On-site insecurity

But elsewhere in the country, security is as lax as ever. A new report from researchers at BRE paints a damning picture of the way construction managers are running their jobs. Site security, it claims, is "either inefficient or non-existent".

Those in charge see it as something which cannot be changed. If you don't have direct labour, stuff gets nicked. There are no established security procedures.

The authors of the report, Construction Site Security and Safety: The Forgotten Costs!, estimate that the UK construction industry could be 'losing' practically 4% of its value due to plant theft alone. In 2002, that would equate to almost £2.6bn.

The report makes depressing reading: "An ever-present factor in the discussions was the emphasis on the culture and the 'that's the way it is' ethos that pervades the industry." And, added the report, those who were committed to safety were "being obstructed".

The BRE researchers recommend that safety, fire and security should be banded together in one procedure, with one person having joint responsibility. Currently the law only requires procedures for safety and fire safety, although these encompass some elements of security.

Tim Pascoe, one of the report's three authors, says that project managers and site managers should already be taking on responsibility. But they aren't. "On the best sites they undertake it, but on the majority of sites, they don't."

So how do 'the best sites' do it?

Law of logistics
After the IRA bombing - of occupied buildings - at Canary Wharf in 1996, security for the construction operations there must amongst be the tightest in the country. Douglas Blackstock, senior logistics manager for Canary Wharf Contractors, explains the layers of security which protect the building sites within the estate.

First, there is the handling of the 300 deliveries a day which all go to a holding site, at nearby Billingsgate fish market. All delivery vehicles are checked and authorised there. Without that, the vehicles cannot pass through the second layer, the manned security ring around the Canary Wharf Estate.

Thirdly, all sites have secure perimeter hoardings, the number of entrances are kept to a minimum and these are guarded 24 hours a day by guards from security firm Reliance.

Gary Sullivan is director of logistics and security firm Wilson Hill. His directly-employed and multi-skilled workforce provide their services to clients such as BAA and Stanhope. Sullivan argues that the principles his firm used on projects such as the Tate Modern and Heathrow are the same whatever the job.

"The key to good security is good organisation," he says. "If you have got good control over your materials and good safety procedures then you start to have a secure site."

The first step for anyone looking to secure a site is to make friends with the local policeman, the fire service and the district surveyor. Talk to them about the area, and let them know what you will be doing. "A decent bobby will want to know who's coming and going," says Sullivan.

Wilson Hill often uses a just-in-time materials delivery system. At Heathrow Terminal 5 it is operating a materials holding area... the equivalent for a smaller site is an efficient and tidy way of storing materials.

Sullivan also advocates a clean desk system as a way of preventing computer theft. In simple terms, take your laptop home with you.

But even the best run sites suffer. "On a construction site it is very difficult to achieve absolutely perfect security," admits Blackstock. Radios, laptops and power tools are choice targets at Canary Wharf. Often, he adds, the thieves seem to know exactly which cupboard to target, which may suggest workers on site pass on information.

Even plant has been taken. A few weeks ago thieves managed to get away with a forklift truck, from a site whose perimeter was outside the security ring, says Blackstock. "They drove up with a low loader looking official as if they were legitimately coming to collect it. And nobody stopped them. They can be very brazen."

Reclaiming responsibility
So what hope is there for smaller sites, with little or no security budget and subcontract labour? Sullivan suggests that if you do have any workers on the books, whatever their role, you should train them in security, safety and fire safety. "If you went onto one of our sites, you would not be able to differentiate security staff from traffic managers. They've been trained to do it all."

BRE's report recommends one person should have overall responsibility for security, safety and fire precautions. Sullivan agrees.

"In the old days that role used to be done by the foreman. He would know who everyone was. He would know if someone was nicking bricks and go round and deal with them in his own way. It's about ownership."