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When and Why Should You Install Turnstiles and Gates on Your Construction Site? (With 10 Country Comparisons)

Introduction

Securing a construction site is not just about protecting materials and equipment - it’s about ensuring builders safety, regulatory compliance, and efficient construction site management. Turnstiles and access gates play a important role in controlling construction site entry and exit, preventing unauthorised access, and improving site security.

The need for turnstiles and gates can vary based on project size, location, legal requirements, and workforce structure. Some countries enforce strict regulations, while others leave it up to contractors to decide.

In this blog post, we’ll explore when and why you should install turnstiles and gates at your construction site, and compare access control regulations across different countries.

Why Install Turnstiles and Gates on Construction Sites?

Turnstiles and gates are physical access control systems that help manage who enters and exits a building or construction site. Here’s why they are important:

1. Workforce Safety & Compliance

  • Construction sites are high-risk zones, and uncontrolled access can lead to accidents involving untrained individuals.
  • Many countries require access control measures to ensure only certified workers enter hazardous zones.
  • Example: In the UK, the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations (CDM 2015) mandate strict site security to prevent unauthorised access.

2. Prevent Unauthorised Access & Theft

  • Equipment, tools, and materials are often left on-site, making theft a major concern.
  • Turnstiles with smart access control (RFID, biometric, or PIN-based entry) ensure that only registered workers enter.
  • Example: In Denmark, construction sites over a certain size must have controlled entry points with worker ID verification.

3. Improve Workforce Attendance & Time Tracking

  • Digital turnstiles can integrate with time-tracking software, reducing the need for manual clock-ins.
  • This prevents “buddy punching” (workers clocking in for absent colleagues).
  • Example: In France, all workers must be registered and their working hours recorded to comply with labor laws.

4. Reduce Site Congestion & Improve Workflow

  • Large sites with multiple subcontractors can get chaotic during peak hours.
  • Turnstiles help control crowd flow and ensure smooth worker movement.
  • Example: In Germany, major projects require separate access control points for workers, visitors, and deliveries.
  • Some governments mandate strict workforce monitoring, and failing to comply can result in heavy fines.
  • Turnstiles and gates help prove compliance with labor laws and insurance requirements.
  • Example: Latvia and Estonia require electronic workforce registration (like the EDULUS system in Latvia).
Construction site software to view turnstiles and gates data

When Should You Install Turnstiles and Gates?

Not all construction sites require turnstiles or high-security gates. Here are key indicators that your site should have access control measures:

1. Large Workforce or Multiple Contractors

  • If you manage 100+ workers, a turnstile system helps streamline entry and exit tracking.
  • Essential for sites with multiple subcontractors to ensure correct workforce segregation.
  • Countries like Finland and Sweden require registered workforce tracking for large-scale projects.

2. High-Value Equipment and Materials On-Site

  • If your site stores expensive tools, machinery, or materials, consider gated access.
  • Theft is common in countries with large-scale urban projects, such as Belgium and the Netherlands.
  • Some governments mandate workforce identification and real-time attendance tracking.
  • In countries like France, Latvia, and Norway, failing to track workforce entry can lead to fines.

4. Remote or High-Risk Construction Locations

  • Sites in remote areas are more vulnerable to trespassing and vandalism.
  • In Portugal, Greece, and Romania, projects in isolated zones often require stricter access control.

5. Need for Better Project Oversight

  • If project managers struggle with site attendance, subcontractor tracking, or shift management, turnstiles can help.
  • Countries with high labor mobility, like Poland and Czechia, benefit from automated workforce tracking systems.
CountryRegulationsTurnstiles/Gates Mandatory?Additional Notes
United KingdomCDM 2015 site security rulesRecommended for large projectsMust prevent unauthorised access
FranceLabor law workforce trackingYes for projects above a certain sizeWorkers must be registered
GermanySafety regulations for large sitesYes for major projectsSeparate access for workers, visitors, and deliveries
DenmarkWorker ID verification lawYes for medium to large projectsSmart access control required
LatviaEDULUS system for workforce trackingYesRequires electronic registration of workers
Estonia Construction site safety lawsYesSimilar to Latvia, digital tracking needed
PolandNo strict requirementOptionalHigh labor mobility increases need for tracking
NetherlandsWorkplace safety lawsYes for high-risk sitesMust track subcontractors separately
SwedenWorkforce registration systemYes for major projectsDigital access required for compliance
PortugalGeneral labor lawsOptionalRemote sites often install gates
*Table data derived from various sources, including industry guidelines, security associations, and regional safety regulations. (For example UK The Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015 (CDM 2015))

In Estonia Cramo and Remato have partnership offering turnstiles and gates. Read more here

Types of Turnstiles & Gates Used on Construction Sites

If your site requires access control, here are the most common solutions:

1. Full-Height Turnstiles

  • Best for: Large sites with high security needs
  • Prevents tailgating (multiple people entering at once)
  • Example: Used in Denmark, Germany, and Sweden for infrastructure projects.

2. Waist-Height Turnstiles

  • Best for: Medium-sized projects needing workforce tracking
  • Faster access but lower security
  • Example: Often used in France and Belgium for commercial construction sites.

3. Swing Gates with RFID/Biometric Access

  • Best for: Sites with both vehicle and pedestrian access
  • Allows equipment and trucks to pass through
  • Example: Common in Norway, Netherlands, and UK.

4. Temporary Access Gates

  • Best for: Short-term projects or small sites
  • Example: Used in Portugal, Czechia, and Hungary, where projects may not require permanent solutions.
turnstile-and-gates_construction-site

Conclusion: Should You Install Turnstiles or Gates?

If your construction site is dealing with security concerns, workforce tracking issues, or legal compliance needs, installing turnstiles and gates is smart decision.

  • Large-scale projects? Full-height turnstiles ensure strict access control.
  • Multiple subcontractors? RFID or biometric gates help manage workforce flow.
  • Sites with high theft risk? Controlled gates reduce unauthorised entry.
  • Strict regulations in your country? Compliance-based access control helps avoid fines.

With different regulations worldwide, it’s important to check local construction laws before setting up an access control system. Remato can help with workforce tracking and compliance, making it easier to integrate digital solutions with turnstile or gate access control systems.

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