Construction Site Security Guards
Security guards watch sites at night, on weekends and at gates. They protect equipment and materials, control access and often work alone. They face the same hazards as workers, plus the risk of confronting trespassers and thieves.
- Security Guards
- Site Managers
- Contractors
Hazards
- Site hazards at night: trenches, openings, uneven ground, open edges and poor lighting. See Night Work Lighting.
- Moving vehicles and equipment at the gate and in the yard.
- Confrontation: trespassers, thieves, protesters and angry visitors. See Workplace Violence.
- Working alone with delayed help. See Working Alone.
- Weather: heat, cold, lightning and wind. See Heat Illness and Cold Stress.
- Fire, gas leaks and spills found on patrol.
- Long shifts and fatigue.
Staying safe
- Get a site orientation: hazards, restricted areas, emergency plan, utility shutoffs, who to call and where equipment is stored.
- Wear high-visibility clothing, a hard hat and boots at the gate and when on site. See High-Visibility Clothing.
- Carry a charged radio or phone, flashlight and first aid kit. Check in on a schedule with a supervisor or dispatch.
- Walk patrol routes with a light; avoid areas that are marked unsafe. Stay away from edges, excavations and energized equipment.
- Control gate traffic with clear rules and visitor logs. See Visitors & Deliveries.
- Observe and report: do not chase or physically confront. Call police and the site contact if you see theft or trespass. Keep a safe distance.
- Know the emergency plan for fire, medical emergencies and severe weather, and how to give an accurate location to 911.
- Rest breaks and shelter from weather. Do not work excessively long hours.
Helping site safety
- Report open excavations, removed guardrails, unlocked equipment and fuel leaks you find
- Check that gates, lighting and fencing are in good order
- Look for fire hazards such as hot work leftovers and heaters left on
- Keep a log of patrols, visitors and incidents
Standards & references
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