Northern Echo - Technology firm has its finger on site security

A CONSTRUCTION company has installed the world’s first finger-print controlled turnstile point for workers at one of its sites.

The biometric site access turnstile developed by Newcastle firm UKB International has been installed at Clugston Development’s construction site at the £50m Derwenthaugh EcoPark development, in Gateshead.

Workers, sub-contractors and suppliers who have undergone the Clugston health and safety induction are registered by having their fingerprint scanned.

Although the company has developed fingerprint systems for office buildings it is the first system which makes it impossible for any person to pass through without having their fingerprint checked.

The scanner is impervious to water, dust and dirt and can read a fingerprint through grease, paint or latex gloves.

The biometric system identifies minute points on the finger, which are converted to data, encrypted and stored for future comparison.

No fingerprints are stored and the reporting data is held only by Clugston.

UKB International sales director Steve Barnard said: “The construction industry has been crying out for a robust, infallible access and time and attendance system which will work with minimum maintenance in harsh environments.

“We are delighted that Clugston has chosen our system.

“While this is the first biometric turnstile designed solely for the construction industry, we have fitted the technology to industrial and commercial sites throughout the UK.

“One call centre operator claims the system has saved her tens of thousands of pounds a year in false wage claims. We anticipate delivering similar cost benefit in the construction sector.”

Clugston project manager Gary Parkinson said: “We have specified the biometric site access turnstile here at Derwenthaugh, and it promises to offer substantial health and safety benefits.

“We know that everyone on site is aware of our safety policy and, in the event of an emergency, we can advise authorities if everyone has assembled at the muster point, or if workers are missing.

“The new biometric system means we can operate without the need for security guards to check workers documentation.”

Once registered, workers scan their fingerprint to gain access to, or leave the site.

The system admits one worker at a time and will prevent “buddy punching” – clocking in by workers who have not attended the health and safety induction, or clocking in workmates who leave early or arrive late.