CCTV Remote Surveillance Guide: Benefits of Remote Monitoring
Whether the project is a renovation, expansion or a new building, construction projects are typically time-consuming and expensive ventures. Active and ongoing construction projects are worth monitoring for security, accountability and liability. There are multiple ways that CCTV remote monitoring can benefit construction companies and property owners.
1. Protection Against Crime
In many scenarios, visible construction areas are viewed as targets for vandals, trespassers or burglars. Potential criminals may see an open space with expensive equipment as an easy target. Installing security cameras, especially in visible and public areas around the premises, helps to act as a deterrent against hostile acts that individuals or groups may attempt. The presence of security cameras alone lets criminals know that someone is watching and that their crimes will not go unnoticed. However, be sure to set up functional devices. While installing a non-functional “dummy” camera may seem to be an equal deterrent, there are a number of reasons fake security cameras are not a good idea.
Placing operational cameras at entry points and along the perimeter of any site works to create prime visibility and deter crime. In addition, the installation of cameras near any high-value areas creates a safeguard in the unfortunate event that an attempted or successful break-in does occur. Having cameras in the right places can prove vital in the identification, apprehension and prosecution of any perpetrators.
Recordings can also prove to be massively beneficial in insurance claims should any equipment be damaged or stolen, removing the guesswork and investigations from any claim. This alone can result in thousands of dollars saved.
2. Monitoring Performance and Progress
In addition to security, remote video monitoring can also serve as a helpful tool to track team performance and the status of ongoing tasks and projects.
While project managers, supervisors and other leaders are often on-site, they can’t be everywhere at once. Remote monitoring allows for real-time views from any location, day or night, on any capable device. The ability to watch from internet-connected tablets, phones or computers greatly minimizes the need for rushing back and forth between locations to check in for updates, which can become both expensive and time-consuming. It also greatly eases the process of reviewing workers’ performance on the job and ensuring compliance with safety standards and other procedures.
Additionally, video evidence helps leaders to substantiate any performance claims that may have gone unseen, along with the input of those on the job. This includes positive feedback, as recordings and live feeds can propel the identification of standout crewmembers and leaders who are performing at high levels, allowing for recognition, promotion or other motivating rewards.
3. Identifying Safety Risks
Safety is always a top priority in potentially hazardous places, especially construction sites. Surrounded by dangerous tools, heavy equipment, and high points, crews have to be aware and diligent concerning risks at all times. When used correctly, remote monitoring can be an additional resource that works with your on-site team to save lives and protect progress by identifying potential risks prior to any damage or injury. Having an eye in the sky can provide fresh angles and vantage points that may not have been available otherwise, catching potential hazards that would not have been seen from those on the ground. Once identified, dangers and other non-compliant settings can be corrected before causing harm.
4. Reducing Liability Using CCTV Monitoring
In the unfortunate event that a workplace accident or injury does occur, it may open employers to potential liability. Following any instance on your site, proper recordings and high-quality cameras allow for thorough and accurate investigations into the direct cause, along with any other factors that may have led to the incident. In the event that a false or uncertain claim of a safety violation is made against your team or business regarding the sequence of events or conditions leading up to an incident, video evidence may help to refute any accusations of wrongdoing or noncompliance.
In addition to the benefit of accurate incident reports, remote monitoring systems will reduce the time that any investigation may take, whether internal or through insurance. What may have been days or weeks of interviews and analysis can be reduced to mere moments and the click of a button.
Both immediately and long-term, monitoring systems allow for more efficient security, management reports and employee evaluation, even from multiple sites, benefiting everyone in your business.