The Myth of Fleet Management Safety
Depending on the priorities of the company and the industry they are in, Fleet Management and Lone Worker Monitoring systems are two important services that organizations should consider. However, many companies don’t realize the difference between a Fleet Management system and a Lone Worker Monitoring system. This article will help you learn about those differences to help you decide what is best for your organization.
What Is fleet management?
Fleet Management is a system designed to track the vehicles and assets of an organization. This usually involves installing GPS transponders into the vehicle, that is used to track the location of the vehicle in real time. The information coming from these transponders are usually being monitored by the employer through a fleet management interface, or it is outsourced to a monitoring company providing similar services. Depending on the intricacy of the system, fleet management can be as simple as a system that logs GPS location to confirm trip route and speed, or as complicated as tracking vehicle idle time or sending alerts when the driver leaves the vehicle. Fleet Management systems are thus designed to make sure the vehicle and the contents make it to its final destination in time.
What is a lone worker monitoring system?
A Lone Worker Monitoring system protects your company’s biggest asset: the employee. Lone Workers are defined as workers who are out of visual or auditory contact of a supervisor or co-worker. Lone Worker Monitoring systems are designed to provide a connection to these workers, and raise an alarm when the worker may be in danger, or is unresponsive. Lone Worker Monitoring systems require the worker to check-in at set intervals in order to let their employer know they are safe. Alarms can usually be initiated by manual triggers through employee action (ex: pressing a panic button), or through automatic triggers that assume unresponsiveness (ex: fall detection; missed interval check-ins). When an alarm is raised, it helps first responders take immediate action to the employee’s emergency, which can prevent serious injuries from becoming exacerbated.Lone Worker Monitoring systems also makes employers compliant with working alone legislation in their region. For example, this excerpt from Alberta’s Occupational Health and Safety Code mandates that:
394(1) An employer must, for any worker working alone, provide an effective communication system consisting of
(a) radio communication,
(b) landline or cellular telephone communication, or
(c) some other effective means of electronic communication that includes regular contact by the employer or designate at intervals appropriate to the nature of the hazard associated with the worker’s work.Although the law varies depending on the region, Lone Worker systems are designed so they comply with even the strictest local occupation and health safety legislation.
Why you should consider a lone worker monitoring system even if you already have fleet management
A Lone Worker Monitoring system can be a great addition to Fleet Management, or an alternative in lieu of a more complicated, and perhaps unneeded, Fleet Management system. Most fleet management systems require that you pay for an expensive device, or devices that need to be installed in the vehicle. They can also require that you install other devices, such as microphones, cameras, and sensors depending on the system. Additionally, fleet management systems come with complicated logistical and record keeping systems that may be unnecessary for some companies. Lone Worker Monitoring systems are designed with the sole purpose is to keep the employee safe. Because of this, Lone Worker Monitoring systems are usually very simple and streamlined to install, maintain, and operate. Additionally, Lone Worker Monitoring systems require lower or even no upfront capital costs, and less accessory equipment to be purchased. In addition to keeping workers safe, Lone Worker Monitoring systems also ensures that your company is complying with regional working alone legislation.
So, whether your organization needs Fleet Management features or not, a Lone Worker Monitoring system is a smart addition to any operational safety practice. Lone Worker Monitoring systems can work in tandem with Fleet and Asset Management to ensure maximum safety and productivity. Lone Worker Monitoring systems also are useful for a vast variety of different professions that don’t need fleet and asset management.Make sure when you are coming up with your Lone Worker safety plan that you consider implementing a Lone Worker Monitoring system to protect your most valuable assets while on the job.