IFSEC Global spoke to the head of security at Clipfine Group, Shaun Murphy, to learn about the dominant security trends in the construction industry.
IFSEC Global: What are biggest security threats you’re seeing on construction sites at the moment?
Shaun Murphy: Localised threats of trespassing, free jumpers or those who have a grudge against the construction project. Higher scale threats depend entirely on the actual site under construction and what publicity in a negative way could be useful to certain organisations.
IG: Is trespassing a big problem?
SM:Trespassing is not so much of an issue as it once was due to the higher fencing/hoarding and use of CCTV on most construction sites.
IG: What about theft?
SM:Theft can be both small scale or large, for example from a potential theft of lighting fittings to industrial machinery. The type of machinery most vulnerable to theft can by JCBs, generators and general building materials.
IG:Is the threat landscape changing at all?
SM:This is quite stable at the moment. However, again, higher security provisions are in place for those sites that are more well known, for example Battersea Power Station.
IG: How does the UK’s severe terrorism threat level influence security thinking in the construction industry?
SM:This of course has an impact on the construction industry, but not as much as in corporate/aviation, for example.
IG: What is your top tip for security managers on construction sites?
SM: Secure your perimeter as best as possible within allowable budget, either with fencing/hoarding and CCTV or indeed both.
IG: What changes are you seeing in the wider industry?
SM:Cyber security is becoming more prominent in everyone’s mind – not at a first-line level, but at management and administration levels where information pertaining to sites, their budgets and security provisions can be compromised if not protected sufficiently.
IG: What trends do you see happening in the next few years?
SM:Technology will continue to expand and, in some cases, replace physical security operatives. However, this is not always practical.
More engagement with other industries. Global threats will focus the mind that our industry is not just a grudge purchase for most FTSE 100 companies, for example, but has a very important part to play in a company’s growth and prosperity
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