Construction jobsite security management with digital data

Specifically, construction jobsite safety and security management requires managers to know exactly who is or was on their site. Construction jobsite security plans use three primary methods to prevent unauthorized access to a jobsite and monitor assets:

1. Physical  — fences, CCTV cameras and lighting, lock or keycard controlled gates,
2. Managerial — a security manager or subcontractor is assigned the project’s security role and monitors who enters,
3. Data — paper daily log or sign-in sheet that identifies who comes onto the site. 

By using a combination of these methods, construction site managers can control who can access or leave a site and under which circumstances, while meeting data privacy requirements. Although these methods indisputably work, they do not offer a complete solution for all security and safety requirements of different stakeholders and at all times. Why? Because they are not digitized.

Construction jobsite safety and security are closely related

Beginning with the Covid pandemic in 2020, construction companies faced a risk that combined safety and security as never before. To prevent disease spread, if a case appeared, then public health authorities would need to contact trace. They would need to know the identify of who got sick, as well as the identify of anyone who worked nearby.

The demand for identity information has other stakeholders: For example, publicly funded projects like schools often require background checks for any person coming onto their property. Also, more and more states are requiring proof of all workers’ legal employment status in the field (in the USA, this is called their I9 form).     

Enabling Digital construction jobsite security and safety 

Meeting digital requirements calls for the right mindset, tools and approach to avoid paperwork, bureaucracy, and missed opportunities to provide all necessary information to the right person when it is needed most. It is  more efficient and economical to use a solution that complements physical security to supplement the shortcomings of existing security methods. For example by digitally identifying who enters or leaves a jobsite without extra paperwork.

Safe Site Check In offers just such a digital approach to construction jobsite security management. Our mobile web app that captures daily log data that is essential for different construction project stakeholders including safety, workforce, cost and compliance managers. With Safe Site Check In, it is possible to see who is on any jobsite at any given time, both in real-time and anytime in the past.

QR codes connect workers to the cloud hosted online service. Workers and visitors can use a camera phone to scan a QR-coded poster at the jobsite entrance to check in. Or companies can create personal QR code badges stored on a phone, or printed out, which is scanned by a manager or tablet. This “tap-and-go” check-in process on a jobsite is comparable to checking in on a flight at an airport. Checking in provides the digital data essential for field operations, including jobsite security & safety. Security managers control unauthorized access and get the data archive they need, and safety managers can use the check in screening Q&A to verify safety plans are being followed.

Digital badging plus screening at jobsite check-ins

Safe Site Check In’s digital badging is flexible, adapting to most all jobsite security scenarios. Using the web app is intuitive because SSCI uses consumer devices such as phones and tablets to access identity and authorization data. Digital badges kept on a personal phone are also more secure than a physical badge because they are arguably harder to share.

And contrary to an access control system using ID cards, Safe Site Check In’s data solution provides context. This is because the user is asked to answer a few simple questions, such as whether they are wearing personal protective equipment. Occasional visitors may need to e-sign a waiver acknowledging the risks of coming onto the site. In any case, managers know if that person is authorized to come onsite, who authorized that person to come onsite, and if the authorization is documented.

The first thing to learn in case of an accident on a jobsite is who was there. Next is likely who allowed them to be there and were they properly prepared, advised of safety requirements and trained. Any investigation of a jobsite accident will require witness interviews and a review of the general contractor’s records showing  all relevant protocols were followed by those on site and their safety certifications.

SafeSite Check In’s web app takes construction jobsite security to a new level. No longer is this information contained in various paper forms or PDFs, making claims and investigations time consuming and costly.

How Safe Site Check In meets additional safety and security requirements

A web app automates data capture and eliminates paper, providing a control system that records who is where at any given time. But that’s not all: jobsite security has many different aspects and requirements where digital technology is beneficial.

A construction jobsite security app should record both the questions and answers to safety and security screening questions. Mobile phones should allow managers to communicate changing safety and security requirements. Managers need the ability to broadcast to workers on site in case of a security or safety emergency.

Jobsite workers can also report incidents when they happen, or at the end of their shift. Stakeholders – both remote and onsite – are then directly aware and can take action. Additionally, the platform enables paperless distribution of safety data sheets, and while worker profiles contain certs, licenses, legal, training or safety records. 

Summary: Improve Jobsite Security and Safety

Safe Site Check In is a worksite management platform launched in 2020 initially for the Construction industry. Beyond Construction, Safe Site Check In is now used by many safety-critical industries: Utilities, Manufacturers, Warehouses, Assisted Living, Event venues, Media production and Healthcare. Automation saves jobsite superintendents, project, safety and cost managers hours a day including:

• Worker onboarding, badging & training,
• Safety and Security screening,
• Worker skills and profiles,
• Jobsite alerts & communications, 
• Daily log creation and archival,
• Remote site monitoring without travel,
• Project management integration,
• Hourly wage and invoice validation,
• Incident and claims data.