BY MIKE FERRY, CORPORATE SAFETY DIRECTOR, O&G, AN AGC OF CONNECTICUT MEMBER
Ensuring the safety of a construction fleet can be a daunting and difficult task. Vehicles often operate in crowded environments and on uneven surfaces, resulting in a higher chance of collision or asset damage. Due to the industry’s unique challenges, construction companies remain adamant about mitigating fleet risk. To ensure the safety of employees and the public at or near jobsites, and to make certain the transportation and delivery of materials is secure and reliable, fleet managers are turning to advanced technologies to provide insights not otherwise readily available.
Video-based safety solutions are at the forefront of many fleets’ comprehensive safety programs, with an increasing number of managers and drivers realizing the value of video for its measurable impact on fleet operations. A comprehensive driver communication strategy, coupled with education surrounding the safety and exoneration benefits, are key to ensuring buy-in from drivers and other stakeholders.
Whether a driver is personally cleared of wrongdoing in the case of a collision in which he was not at fault, or learns of the exoneration of a colleague as a result of the situational context and insight only available from a fully-managed video safety program, opinions on video begin to shift. With video-based safety technology, management is not only able to pinpoint risky behavior, intervene with constructive coaching, and change driver behavior, but is also able to identify and reward excellent work and cultivate a culture of healthy competition among drivers. Many times, fleet managers may not know how good their drivers’ skills are, and video brings those skills to light. With positive reinforcement — a handshake, a hat, a shirt, recognition in front of peers, etc. — the value of video in helping drivers proves indisputable.
To effectively compete and thrive in the construction sector, companies must evolve with the industry and continuously improve operations. A better safety culture has to begin with upper management, trickle down throughout the organization, and provide a platform for drivers to ensure their voices are being heard and their concerns are being acknowledged. Some of the most innovative ideas, those that change process, procedure and productivity all at the same time, come from the people who experience operational challenges firsthand — the drivers. Company cultures that shift to those of open communication and collective goals perform the best.
In addition to improving driver safety, other areas of business operations also benefit from video-based technology. With video, managers are able to pinpoint and eliminate “mystery damage” to vehicles and assets at a jobsite, reducing unnecessary costs. The true money-saver comes with the reduction of costs associated with both large and small-scale collisions. Typically, fleets find that it’s the accumulation of minor fender benders that are the most costly. By targeting and curbing risky driving behaviors and exonerating drivers when not at fault, the company is able to improve their services — on the road and at a jobsite — and protect their brand.
“Video-based technology has allowed us to dial in and empower our drivers to practice safe habits behind the wheel — such as following speed limits, avoiding distractions and wearing a seatbelt,” says Tom Halpin, safety manager, O&G Industries, an AGC of Connecticut member.
“With our video-based program, the likelihood of injury has reduced and our drivers are safer today than they were a few years ago. When we decided to go down this path, we were one of the first in our region. We expected success in reducing risk but the complete revamp of our safety culture has been an unexpected win. Now we’re able to use positive reinforcement, combined with targeted coaching to further enhance the comprehensive safety program we’ve integrated into our company.”
Once you’ve decided that video-based safety is a fit for your company, there are key things to keep in mind when navigating the vast array of providers to find the solution that will meet your fleet’s unique needs.
WHAT TO CONSIDER WHEN SEEKING A PROVIDER:
To guarantee the highest caliber of safety, construction fleets must evaluate the state of their current safety culture and commit to raising the bar, considering a video-based safety system as a defining factor. A reward-based coaching program dependent on analytics can help ensure driver buy-in. It’s essential for individual fleet managers to assess which video-based system provider will align with the current and future needs or their business and employees. Fleet managers need to consider not only capabilities like hardware flexibility and a configurable program, but also customer service from the provider. Once a fleet manager is able to find the right fit for their company, they will have a substantial and solid safety program.
As the corporate safety director at O&G Industries, Michael Ferry leads the safety program and department for O&G’s diverse divisions of business including commercial construction, heavy civil, materials, as well as the company fleet of 500+ DOT and non-DOT vehicles.
The Associated General Contractors of America
http://www.acg.org/