IFSEC Global speaks to Head of Security at Clipfine Group, Shaun Murphy to learn about current security trends affecting the construction industry.
Carina Nobrega Content Coordinator, UBMIFSEC 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 were due to the higher fencing/hoarding and using 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 this 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.
Does the UK’s severe terrorism threat level impact the construction industry?
SM:This of course has an impact on the construction industry, however not as much as corporate/aviation for example.
IG:What is your top tip for security managers on construction sites?
SM:Secure their 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 forthcoming on everyone’s minds, not a first line level however at management and administration levels where information pertaining to sites, their budgets and security provisions can be compromised if not protected sufficiently.
IG:What do you predict will happen within the industry within the next 5 years?
Shaun Murhpy, Head of Security, Clipfine Group
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 and the overall world threat focuses the mind that out industry is not just a grudge purchase for most FTSE 100 companies for example but that it has a very important part to play in a company’s growth and prosperity
