the need for them to be physically on site - and this is especially helpful across multiple concurrent projects.

Keeps safety and liability in check

Site managers bear great responsibility for the safety of their construction crews. It can be difficult to ensure OHS protocols are being followed at all times, but with CCTV surveillance technology, you can ensure your team are following safety regulations on site, as well as being able to supply footage to back up any injury disputes.

Protection against theft and vandalism

The most obvious benefit of installing construction site CCTV cameras is for peace of mind and protection against vandalism, theft, break-ins and other crime. Installing a CCTV camera helps protect you against having to bear the costs of repairs or stolen equipment. Site damage and replacing stolen equipment can be costly so it’s critical to protect the site from theft and vandalism - from both employees and outsiders.

Continuous recording functions on security cameras ensure that any break ins, theft or vandalism that does occur is captured on tape, giving you evidence to submit to the police. The high definition video quality offers 4MP resolution to ensure any activities or vandals captured can be identified easily. 

Of course, it's important to have strong temporary fencing in place that is properly locked up to prevent unwanted access. 

Monitor deliveries and subcontractor activities

Construction site CCTV cameras also help to increase transparency and ensure things run smoothly with delivery drivers and subcontractors. Installing cameras helps you to remotely monitor activities on site, keep track of building material deliveries, and ensure your subbies are meeting the requirements of the job.

Benefits of installing security cameras at your civil and construction site

• Helps prevent theft of expensive building materials and supplies
• Deters vandalism, graffiti, smashed windows, broken ceramics and other frustrating destruction by vandals
• Assists in the security of the surrounding area
• Helps protect site vehicles from break ins and vandalism
• Ensures any cars parked on site or nearby overnight are monitored for break ins and theft
• Ensures you can monitor your site remotely, giving you peace of mind
• Project managers can check in on site progress remotely, saving on time and travel
• Saves money when it comes to security guards and night watch staff, either by supporting security guards or replacing the need for them altogether
• Ensures valuable materials such as copper don’t ‘walk’ off the site
• Allows you to remotely monitor your site over long weekends and holiday breaks, and other times when staff are not on site
• Use for timelapse progress videos to market your business on social media

What to look for in a security camera for your site

Some of the things to think about when you’re choosing a security system include:

• Ensuring the housing and camera is tough and weatherproof - check the IP rating and ensure you choose a tough and weather resistant camera.
• Infrared illumination and recording to ensure any night time activities are captured on film
• PTZ or pan / tilt / zoom - this features means that you can adjust the direction and zoom of the lens remotely using software on your phone, ensuring you capture your whole site, not just a fraction of it
• Easy / low maintenance system that you can ‘set and forget’
• A system that is simple to dismantle and move to the next site when your project is complete
• Consider whether you need a powered or corded system or whether a standalone solar powered camera might be more practical. Non powered sites, remote sites and greenfield areas can benefit from solar power.

Our pick: The Mini AI PTZ Dome

This camera is the latest generation of solar CCTV systems. It can deliver professional video surveillance to the most challenging of installation sites.

The system features the latest in 4G-enabled remote site surveillance, with advanced camera artificial intelligence and simplicity of installation and operation.

The system offers comprehensive remote viewing options so that you can view your site from almost any device, iPhone and Android phones, PC and Mac software or via a web browser.

• IP66 weather resistant housing ensures your camera is protected from the elements
• Pan / tilt / zoom function can easily cover entire sites and allows for 4 x lossless optical zoom for excellent enhanced image detail
• The camera features 24/7 continuous recording for up to 7 days of footage at full resolution. Using the motion-activated function rather than continuous recording, the recording duration can be extended far beyond one week.
• ‘Tripwire’ video analytics allows you to set up a virtual perimeter of your site, flicking the camera into action whenever anything passes that imaginary border
• Solar powered system mounts to a 4.5 metre high pole with a tough 500kg base
• 256GB Micro SD card included for quality surveillance footage recording
• Can be set to take intermittent snapshots over a period of time which can be stitched together to create timelapse videos
• Receive instant mobile alerts including snapshot images if an alarm event is triggered
• Cutting-edge AI camera can tell the difference between people and vehicles, and things like birds and trees which can cause frustrating false alarms

Other ways to keep your site safe

Along with construction site CCTV cameras, it’s always a good idea to practice good housekeeping at your site to make it less attractive to thieves.

Some of the ways to do this include:

• Locking away tools and expensive equipment
• Having a security guard check the site periodically
• Use technology to monitor tools - for example, Milwaukee has the TICK One-Key smart tool tracker, a small disc that you stick to your tools and gear to track them if they get stolen
• Install GPS tracking equipment on large plant and equipment
• Work together with surrounding businesses and communities to keep an eye out for each other’s property
• Brand easy-to-steal items such as traffic cones - if it’s got an obvious company name on it, a thief will be less likely to steal it!

Protect your site & assets with a 4G Solar Surveillance System from Jaybro: a cost effective way to create a safer environment, 24/7.