The Role of Security in the Construction Industry

In November 2018, The Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) published a new report entitled “The Role of Security in the Construction Industry” as security within the sector is becoming increasingly important, particularly in terms of digital assets. The CIOB Digital Technologies and Asset Management Special Interest Group (SIG) has covered the range of security issues in the report, but has focussed on managing risks arising from unauthorised access to, sharing or manipulation of data.

The new report outlines six principles of a “security mindset”, which will allow a construction manager to demonstrate their ability to identify, assess and manage site security issues. There’s also a practical guide to delivering security compliance, with a checklist examining governance, personnel, physical security measures and cyber security.

David Philp FCIOB, Chair of the CIOB’s Digital Technologies and Asset Management SIG, and a Director at AECOM, said: “The consequences of poor security should not be underestimated. The negative impacts are not just about financial margins, reputation, or the built asset itself – at worst, the lives of personnel could be at risk. Therefore, this guidance has been produced in order to help construction managers understand the security risk profiles on their projects and conduct effective planning for appropriate and holistic project security.”