Construction National

Boy’s death highlights need for professional site protection

The tragic death of a young boy on a construction site in Glasgow is a bitter reminder of the need for professional construction site protection, says industry leaders SafeSite Facilities.

Shea Ryan – ten-years old - managed to gain access into a building site in Glasgow with friends through insecure perimeter hoarding. He tried to climb down an open manhole, lost his footing, and suffered a fatal fall.

The contractor, RJ McLeod, admitted breaching health and safety laws, and the investigation found that the company had failed to undertake a full assessment of the risks, including the proximity to a play park and the possibility that children would be attracted to the site.

The contractor was also faulted for not installing a double fence and having a weak monitoring and recording mechanism to spot and deal with any fence issues.

Ultimately, the company was fined £800,000 for breaching the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 by neglecting to perform a proper and adequate evaluation of the hazards posed by unauthorised individuals obtaining entry to the worksite.

So clearly the cost of not securing construction sites can be significant for businesses. Aside from the legal implications, companies may face reputational damage, loss of contracts, and increased insurance premiums if they fail to take the necessary measures to secure their sites.

Accidents and incidents can also cause delays and disruptions to projects, which can result in additional costs and financial losses.

SafeSite Facilities are industry leaders in providing solutions for construction site safety. Their range of products and services are designed to help businesses mitigate risks and ensure the security of their sites.

From temporary fencing and hoarding to advanced CCTV systems and scaffold alarms, SafeSite Facilities offers a comprehensive array of solutions to meet the unique needs of each construction site.

One of SafeSite Facilities' flagship products is the mobile CCTV tower, which uses AI technology to detect humans and vehicles, reducing the likelihood of false alarms. The tower can be powered by mains, generator, or solar energy, and it comes with HD cameras and an audio PA system for effective intrusion deterrence.

SafeSite Facilities also offers a variety of scaffold alarms, timber and steel hoarding solutions, and wireless CCTV systems to provide versatile and adaptable site protection.

The scaffold alarms offered by SafeSite Facilities are designed to provide robust and reliable security for scaffolding structures. Equipped with movement detectors and sirens, these alarms can be mounted anywhere on the scaffold and have a detection range of around 35 meters.

Since they’re wireless they’re an ideal choice for sites where running cables is difficult, such as demolition projects. When armed, the detectors take high-definition snapshots whenever there is movement and send these to a monitoring station for review.

AI technology filters out false alarms, ensuring that sirens are not triggered unnecessarily, causing disturbances to neighbours.

SafeSite Facilities' temporary fencing solutions come in various styles and materials to suit different construction site requirements. From lightweight mesh fencing for crowd control to robust steel fencing for high-security applications, their products provide an effective barrier against unauthorized access.

The company also offers timber and steel hoarding systems, designed to provide a solid and durable barrier around construction sites. These hoardings not only offer security but also help maintain privacy, reduce noise pollution, and minimise the visual impact of construction projects on the surrounding environment.

SafeSite Facilities' wireless CCTV systems provide a flexible and effective solution for sites where traditional wired CCTV is impractical or impossible. These systems can be easily installed on scaffolding, towers, or other structures, and their detection range of around 35 meters ensures comprehensive coverage of the site.

The high-definition cameras capture images of any movement, and AI technology filters out false alarms, preventing unnecessary disturbances. The option of a full PA system allows monitoring station personnel to broadcast loud warning messages, which have been proven to be highly effective at deterring and removing trespassers.

Michael Knibbs, Managing Director at SafeSite Facilities, comments: "Cases such as these serve as a stark reminder of the crucial need for effective construction site security.

“At SafeSite Facilities, we are dedicated to providing businesses with the tools and expertise necessary to ensure the safety and well-being of everyone, including the public.

“We urge companies to take action now and invest in the right security measures to prevent similar tragedies happening in the future."

You must take action to properly secure your construction site to protect the public so contact SafeSite Facilities here for all the products and services you need to make your site safe and secure.