Construction sites are hives of activity, with workers, heavy machinery, and vehicles moving about each day. While this bustle is necessary for completing projects on schedule, it also introduces risks and hazards if not properly managed. One simple yet highly effective way to secure any construction site is by installing sturdy, lockable gates at all access points leading into and out of the work zone. Proper construction site gates provide numerous crucial benefits in terms of safety, security, accessibility control and risk management. In this comprehensive blog post, we will explore key reasons why every construction site gates needs secure gates and fencing installed around its perimeter and access points. Taking the time to set up gated entry and exit points should be a top priority for every general contractor, builder, and construction manager overseeing a project. Keep reading to understand how construction site gates help control and protect the invaluable assets and individuals that make these complex projects possible.
Prevent Trespassing, Theft, and Vandalism
One of the primary benefits that sturdy, lockable construction site gates provide is preventing trespassing, theft, and vandalism after hours or during off-work times. Having controlled access points with secured gates makes it far more difficult for unauthorized individuals to wander onto the active construction area where they could be injured, tamper with equipment, or cause malicious damage and theft.
Without gates, there is nothing stopping ill-intentioned people from walking right onto the site and helping themselves to expensive building materials, tools, or equipment that are costly to replace. Things like copper wiring and piping are favorite targets of thieves and vandals that can set a construction schedule back days or weeks. Unsecured heavy machinery and hand tools also tend to grow legs and disappear from ungated sites.
Secure perimeter gates act as a literal and symbolic first line of defense against unwanted visitors looking to access the site after hours. They send a clear message that only authorized workers and deliveries are allowed in the construction zone. Gates should be locked and checked after work each day and opened only for scheduled deliveries and work crews. Using gates properly ensures that trespassing and theft are kept to a minimum on any site.
Manage and Direct Traffic Flow
In addition to keeping out unauthorized individuals, construction site gates help control and direct the flow of traffic in and out of the work zone. This is incredibly important for maintaining order and safety with so many large vehicles traversing the area each day. Construction sites see a steady stream of concrete mixers, dump trucks, material deliveries, cranes, forklifts, and more rolling through their gates.
Proper gates enable project managers to designate specific entries and exits for different types of vehicles. For example, having separate gated access for deliveries, equipment and worker vehicles prevents large trucks from having to dangerously back up or make tight turns when navigating the site. Gates also keep the main entrance and exit clear for emergency vehicles if the need arises.
Designated gates remove congestion and confusion about where each vehicle type should enter, park, offload or exit. Traffic control is vital for preventing collisions, keeping heavy vehicles away from workers on foot, and allowing normal construction logistics to flow smoothly. Gates and signage make traffic expectations clear.
Clearly Designate Entry Points
In addition to directing traffic, gates allow project managers to clearly designate and control separate entry points for different types of visitors to the construction site.
For example, the main access gate may be purposefully sized and located for large delivery or equipment trucks and cement mixers that need extra space to navigate. A separate, gated pedestrian entrance can then be used for individual construction workers, inspectors, or administrative staff walking onto the site.
Special visitor gates may welcome expected guests like investors, city officials, or inspectors with signage and make it clear where they should enter. Having clearly identified, intentionally placed gate access removes confusion, congestion and safety issues that arise when access is uncontrolled. Visitors will park and enter properly instead of wandering in through just any gap or opening they find first.
Limit Overall Site Access as Needed
In addition to designating specific access gates for certain visitors, construction crews can also control general access to the site by locking gates overnight or any time active work is not being done. This adds another layer of access control and security when the last worker leaves for the day or after a certain evening hour when no one should be on site.
Locked gates prevent well-meaning but unauthorized members of the public from wandering onto the active construction area after working hours. This avoids accidents or injuries to people unfamiliar with the hazards of an active worksite who may trip over tools, fall into holes or access unfinished structures. It also, of course, keeps away those looking for malicious mischief under the cover of darkness.
Having the ability to lock down the entire site and limit all access as needed provides safety and security for the contractor while avoiding the risks and liability of allowing public access onto an active construction zone after hours or on weekends. A locked main gate should be the final step of closing down any worksite at the end of the day.
Secure Specific Danger Zones
Within the larger construction site, certain areas may pose more hazards and risks than others. For example, an active excavation zone, unfinished scaffolding structure, or section still under heavy construction may require their own secondary gated access to prevent accidental entry.
