How Many Security Guards Do I Need At My Construction Site?

The number of construction site security guards you need depends on several key factors, including site size, layout, crime risks, and project phase. This blog provides recommendations and guidance for construction site managers, project owners, and decision-makers seeking information on hiring security for their construction site, as well as a checklist you can use to help you gain a better understanding of your construction site’s security needs. 

For more insights, check out our comprehensive construction site security guide. 

Why Construction Site Security Requires Proper Staffing

Since 2020, the price of raw materials like copper and lumber has surged by 300%, driving up construction site thefts throughout Canada. Construction sites, which house a variety of high-value materials and equipment, are frequently targeted for theft and vandalism crimes. Many sites rely solely on CCTV cameras and alarm systems to provide security protection, rather than on-site construction security guards. While these measures can deter criminal activity, they are more reactive than proactive in nature. Utilizing security guards is a proven method of preventing crime before it happens and enhancing overall site security.

Most construction sites have features, such as open layouts, high-value materials, and a large amount of nearby foot traffic, that put them at a higher risk of theft and vandalism compared to other buildings. Malicious actors view construction sites as a potentially easy target for stealing copper and other materials, as well as unsecured tools, electronics, fuel, and vehicles. 

The National Equipment Register estimates that losses due to theft at construction sites in Canada average around $400 million annually. A separate survey of 100 Canadian construction companies concluded that each company experienced an average of 1-2 thefts per year, with average losses totalling $25,900 in vehicles and $1,600 in tools. 

The likelihood that your construction site will be a target for theft is high. At a time when construction site budgets are stretched thin, an investment in security will protect your valuable assets and minimize unnecessary replacement costs. 

Factors Influencing Security Guard Numbers

Next, we’ll examine the factors that will influence your construction site security decisions:

Site Size and Layout

Square footage, vertical height, site sprawl, and proximity to other buildings affect security coverage needs. For example, a single-family suburban home requires less security than a multi-level condo downtown built directly beside pre-existing buildings. 

Location and Crime Rate

Construction sites located in high-crime areas are more vulnerable to criminal incidents, including theft, vandalism, and vagrancy, increasing the need for a greater number of security guards. Additionally, sites located near busy streets and public transit hubs, as well as those in isolated areas, may face higher risks.

Value of Assets and Equipment

If your site has a particularly large amount of expensive machinery, tools, or materials, you may need to hire more security guards to protect these assets. How and where materials and equipment are stored on site, such as within indoor lockups vs outdoors, can impact security needs.

Access Points, Visitors, and Foot Traffic

More access points mean more guards are needed to monitor and control entry and exit effectively. Sites with a high volume of visitors and vendors may require additional front desk and foot patrol security guards. Nearby foot traffic and proximity to transit hubs, along with the number of access points at your site, also influence the number of guards required. 

Security Risks and Vulnerabilities

An experienced security company will conduct an audit to identify specific risks, such as previous incidents of theft or vandalism, and adjust the recommended number of security guards accordingly. As part of the audit, a security company will examine the condition of fences, gates, alarms, security cameras, and lighting around the perimeter, all of which will impact the number of guards needed.

Insurance and Compliance Requirements

Some insurance policies or regulations may require a minimum number of security personnel, which can impact decision-making. Depending on your area, local laws and regulations may be in place regarding security staffing for construction sites. Be sure to carefully review these regulations during the security acquisition process.

Construction Site Security Assessment

When determining the number of guards to hire, review the following checklist. Each factor plays a role in determining the right level of coverage for your construction site.

• Site size and layout - Is your site a single-building site or a multi-structure complex with a wide perimeter?

• Location and crime risk - Is your site located in a high-crime neighbourhood? Is it close to transit hubs or located in a remote area?

• Value of assets - What is the value of your tools, machinery, and materials stored on-site? Are they stored in a secure indoor area or outdoors?

• Access points - How many gates, doors, or entryways require monitoring?

• Traffic volume - Does your site see a high number of workers, subcontractors, or deliveries daily?

• Known security vulnerabilities - Does your site have a history of theft, vandalism, or trespassing?

• Insurance and compliance requirements - Do your insurance or local regulations require security staffing levels?

• Project phase - Is your site pre-construction, active build, or post-construction? Your needs will change by phase.

