Biometrics give security a hand on construction sites

The construction industry is the single largest employment sector in the UK, accounting for 2.2 million employees. At any given time, major construction companies are operating multiple, often vast, sites each
with a daily flow of direct employees, sub-contractors and other stakeholders, plus movement of plant and supplies. 

The adoption of new and better building technologies continues apace; with contractors reaping the rewards
in terms of improved safety, reduced time and resource costs. However, possibly because of the 'temporary' nature of a construction site, much of the industry still accepts inadequate site access control.

This is an oversight which can prove very costly.     

Poorly maintained access control impacts so many areas. Unauthorised persons triggering a security alert; litigation resulting from Health & Safety violations; poor attendance monitoring, 'buddy punching' by direct employees and overcharging by sub-contractors are all very real, but avoidable, risks. 

Construction can be fraught with hazards.  More and more construction sites throughout the UK and Ireland are awakening to the fact that using Ingersoll Rand Security Technologies' hand geometry biometrics dramatically improves their ability to control access and manage time & attendance.   User-friendly technology - does not rely on, nor record, the user's personal details. Monitors who, where and when. Eliminates fraudulent or unjustified payments. Real-time roll call list - allows managers and safety officials  to know who is on site at any time. Employee hours can be monitored for 'Working Time Directive' purposes. Positive identification can be applied to the operation of dangerous or classified  machinery. Sophisticated software reduces 'false readings' due to dirty, grazed or lightly cut hands - an everyday reality on a construction site.

Ingersoll Rand Security Technologies recognises the benefits to users in linking its biometric technology to specialist solution providers at the forefront of applied human behavourial science. 
Human Recognition Systems (HRS) utilises a Biometrics Information Management System (BIMS), incorporating our biometric readers with dedicated management software platforms.
This package allows construction industry professionals to perform a variety of functions to specifically 
address industry concerns regarding health and safety, CSCS accreditation, site access and report generation.

How does it work?
In brief, access is granted by verifying the credentials of a site operative against their biometric hand geometry template. The person is enrolled on the system by placing their hand onto the precision-engineered platern of the biometric reader. They are then provided with a unique PIN code. The whole enrolement process is completed in under one minute.
From then on, access to the site - or specific zone on a multi-zoned site - is achieved by simply placing the
hand on the reader at the security point. If the hand scan matches the template embedded in the system then the worker is allowed to enter. 
Each transaction is recorded - and can be audit trailed - to provide accurate data on the number of workers on-site, their duration of stay and other such programmable criteria. 

BIMS benefits:

• Increases site security
  -  postively identifies authorised personnel
• Manages time and attendance
  - real-time tracking for Health & Safety
• Eliminates timecard fraud and overcharging
  - reduces cost and drives correct behaviour  
• Reduced payroll and administration costs
  - reduces paperwork and improves tracking
• User-friendly and cost effective
  - requires minimal operator assistance
• Full compliance with Working Time Directive
  - monitors hours worked and breaks taken