Temporary chain link or privacy fencing with separate access gates around inherently dangerous areas or sections provides an extra visual and physical barrier for safety. It reminds workers not to unintentionally wander into unstable ground, unreinforced structures, or areas with construction vehicles and equipment operating in close proximity.
These types of heightened risk zones change as the phases of construction progress, so movable gates are useful. Proper perimeter gates make it clear which spaces are currently off limits to avoid injuries. They should be opened only when workers need to access that area and closed again when their work there is completed.
Create Contained Safe Zones
On the other hand, gates at a construction site can also be used intentionally to create contained safe zones within the larger work zone.
For example, erecting a secured chain link perimeter with gated access around the area designated for material delivery provides a protected space separated from other types of traffic. This lets forklifts and workers unload trucks without worrying about cement mixers and dump trucks passing through.
Setting up a contained break area or parking section for personal vehicles are other examples of how gates allow safe spaces to be delineated within general construction chaos. Even the job site office can benefit from its own gated access to maintain a dust-free, quiet workspace. Gates provide clear visual boundaries for different site uses.
Control and Screen Visitor Access
Construction sites often get visits from inspectors reviewing completed work, investors checking on progress, architects verifying plans, and local officials monitoring safety code compliance. Having a dedicated front gate and reception area lets expected visitors easily identify where they should park and enter.
Unexpected or unscheduled visitors can also be screened at a gated entrance and then approved or denied access. Trying to keep tabs on visitors wandering into a wide-open work zone is extremely challenging. But controlled gates funnel all visitors to one spot where they can be logged in, given safety gear, and safely escorted into the construction area by a worker.
Proper visitor gates aid visibility and oversight of who comes and goes, while still providing convenient entry points for those needing periodic access to do their jobs. From investors to building inspectors, gates save time and allows safer visits.
Secure Dedicated Worker Parking
Providing separate secure parking areas for workers’ personal vehicles via designated gates is an important consideration. A parking lot gate lets employees leave their own cars, trucks or motorcycles in a controlled access area outside of the main construction entrance, exit, and delivery gates.
This prevents random members of the public from tampering with or vandalizing workers’ personal vehicles while they are busy on the job. It also reduces the risk of parked vehicles getting in the way of large construction trucks or being blocked in themselves.
Having a specific employee parking gate and lot gives workers needed peace of mind that their transportation is safe during the day without distractions or hassle. They can focus on work tasks rather than worrying about damage to their own property.
Display Important Signage and Warnings
The gates, chain link fencing, and barriers used to create controlled access points allow contractors to prominently post important safety notices, reminders, and warnings as needed. The fences adjoining entry and exit gates provide prime real estate space for displaying this essential information for all who enter to see.
Posted signage at each gate can remind all workers and visitors of maximum speed limits, sobriety requirements, PPE expectations, emergency contacts, restricted areas, and any other specific instructions. Everyone passing through the gates is exposed to these crucial guidelines.
Proper signage also clearly indicates the path to the main job site office, first aid station, evacuation meeting area, or other important locations that unfamiliar visitors may need to find quickly in an emergency situation. Gate signage saves lives via high visibility.
Project a Professional, Responsible Image
Beyond the obvious safety and security benefits, installing quality gates, fencing and signage simply makes a construction site look more professional to visitors and the general public passing by. It shows the extra effort taken to take safety and risk management seriously.
Appearances do matter when it comes to impressing investors, owners and government officials inspecting the site. A buttoned-up site also projects respect for the neighborhood it is impacting throughout the construction process. Proactively securing the work zone perimeters right from the start with sturdy front gates is a best practice that inspires confidence and trust.
Conclusion
Construction sites contain hazards and assets that make gate installation an essential investment, rather than a luxury. Controlled access gates enable better traffic flow, safety barriers, secured equipment storage, limited trespasser access, designated entry points, posted rules signage, protected worker property, and an overall professional appearance. While no gates can make a job site 100% impenetrable or risk-free, they provide an important first line of defense and access management. The benefits of improved safety, theft deterrence, accident reduction, liability protection and professional site control make construction gates a must-have. They represent sensible precaution and care for workers’ wellbeing. Be sure gates are installed properly, used consistently, and secured after hours. The construction site safety fence and workers deserve properly controlled access points. With sturdy gates in place, projects can proceed productively.