Video Surveillance System (VSS) For Construction Sites

Safety is paramount in today's construction industry. With the dynamic nature of construction sites, maintaining security and oversight becomes a critical challenge. This is where video surveillance systems step in, serving as vigilant guardians that monitor activities round the clock. These systems, equipped with state-of-the-art cameras and monitoring capabilities, offer construction managers and site supervisors a comprehensive view of ongoing operations, helping them identify potential risks and address safety concerns in real time.

What is a Video Surveillance System (VSS)

Video Surveillance System (VSS) is a network of cameras, monitors or display units, and recording devices used to monitor and record activities for surveillance, identification of workplace safety and health (WSH) risks, facilitation of incident investigation and corrective actions, and deterring unsafe workplace behaviours. 

Video surveillance systems help companies better manage WSH risks through enhanced monitoring of work activities. Following the exit from the Heightened Safety Period, the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) announced that from June 2024, all construction sites with a project value of $5 million and above are required to install video surveillance system (VSS) at worksite locations where there are high-risk work activities.​ This proactive measure aims to enhance WSH performance by identifying risks, deterring unsafe behaviours, and facilitating accident investigations.

Benefits of Video Surveillance Systems for Construction Sites

Safety Monitoring

Video surveillance cameras provide real-time observation of site activities, allowing supervisors and safety personnel to identify potential hazards and intervene promptly to prevent accidents. By continuously monitoring work areas, machinery and personnel, video surveillance systems help ensure compliance with safety protocols and regulations. They enable site managers to detect unsafe behaviours or conditions, such as improper equipment usage or inadequate safety gear, and take corrective action immediately. This proactive approach not only minimises the risk of workplace accidents but also enhances overall safety culture on the construction site.

Safety Compliance

The presence of video surveillance cameras acts as a deterrent for unsafe workplace behaviours for all persons onsite (including contractors and visitors) by knowing the workplace is being monitored and work activities captured, even if it is not in real-time. This improves compliance with WSH practices and prevents WSH incidents.

Safety Training

Surveillance recordings can be used for training purposes, as it provides examples of both safe and unsafe behaviours at the workplace. The video footage can also be shared with workers during safety briefings, toolbox meetings and/or training sessions to identify what were the unsafe acts and lapses, and lessons that can be learnt from it. The identified risks and unsafe conditions can also be communicated to workers through internal alerts or instant messaging to advise workers to keep away from danger areas or avoid performing such unsafe acts. This reinforces the company’s WSH policy, safe work procedures and trains employees on the risks associated with the work activity. 

Safety Insights

In the event of a WSH incident, e.g. a near-miss, dangerous occurrence or accident, surveillance recordings can be analysed to provide valuable insight for investigations. Through the video footage, important lessons can be identified and additional measures introduced to prevent a similar incident from recurring. 

Remote Monitoring

Video surveillance systems enable remote monitoring, allowing project managers to oversee and monitor construction site activities from any location in real-time, enhancing supervision and enabling timely intervention in case of emergencies or safety violations. 

Enhanced Site Security

Video surveillance systems provide round-the-clock monitoring, deterring theft, vandalism, and unauthorised access to valuable equipment and materials. By acting as a visible deterrent, video surveillance systems help safeguard construction sites against intrusions and minimise the risk of costly losses and disruptions to project timelines. 

Asset Protection

Construction sites, often characterised by high-value equipment, materials and machinery, are particularly vulnerable to theft and vandalism. Video surveillance deters theft of equipment, materials, and tools by providing a visible deterrent and recording evidence of any unauthorised activity. Video surveillance not only helps in preventing these crimes but also assists in identifying perpetrators and gathering evidence in the event of an incident.

Evidence Collection

In the event of theft, vandalism, accidents, or disputes, video footage from surveillance cameras serves as valuable evidence for investigations, insurance claims and legal proceedings. This not only helps expedite investigations but also protects construction firms from false claims, disputes or litigation, ultimately safeguarding their reputation and financial interests.

Key Considerations of Video Surveillance Systems for Construction Sites

The Workplace Safety and Health Council, in collaboration with the Ministry of Manpower (MOM), published a WSH Guide on Video Surveillance Systems to provide guidance on how such systems can be deployed to improve WSH and what are the considerations in its installation.

High-Definition Cameras

Utilise high-resolution cameras to capture clear and detailed video footage, allowing for effective monitoring and better identification of individuals and activities on-site. Use a minimum video resolution of 1080p. Having a higher video resolution is recommended. 

Weatherproof and Dust-proof Design 

Construction sites present harsh environmental conditions, including extreme temperatures, dust and moisture. CCTV cameras and equipment should be sufficiently robust to withstand harsh weather conditions commonly encountered on construction sites, including rain, dust, wind and extreme temperatures. Selecting a weather-proof and dust-proof camera is recommended, e.g. ruggedised cameras, weatherproof enclosures and durable mounting solutions, to ensure continuous operation in adverse conditions.

Wide-Angle Coverage

CCTV cameras for construction sites with wide-angle lenses provide comprehensive coverage of large areas, minimising blind spots and maximising surveillance effectiveness. Ensure that the cameras have a clear line of sight to the work activity. It is recommended for CCTV cameras to be mounted at high vantage points to better capture works in progress.

