When you work in the trades, you know that there are a number of hazards common to the job. Aside from physical risks and the concerns that are typical to business, as a tradie, your tools and equipment are an essential part of your livelihood.
At Grace Insurance, we understand the fact that your tools are critical to your job. To help you protect your equipment, we offer insurance cover that takes care of your tools, stock, and portable equipment. However, would you prefer to replace stolen or damaged equipment and inventory or stop the theft or vandalism before a loss occurs? Close to 100 per cent of tradies would answer “prevent the loss.”
Do Tradies Experience Theft Frequently?
Go to any job site and ask the tradies working if they have been victims of theft. You will hear one or probably more stories about tools, stock, or equipment stolen during a tradies’ career.
Why Are Tools Popular Targets of Thieves?
Generally, a tradie will have the best tools he or she can afford. Top of the line tools can fetch a pretty penny on resale markets. Additionally, many hand tools are easy to pilfer. Often a criminal can walk away with a toolbox that is full of pricey items, and no one will notice.
If I Lock My Tools Away, Are They Safe?
In a perfect world, security would be a matter of turning a key and knowing your possessions are safe. However, criminals are consistently improving their skills. As the nabbing of tools gets easier, your need for enhanced security measures increases.
How Can I Protect My Tools and Equipment if Normal Security Measures Are Not Enough?
The predicament of protecting the means of your livelihood can be frustrating. However, thanks to brilliant technological advancements, tradies can opt for high-tech ways to ensure security.
Six Devices to Help Keep Your Equipment Secure
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Real-time Tracking for Vehicles
One way to make sure you know where your ute, truck, or your whole fleet of vehicles are at any given moment is by using a real-time tracker.
With real-time tracking, you can watch on your computer, tablet, or smartphone as your trucks are moving down the road.
Several features make real-time tracking systems, incredibly useful. These include:
- Customisable – You can choose what information you want relayed to you and what alerts you would like to set.
- Geo-fencing – Real-time technology will help you make sure your vehicles and equipment are staying within preset boundaries.
- Small – The tracking units can be as small as a USB Drive. This makes it difficult for anyone to know the device is on board the truck.
- Versatile – Some real-time tracking devices come with extended-life replaceable batteries. In contrast, others offer the option of direct hardwiring into the auto to use the car battery as a power source.
- Affordable – Real-time tracking units came in a wide variety of price ranges putting them within reach of most consumers.
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Microscopic Labelling Technology
While the device may sound as if it is a part of science fiction, micro-dots are a cutting-edge way to keep your valuable tools and equipment secure.
The dots are comparable to engraving your tools except that engraving takes time, and depending on the piece, there may not be sufficient space to etch all of your information.
Micro-dots are a security device that works by using a metal substrate that holds electrically etched identifying code which is inalterable. The dots stand up to the sunlight and extreme temperatures.
Although the dots are exceptionally tiny, ranging from 0.3mm to 3.0mm, warning stickers are available to identify your gear as traceable if stolen.
In addition to tools and equipment, many tradies use the micro-dots to mark other valuables such as:
- Cellular devices
- Generators
- Scaffolding
- Precision equipment
- Computers
- Pumps
- Compressors
- Trailers
- Vehicles
- Cabling
- Ladders
- Air conditioning units
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A Digital Inventory System
On the surface, keeping track of your hand tools, power tools, and other equipment may seem like a simple task. Think about the last time you were at a job site with a few employees and subbies. Unless you are very vigilant, mixing up tools or inadvertently walking away with someone else’s equipment happens easily. To say nothing of an unscrupulous person pilfering tools when no one is watching.
Setting up digital inventory will help you keep an eye on all of your equipment even when you are not looking. There are a number of easy to use programs available that guide you through the process of creating a digital inventory system.
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GPS Tracker
Adding a GPS tracker is a fast and relatively inexpensive way for you to know where your gear is at all times.
All tradies know how easy it is to lose track of tools while on the job, especially if the site is large and you are moving from task to task. Additionally, tradies’ tools are a hot commodity and can fetch a pretty penny for thieves looking for a fast profit.
Adding a GPS to equipment and toolboxes can save you time spent searching and money spent replacing lost or stolen tools.
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Security Cameras With Solar Power
Security cameras can be a valuable asset when you are trying to keep an eye on a number of areas at the same time.
However, the majority of commercial security cameras depend on external power sources. This makes them vulnerable to vandalism and inclement weather. In turn, your equipment, tools, and property are without protection.
A quality solar powered security system keeps you protected when other security systems fail.
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Smart Padlocks
The smart padlock is ideal for tradies who struggle with jammed key rings or hard to remember passcodes. Installing a smart padlock will enhance your security because your cellular device operates the lock. You can relax knowing your gear is secure, and you are the only person with access.
The material contained in this blog post is for informational use only. It does not constitute legally binding insurance advice and is not applicable to all situations. To learn about insurances options specific to your business, please contact your insurance professional.
