Buying construction work time clocks

Written By: Brad Sylvester

On the construction site, tracking hours worked is no less important than it is in a fixed location workplace. However, there are additional considerations with construction job site time tracking. Construction work time clocks must be portable and able to stand up to the rough treatment that can't be avoided on constructions sites.

Battery-powered construction work time clocks

First concern for in a job site time clock is portability, so look for time clocks that operate on batteries if a steady source of electrical power isn't available. These are great for construction sites where electrical power is unreliable or supplied by overworked generators. These battery-powered construction work time clocks will keep accurate time for up to six months with common household batteries. An additional benefit is that most are small enough to be easily moved for safe overnight storage. While the battery operated clocks may not be the most rugged models available, their small size means you can keep them in a relatively sheltered place, like the back of the foreman's van, for example. With today's modern technology, some of these are tiny handheld devices.

Are they tough enough?

Once permanent power is available at a construction site, battery powered construction work time clocks are no longer a necessity. The next consideration is durability. Construction sites, by their very nature, are usually outdoor locations. Building may run from the hottest summer days well into the cold winter months. Work can continue during rain or shine, and your time clock should, too. Some models have secure cases that protect them when not in use. These cases need to be waterproof, and even more importantly, shockproof: on the construction site, things get dropped, bumped and abused no matter how careful you are. Your time clock, or at least its case, should be as rugged and durable as any tool on the site. With prices starting in the hundreds of dollars for decent construction work time clocks, you don't want to be continually replacing them.

Preventing time clock fraud at the job site

Another thing to consider on a busy job site is time clock fraud. Otherwise known as "buddy punching," this is the practice of one worker punching in or out for a coworker who didn't show up on time, or who left a little early. On a busy job site, workers are scattered and it may not always be easy for a foreman to verify who's on site at any given moment. Biometric time clocks can prevent buddy punching, and make sure you only pay your workers for the hours they put in at the site. Biometric time clocks use a fingerprint scanner or other personally identifiable scanning system to make sure the individual punching in is actually present.

Start your time clock search with BuyerZone

When you're ready to buy a time clock for your construction business, BuyerZone is the place to start. We don't sell time clocks – our free service will match you to up to 5 different time and attendance system vendors who can meet your needs. Just answer a few simple questions about your business and what you're looking for and we'll do the rest: try our free time clock price quote request service today.