Night Vision Capabilities

CCTV cameras with night vision capability is necessary for work activities carried out in low-light conditions. Incorporate infrared or low-light technology to enable monitoring and recording during nighttime hours or in poorly lit areas of the construction site.

Remote Viewing and Access

With the proliferation of smartphones and mobile applications, video surveillance systems offer mobile accessibility, enabling project managers and stakeholders to monitor construction sites remotely from anywhere at any time. Enable remote access to view live feeds and recorded footage from smartphones, tablets or computers to facilitate prompt decision-making, collaboration among team members, and the ability to address issues in real-time, regardless of location.

Motion Detection Alerts

By strategically placing cameras in key areas, such as entry points, storage areas, and high-risk zones, construction teams can proactively monitor operations and detect any unauthorised access or safety breaches. Employ motion sensors to trigger alerts or notifications when movement is detected within the camera's field of view, helping to promptly identify suspicious activity, potential security threats or unauthorised access.

Durable Mounting Options

Provide sturdy mounting options for CCTV cameras to ensure stability and prevent tampering or vandalism.

Footage Storage and Backup

Securely store and backup video footage at local storage devices (e.g. microSD card), network-based drive or cloud-based storage solutions. This provides redundancy and ensures that critical evidence is preserved even in the event of equipment damage or theft. Ensure to have at least 30 days of recorded footage. Video recordings to have camera identification, location or area of recording, and date & time stamp.

Scalability

Allow for easy expansion and scalability to accommodate changing security needs as the construction project progresses or the site layout evolves.

Compliance with Regulations

With increasing concerns over privacy and data protection, there is a growing emphasis on ensuring that video surveillance systems for construction sites comply with relevant regulations and guidelines. This includes implementing measures such as data encryption, access controls and anonymisation techniques to safeguard sensitive information and respect individual privacy rights. Ensure that the video surveillance system complies with relevant privacy laws, industry regulations and site-specific security requirements.

Signages

Sufficient signages should be put up to inform all persons at the workplace of the VSS monitoring. Place the signages at prominent locations and points of entry to the workplace to inform all persons that a VSS is in operation. Clear communication and transparency regarding the purpose and use of surveillance systems are essential to fostering a positive work environment and maintaining workers’ morale.

Area Coverage Recommendations

Examples of higher-risk work locations to be covered by VSS monitoring at a construction site: 

• At every floor of a building under construction where there are higher-risk works: 
  • work at height where a person may fall off or through a distance of more than 2 metres; 
  • erection, dismantling and the maintenance of scaffolds and formwork structures; or 
  • excavation works and shoring
• At worksites where heavy/industrial machinery or equipment are used, e.g. cranes, excavators, mobile elevating working platforms, any machine with moving parts that can cause injury. 
• Confined space where any work is carried out or intended to be carried out, if a video surveillance system can be safely installed.
• Areas with high vehicular and human traffic, e.g. where forklifts or reach trucks are used.
• Loading/unloading areas.

Trends in Video Surveillance Systems

Video surveillance systems for construction sites have undergone significant evolution in recent years, reflecting several notable trends in technology and industry practices:

Integration with IoT and Cloud Technology

Modern video surveillance systems for construction sites are increasingly integrating with Internet of Things (IoT) devices and cloud-based platforms. This allows for remote monitoring and management of construction sites from anywhere with an internet connection, providing real-time insights into activities, safety compliance and security threats.

High-Resolution Cameras and Video Analytics

The advancement of high-resolution camera technology enables clearer and more detailed footage, enhancing the ability to monitor construction progress and identify potential risks or incidents. With the introduction of MOM regulations for CCTV surveillance of construction site, there is an opportunity to maximise the use of the installed CCTV cameras by leveraging on AI to improve workplace safety and prevent accidents on site. Instead of manually monitoring the CCTV footages, a video system that uses AI can carry out continuous and real-time monitoring of multiple sites with less manpower.

The integration of Video Analytics (VA) software is to facilitate better site supervision via automatic anomalies detection alerts, e.g. safety violations, intruders or unusual activities. It augments and allows better safety supervision, using predefined algorithms and safety rules to ensure safety compliance, improving overall site security and efficiency.

Integration with Site Access Control Systems

Many video surveillance systems are now integrated with site access control systems, allowing for seamless monitoring of personnel access and movement across construction sites. This integration enhances security measures by restricting unauthorised entry and providing detailed logs of site activity.

Overall, the trends in video surveillance systems for construction sites reflect a shift towards more intelligent, connected, and resilient solutions that enhance safety, security, and productivity throughout the construction process. As technology continues to evolve, these systems are expected to play an increasingly integral role in construction site management and risk mitigation strategies.

Enhance Safety in Construction Projects

Video surveillance systems are indispensable tools for modern construction sites, offering a proactive approach to safety, security and risk management. With advanced monitoring capabilities and real-time insights, these systems empower construction teams to maintain a safe, efficient and productive work environment, ultimately driving project success and ensuring the well-being of all personnel involved.