Monitoring a construction site and procuring an access control system may raise questions, especially for developers acting as the main contractor for the first time. These are common questions service providers regularly receive. After reading this article, you will understand the key basics of access control on construction sites and be aware of the most important regulatory requirements related to it.
1. Why is it necessary to monitor personnel traffic on construction sites?
Legislation and construction reporting obligations require the principal contractor to oversee site monitoring. They must know who is on-site and maintain an up-to-date list of site personnel. The main contractor must report worker and contract details monthly to the Finnish Tax Administration if the project’s total value (excluding VAT) exceeds €15,000.
All workers on the site must have a tax number and a photo ID, such as a Valtti card. The Valtti card is also used for access control registrations and verifying professional qualifications and safety training.
Access control also plays a crucial role in site safety. In addition to tax authorities, occupational safety laws and regional administrative authorities require maintaining a worker registry. On fenced sites, access control integrated with the site gate also protects against vandalism, theft, and unauthorized access.
2. Who is responsible for monitoring personnel traffic on the site?
The principal contractor is responsible for reporting obligations and must ensure site monitoring. They must report their own employees as well as subcontractors’ workers, independent contractors (self-employed individuals), and temporary workers. In practice, the principal contractor is responsible for reporting all individuals working on-site. If there is no principal contractor, the responsibility falls on the developer.
3. What are the most common methods for organizing access control?
There are various electronic access control solutions for construction sites, including:
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Valtti card reader device
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Valtti card reader with multiple keys allowing workers to select their worksite upon check-in (useful in block construction projects)
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Electronic access control integrated with the site gate
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Mobile apps for site supervisors or foremen to scan workers’ Valtti cards
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Mobile apps for workers to record their own work hours
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Browser-based mobile solutions that do not require installing a separate app on the worker’s phone
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QR code check-in at the construction site
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Text message check-in
4. Why choose an electronic system?
Although no authority strictly defines how a construction site should be monitored, most companies have transitioned from spreadsheets and manual records to electronic systems.
Electronic access control is efficient, accurate, and time-saving while providing real-time monitoring. Access rights can be managed remotely, events can be reviewed in real-time, and quick responses to changing situations are possible. Additionally, electronic systems enable detailed reporting and seamless integration with other systems.
Many access control systems also include digital tools for induction training and site diary management, keeping all essential documents in one organized place.
5. Can access control be integrated with other systems?
Most access control systems can be integrated with other software. They are often connected to payroll and enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems. When procuring an access control system, it is worth checking with the service provider about available integration options and whether they can be tailored to meet your specific needs.
6. Can access control systems scale for different site sizes?
Most access control systems are designed to scale based on the site’s needs. The method of logging in affects scalability:
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Smaller, short-term sites may only need mobile-based check-ins.
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Large, long-term, fenced construction sites may require access control integrated with site gates.
A scalable system can handle varying numbers of users, expand when needed, and integrate with other systems.
7. How and how quickly can an access control system be installed on a construction site?
The implementation process depends on the service provider and the selected system configuration.
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If only a single Valtti card reader is needed, it can be delivered as quickly as the next business day after ordering.
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For example, installing a NOPSA Valtti card reader is simple and takes just a minute to set up on-site!
If more equipment is needed, such as a personnel turnstile, the delivery and implementation schedule should be coordinated with the service provider in advance.
8. How much does an access control system cost?
The cost of an access control system depends on several factors:
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The pricing model of the service provider
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Whether the equipment is purchased or rented
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The size of the construction site and number of users
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Possible additional services
To get an accurate price estimate, it is best to request a quote based on your project’s specific needs.
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