Employee safety on the jobsite is a crucial responsibility for fleet management. Construction businesses across the country are making it mandatory for their fleets to implement a GPS tracking system to enhance current safety procedures, create new safety procedures and meet regulations overall. GPS tracking systems provide access to real-time vehicle locations to help businesses ensure safety on the jobsite and faster response time in an emergency.
Gain Visibility of Drivers on Remote Jobsites
Working on remote jobsites is a frequent requirement for construction fleets. If drivers are out of contact for the majority of the time on a jobsite, it is a significant liability for the construction business and a major safety risk for employees. GPS tracking systems provide access to vehicle locations to ensure driver safety. In the event of an emergency, having the ability to pinpoint an employee's exact location becomes instrumental in creating the fastest response time possible. If an employee is in danger and requests immediate assistance, fleet managers will be able to use the GPS tracking system to identify the driver's location instantly and dispatch emergency response or a nearby driver, depending on the severity of the situation.
Equip Drivers for Emergency Situations
In some instances, drivers may find themselves in danger on a jobsite, but are unable to access the cab of their vehicle or cell phone. Without a way to call for help, an already unsafe situation becomes even more dangerous for employees. Some GPS tracking systems offer a panic button that can be attached to the driver's keychain to provide an additional safety resource during an emergency. By pressing the panic button, management will be notified that the driver needs help and can access their location to send assistance.
Receive Long-Stop Alerts
Construction fleets can also use GPS systems to increase safety by verifying drivers' well-being during long stops. Receiving notifications during longer-than-usual stops increases safety because it will alert management if a driver may be experiencing complications or has an emergency. Having the ability to monitor how long engines are turned off becomes a valuable tool to provide safety and help fleets stay compliant. If a vehicle's engine has been turned off for an extended period of time and surpasses the acceptable threshold set in the system, managers will receive an alert that signifies the driver may be in trouble. Receiving this alert allows management to contact the driver right away to ensure their safety and send help if needed.
Improve Procedures During Severe Weather
Severe weather is a significant safety challenge for construction businesses because it can be very difficult to identify all drivers who may be affected and warn them in time to ensure they are out of harm's way. GPS tracking systems allow fleet management to quickly identify all drivers who are near a dangerous weather event to ensure they are notified as soon as possible. Identifying all drivers who may be at risk from severe weather will allow managers to immediately alert them to evacuate the area by sending a message to their Garmin navigation device or cell phone straight from the system\'92s dashboard interface.
Streamline Maintenance Tracking
While some unsafe situations are impossible to avoid, staying on top of fleet health is a proactive safety practice and will prevent dangerous situations like tire blowouts and engine failure caused by maintenance neglect. GPS tracking systems help businesses make sure all assets are in premium condition by automatically tracking fleet maintenance. GPS tracking systems can be used to send automated reminders to ensure all vehicles and equipment receive preventative maintenance on schedule. A system's maintenance module will automatically track run time and odometer readings, then send reminders when services are due.
One of the most valuable use cases for a GPS tracking system is to increase employee safety on the jobsite. By selecting a GPS tracking provider with the ability to customize its functionality, construction businesses are able to solve specific safety concerns.