• Supplementary technology - Will CCTV, alarms, or mobile patrols support your guards?

Once you’ve reviewed the checklist, you can start mapping out how many guards you need for full coverage. In the next section, we’ll outline the roles of construction site security guards.

Construction Site Security Solutions

There are four types of security guards typically deployed to construction sites. Here’s an overview:

Patrol Security Guards

Patrol security guards wear a distinct uniform that easily identifies them as security personnel, providing a visible deterrent to potential trespassers. They conduct regular foot patrols of the site perimeter and key high-risk areas that need close monitoring, and respond to security issues as they arise. While on patrol, they look for signs of suspicious activity, evidence of tampering with fences and other security measures, and write security reports.

Front Desk Security Guards

Front desk security guards manage access control, log the names and visit times of site visitors and subcontractors, verify identification, and provide directions as needed. They also monitor CCTV cameras to maintain a complete overview of the entire site. 

Gatehouse Security Guards

Gatehouse guards manage vehicle access control similar to front desk security guards. These guards are typically necessary at industrial or infrastructure construction sites, where vehicles and trucks are required to drive into the site. 

Mobile Patrol Security Guards

Mobile guards are ideal for providing additional protection during off-hours when on-site security isn’t needed. These guards move between sites in marked security vehicles on a randomized schedule to provide an element of deterrence. Once at your site, they will conduct a foot patrol of the perimeter and key areas, responding to any issues as needed. Mobile guards also respond to triggered alarms, providing an additional layer of protection. 

In the next section, we’ll break down our recommendations for small, medium, and large construction sites.

Construction Site Security Guard Recommendations by Site Size

Not every construction site has the same security needs. Here’s a breakdown of how many guards we typically recommend based on a project’s size, complexity, and risk profile:

Small Sites

• Recommended staffing: 1–2 security guards

• Best for:

• Single-family residential builds.

• Small commercial projects.

• Sites with a compact footprint and one central access point.

• Roles:

• Regular perimeter foot patrols to monitor the site and deter trespassing or vandalism.

• Overseeing material deliveries during work hours.

• Securing the site after hours to prevent theft of smaller tools or equipment.

Pairing one on-site guard with a mobile patrol security guard can provide cost-effective after-hours coverage.

Medium Sites 

• Recommended staffing: 2–4 security guards

• Best for:

• Townhomes and mid-rise residential complexes.

• Mid-rise commercial developments.

• Sites with several access points and moderate foot traffic.

• Roles:

• One front desk security guard managing visitor and subcontractor access control.

• 1-2 guards performing foot patrols to monitor key high-risk areas like tool lock-ups or heavy equipment zones.

• Mobile patrol security support for overnight and weekend coverage to prevent targeted theft.

Implementing a surveillance camera system will allow security guards to monitor your site’s CCTV cameras, helping to streamline coverage across a larger footprint. 

Large Sites

• Recommended staffing: 4–6+ security guards

• Best for:

• High-rise towers.

• Industrial or infrastructure projects.

• Sites with significant assets, high traffic, or complex layouts.

• Roles:

• One gatehouse security guard managing vehicle access, checking identification, and directing traffic flow.

• 1-2 front desk security guards to log visitors and subcontractors, monitor CCTV cameras, and provide directions.

• 3-4 security guards performing regular foot patrols of the site perimeter and key high-risk areas. 

• 1-2 on-site overnight security guards and/or frequent mobile patrols to respond quickly to alarms and deter trespassing. 

These sites benefit most from a multi-layered security strategy where on-site guards are supported by alarms, CCTV cameras, access control systems, and mobile patrol security.

Why Partner with Blackbird for Construction Site Security

At Blackbird Security, we have advanced experience safeguarding construction sites across Canada, including in Toronto and Vancouver. We’re trusted to deliver premium construction site security services on major development sites, including Oakridge Park in Vancouver, a sprawling multi-structure residential and retail development site located in the heart of Vancouver, adjacent to a busy SkyTrain station. 

Our security guards receive advanced training in first aid, fire safety, report writing, and much more through our in-house training program, Blackbird Academy. We partner with accredited institutions like St. John’s Ambulance to provide the best security training in Canada.

Explore our full suite of construction security services here. 

Secure Your Construction Site With Blackbird Security

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Looking for more information? Read our comprehensive guide to construction site security.