Security and safety solutions for developing an industrial site: Protecting employees and assets

Canada’s largest industries rely on exploration and development in some of the most isolated and remote regions of our country.

Such locations usually have no existing infrastructure. Exploration crews arrive to often inaccessible locations, combined with harsh weather and hazardous living conditions. If their findings are positive, then transportation, accommodations and other logistics are arranged in preparation for crews to arrive.

C.J. Quinton, Senior Director Industrial & Indigenous Relations for Western Canada, GardaWorld Security knows this industry inside and out, and provides his expert opinion on the importance of safety and security on these early-stage sites: “People on the site – from new-to-site “green hands” to the CEO – are everyone’s greatest assets, so safety and security are always top of mind throughout the process. This includes the safety and security of all personnel travelling to and from the worksite, compliance with all safety regulations to prevent any accidents or injuries during site development, as well as access authorization and protection against violence and crime”.

The solutions in place are extensive. Many of the latest digital upgrades to security systems can help complement and even be more cost-efficient than relying solely on a physical security plan. As C.J. explains, the first step in understanding safety and security site vulnerabilities is always the security risk assessment.

Security risk assessment

“Third-party security audits are extremely important”, explains C.J. “So often an incident or investigation will be made more difficult, or impossible, because a simple security system has not been put in place. Every company looking to begin development of a new site needs a thorough review of security processes, procedures and equipment.”

A security audit will evaluate whether your new worksite is meeting local, Provincial and Federal health and safety regulations. It will also outline your worksite’s greatest safety and security risks, as well as recommend solutions.

Highly trained security professionals

In the early stages of an industrial site’s development, physical security guards performing regular site patrols, K9 search and camp search procedures are essential for protection. Security guards provide constant vigilance and deter unauthorized access. K9 teams detect contraband. Meanwhile, baggage searches meticulously screen belongings to prevent dangerous and unauthorized items from entering the site, also helping ensure everyone is fit for work. Together, these measures ensure a safe and secure environment during the critical early development phase.

Mobile Surveillance Units (MSUs)

Mobile surveillance units (MSUs) can provide protection in even the most remote locations undergoing an exploration and development phase. These free-standing trailers are self-powered 24/7 sentinels that can be towed or flown to any location to provide an instant safety and security solution. Some models, such as Pro Solar Plus by GardaWorld Security Systems & Technology, will perform in the toughest conditions: extreme weather, rugged terrain, even in areas without solar energy. They can operate, communicate, record and provide security for months or years – simply with solar energy and a fuel cell – even in locations without power or phone.

• The AI-powered cameras offer a 24/7, 360-degree view of the location.
• Provides an on-site solution to deter intruders (video recording, flashing lights, audio warnings) while the situation is being managed and monitored remotely.
• Captures a video recording of before, during and after any security incident, while also alerting and providing a simultaneous feed to our 24/7 monitoring centre.
• A Pro Solar Plus Mobile Surveillance Unit can complement an existing physical security plan for added surveillance capabilities and situational awareness.

For over 25 years, GardaWorld Security has partnered with Canada’s largest industries to safeguard exploration and development sites, even in the most remote areas. Our expertise in providing comprehensive security solutions ensures the protection and safety of your people and assets from the very beginning. If you’re looking to enhance the security and safety of your industrial site, visit our website and connect with one of our experts today.