Every construction site comes with its own unique challenges that can be exacerbated without jobsite surveillance cameras.
Whether it’s developing multifamily housing to repairing a critical bridgeway, all projects need construction security cameras. Security incidents like theft and vandalism can add costly delays to a construction project and are highly-targeted because of the high-value material and equipment present on site. Leaving these areas unmonitored by jobsite surveillance cameras increases the likelihood of a problem occurring significantly.
General contractors, owners and developers need to explore the best security cameras for construction sites in order to take the right precautions. This guide explains what to understand, look for and compare while reviewing different construction security cameras.
What are the benefits of using a construction site security camera?
Many construction sites have multiple and highly-visible entrances which can make the jobsite vulnerable for security risks. Without taking the proper precaution of using construction security cameras, there may be serious issues like vandalism, theft and trespassers.
Construction security cameras provide a peace of mind for invested owners of construction projects. But it can also help general contractors lower risks or even meet their insurance requirements. In some areas, simply having security cameras for construction sites can result in a discount on yearly premiums for Builder’s Risk Insurance policies.
There are many ways in which using construction site security cameras can be a benefit a construction project:
- Detect potential risks in real-time
Jobsite surveillance cameras provide live visibility into what’s happening on the jobsite.
- Defend the jobsite with the help of security hardware
Professional site monitors can review the construction security cameras and dispatch police if they determine there is a true threat on the jobsite.
- Deter criminal activity from occurring in the first place
Construction site security cameras can include threat deterrence hardware like strobe, alarms and talk-down audio that can be deployed to scare off intruders or warn trespassers.
Construction security cameras can also double as progress trackers. OxBlue’s jobsite surveillance cameras deliver 24/7 access to the jobsite through an online web portal. The security construction camera also includes tools that are popular for general monitoring, like time- and weather-stamped images, custom time-lapses and one-click sharing.
What features are important for jobsite surveillance cameras?
There are several factors that should be considered before buying construction site security cameras.
- Lighting
- Square footage
- Power needs
While there are night-vision infrared cameras, lighting is still important for threat deterrence. Infrared jobsite security cameras are often fixed-position cameras, which are great for monitoring laydown areas. This is because fixed-position cameras have a narrower scope of view so are better for zone monitoring.
Perimeter monitoring on the jobsite is more effective with a pan-tilt-zoom surveillance site camera because PTZs capture four distinct views. They can also be robotically controlled by the user to scan around the jobsite for any suspicious activity.
How do I choose the right security cameras for construction sites?
It’s important to understand pixel density for construction security cameras and DORI requirements. DORI is an industry standard that defines clarity and detail of an image. Pixel density is a factor of sensor resolution, that sensor is also impacted by distance of the construction surveillance camera. A 4MP camera taking a photo of a small area close-up will provide very high detail. That same camera used on a skyscraper would capture less because the distance of the lens impacts the pixel density.
The best way to determine what resolution is needed for a particular project is to calculate the pixel per meter. This means measuring the distance of the jobsite surveillance camera from the desired observation area and dividing it by megapixels. Then, compare the calculation to DORI standards to determine what’s needed operationally.
The following DORI standards can help you choose the right security cameras for construction sites.
- 25PPM Detection: The level for reliably and easily determining if a person or vehicle is present
- 62PPM Observation: The level for identifying characteristic details of an individual like clothing
- 125PPM Recognition: The level for a high-degree of certainty for identifying an individual
- 250 PPM Identification: The level of clarity to determine the identity of an individual without doubt
Understanding the quality of the images captured by construction site security cameras can help make rapid detection and response more reliable.
What makes OxBlue the best provider for construction site security cameras?
The best service providers have qualifications and specific certifications that prove they are the best vendor for the job. OxBlue goes above and beyond those requirements when combined with our jobsite document solution. Our agents are 5-Diamond certified, which is the highest accreditation for monitoring. They are also UL Certified and members of The Monitoring Association. These qualifications are highly regarded because it means OxBlue’s met the stringent requirements for rapid response and threat detection.
OxBlue is also used on jobs ensured by industry-leading underwriters. We are an approved vendor of TRU Technical Risk Underwriters which is a specialty underwriter of insurance products for complex construction risks. This shows that OxBlue has the features and support necessary to be a strong security partner on any jobsite.
Review our guide on security cameras for construction sites .
