Construction Security Guards vs ‘Normal’ Security Guards
Working in the construction industry as a security guards, involves a number of unique challenges and responsibilities that the average security guard would not face.
While there are foundational aspects of security work that remain consistent across the board, certain nuances distinguish construction security guards from their peers. Here’s a look at the key differences.
Specialised Training and Awareness
Construction Security Guards: These guards often receive specialised training tailored to the unique risks and challenges of construction sites. This includes knowledge of construction safety practices, understanding the layout of construction sites, and the ability to navigate through potentially hazardous areas safely. They must be vigilant about not just security threats but also safety risks to workers and the public.
Normal Security Guards: Security guards in more traditional roles focus on protecting property, assets, and people within a defined environment. Their training typically covers general security protocols, customer service, emergency response, and sometimes specific skills like CCTV operation or crowd control, depending on their deployment.
Work Environment
Construction Security Guards: The work environment is dynamic and can change daily as the construction project progresses. Guards must adapt to new layouts, potential hazards, and varying levels of activity on the site.
Normal Security Guards: These guards usually work in more controlled and stable environments, such as office buildings, shopping centres, or residential complexes. The physical layout and risks associated with these environments are relatively constant, allowing guards to become highly familiar with their patrol areas and the routine activities within them.
Key Responsibilities
Construction Security Guards: Their primary focus of a construction site security service is on preventing theft of materials and machinery, vandalism, and unauthorised access to the site. They may also monitor compliance with safety protocols, coordinate with construction workers for security matters, and ensure the security of equipment and vehicles. Overnight security is often crucial for construction sites due to the high value of machinery and materials left on-site.
Normal Security Guards: In traditional settings, the responsibilities often centre around access control, surveillance, deterring theft and vandalism, providing customer service, and responding to emergencies. These guards are also likely to interact more frequently with the public and employees, requiring strong communication skills.
Challenges and Risks
Construction Security Guards: One of the main challenges is the constantly changing environment, which can introduce new security and safety risks regularly. The presence of heavy machinery and construction materials also adds a layer of complexity to their role, requiring a keen awareness of their surroundings to avoid accidents.
Normal Security Guards: Challenges for guards in more stable environments often relate to managing access for a large number of people, handling difficult individuals without escalating situations, and responding effectively to emergencies like fires or medical incidents.
While both construction security guards and normal security guards share the fundamental goal of protecting people and property, the specific demands of their roles can vary greatly. Construction security guards operate in a more hazardous and ever-changing environment, requiring a blend of security vigilance and safety awareness that is unique to the construction sector.