Facial Recognition on Construction Sites: The objections (& what actually happens on site)

Most contractors are not asking whether facial recognition works, they’re wanting to know what happens to the data, or when an operative refuses to enrol. 

These are reasonable questions, and facial recognition can make site access faster and more accountable, but introducing it properly means looking beyond the technology itself.

What happens to the biometric data?

Wondering what happens with biometric data once it has been taken is a more than fair question, this is unique data personal to you and it should be treated with the utmost care.

That being said, data protection is often the first concern raised when contractors consider facial recognition, and understandably so. Workers want to know what information is being collected, where it is stored, who can access it and what happens when the project comes to an end. 

So, what is the answer?

Facial recognition used to verify a worker’s identity involves biometric data, which receives additional protection under UK GDPR when processed for unique identification.

Therefore, the contractor must establish an appropriate legal basis for processing the data, while also:

• Meeting the additional requirements for special category data
• Explain the process clearly to the workforce
• Providing a data protection impact assessment 
• Get consent from employees 

“What do I need to tell employees before collecting biometric data?”

Your workers should be told some key information, this including but not limited to:

• How data is collected
• How it is used
• Where it is held
• Who has permission to access it
• How long it is retained
• How they can protect their data protection rights

Access to this kind of data should also be restricted to authorised members of staff, plus, retention periods should be defined from the outset so that information is not kept indefinitely without a justified reason.

That being said, once a project ends, the contractor should have a clear process for removing biometric records and associated personal data when they are no longer required.

At VIS Systems, data protection is a pillar of our monitoring and access control. Contractors can find further information about our approach by contacting our team, while the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) provides guidance on using biometric data for time and access control.

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What to do if an operative refuses biometric data usage

A contractor can see the benefits of facial recognition and still be concerned about how the workforce will respond, as futuristic processes progress, not everyone will be comfortable using biometric technology.

The best approach is to explain the process before workers arrive on site, this way you can explain why facial recognition is being introduced, how it works, what happens to their information and what alternatives are available. 

Giving your contractors an opportunity to ask questions early helps avoid confusion when they reach the access point for the first time. Plus, where appropriate, information can also be provided during pre-registration, allowing workers to familiarise themselves with the process before their first day.

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Common questions about facial recognition on construction sites

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#1 Will it cope with the morning rush?

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It is understood by competent providers that construction sites rarely operate at a leisurely pace, at VIS Systems we design our access control systems with that in mind. If access control creates a queue that stretches beyond the entrance, the benefits quickly become less convincing.

Facial recognition is designed to combat just that by verifying an enrolled worker in seconds, saying goodbye to finding a card, entering a PIN or waiting for somebody to check a paper register. 

Once the worker has been successfully matched to their registered profile, the system can grant access through a connected turnstile. This makes entry faster and more straightforward, particularly on projects where large numbers of people need to pass through.

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#2 Does it work in the rain, in the dark, or when someone is wearing a hard hat?

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Construction sites are not controlled indoor environments, that is why biometric controlled access points should be able to manage rain, changing daylight, artificial lighting and the dust.

Not to mention that workers are likely to arrive wearing the personal protective equipment required for their roles, which can include hard hats and safety glasses. Any access control system intended for everyday construction use must be able to account for these conditions.

At VIS Systems, our facial recognition technology is designed for use in construction environments, including access points that operate in different conditions. 

The system captures a live image and compares it with the enrolled profile, allowing identity verification to take place without physical contact. It is worth noting that while certain combinations of safety glasses, tinted eyewear, face coverings or other PPE may affect performance, the equipment should be tested in the conditions in which it will be used. 

These are the details that determine whether technology works with your site in practice, at VIS systems we’re confident that our access control can adapt to the conditions of the project, not just perform well in a demonstration.

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#3 What does facial recognition tell us that a card system does not?

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Traditional access cards can be a useful way of managing entry, but they have a limitation that is difficult to overlook when it comes to busy construction sites.

The key aspect is that a card identifies a credential, not necessarily the person presenting it. As well as that, cards can be misplaced, forgotten or handed to another operative.

Facial recognition matches the person at the access point against the enrolled profile; so rather than relying solely on the possession of a card (which could belong to anyone), the system checks that the person is true to the profile they're presenting.

CSCS Smart Check integration

Something that makes VIS Systems ' facial recognition so useful is the integration of CSCS Smart Check, allowing contractors to bring several workforce management processes together. 

Rather than treating the entrance as an isolated security checkpoint, the system can form part of a wider approach to better security.

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#4 Can it move with the project?

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Construction sites change considerably as a project is built, thus an entrance that works during the early phase is likely to become unsuitable when the building starts to take shape. 

So in short yes, a good provider should offer a type of facial recognition system and access control that is adaptable as the site progresses.

More specifically, portable access control pods can help address this challenge, so rather than relying exclusively on permanent infrastructure, contractors can use equipment that is designed to be deployed and relocated as site requirements change; for more information on providers, at VIS Systems we provide just that.

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Talk to our team at VIS Systems for facial recognition systems & help

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Implementing facial recognition on a construction site involves much more than selecting a scanner, contractors would need to consider the entrance layout, workforce numbers, enrolment process, data protection arrangements and the systems already used to manage attendance and compliance. 

If you are considering facial recognition for your next project, speak to our team at VIS Systems about your site requirements and the most suitable approach.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is facial recognition on a construction site GDPR compliant?

Facial recognition can be used lawfully where the contractor meets the requirements of UK GDPR and the Data Protection Act 2018. Contractors need to establish an appropriate lawful basis, address the requirements for processing special category data, assess the risks and then ensure that they provide clear information to workers. 

Do operatives have to consent to facial recognition?

Employers should not assume that consent is freely given simply because an operative agrees to enrol, as the employment relationship can affect whether a person feels able to refuse. Instead, contractors should assess the appropriate legal basis before implementation, explain the process transparently and establish a suitable alternative for workers who decline.

Does facial recognition work with hard hats and safety glasses?

Facial recognition systems can be used in construction environments where workers wear PPE, yet it is important to note that performance depends on the equipment, positioning, lighting and how much of the face is obscured. 

Can facial recognition replace CSCS card checks?

No, facial recognition verifies identity against an enrolled profile, whereas CSCS Smart Check helps employers check relevant card and qualification information. These processes serve different purposes and should be used together where appropriate.

How long does it take to enrol a worker on facial recognition?

The time it takes typically depends on the enrolment method, for example considering whether the worker has already completed the necessary registration steps. Pre-enrolment can allow workers to register before arriving on site, reducing administration at the entrance.