Construction businesses across the country are making it mandatory for their fleets to implement a GPS tracking system to receive a variety of benefits; one of the most useful applications of the technology is to improve jobsite safety. Employee safety on the jobsite is a crucial responsibility for fleet management, so every construction business should have some type of system in place to proactively and reactively take control of unsafe situations that arise.
GPS tracking systems allow construction managers to keep one eye on their fleet at all times and ensure safety regulations are met. Some of the ways construction businesses can increase jobsite safety with GPS tracking include ensuring all vehicles and equipment on the jobsite are safe to operate, improving safety procedures during severe weather events, and providing panic buttons to all drivers as an additional safety resource.
Safer Vehicles and Equipment
Staying on top of fleet health is a proactive safety practice and will prevent dangerous situations that can occur due to maintenance neglect. Construction businesses can use GPS tracking systems to automatically track fleet maintenance to ensure all vehicles and equipment are safe to operate on the jobsite.
GPS tracking systems can be used to send automated service reminders that 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 like tire rotations & balancing, oil changes, emissions testing, or any other types of services are due to be completed. It is recommended to send maintenance alerts to management and drivers to ensure vehicles and equipment receive necessary services as soon as possible.
Fleet management can also view a scheduled maintenance report on a daily/weekly/monthly basis to ensure that all services were completed on time. This report will also highlight any outstanding maintenance items that should have been completed.
Location Intelligence Can Save Lives
Severe weather like tornados, hurricanes, flash floods, blizzards, and hail storms are 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 make it possible for construction businesses to prevent their employees from being in the danger zone or notify them immediately to evacuate the area when severe weather events occur. Construction managers are able to determine all drivers who may be affected by the severe weather by accessing the GPS tracking system’s mapping to see who is near the geographical location. Identifying all drivers who may be at risk 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’s dashboard interface.
Panic Buttons for Emergency Situations
In some instances, drivers may find themselves in danger on a jobsite and 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 or belt loop 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.
One of the most valuable applications of a GPS tracking system for any business is increasing safety. Using a system will help safety personnel and fleet managers implement new procedures throughout their operations to ensure the wellbeing of employees and that all safety regulations are met. By selecting a GPS tracking provider with the ability to customize its functionality, construction businesses are able to solve specific safety concerns facing their business.
To learn more about how your construction fleet can use a GPS tracking system to improve safety on the jobsite, contact GPS Insight.
