Lone Working hits the headlines again

The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) has recently been focussing on the challenges faced by lone workers and their employees in an effort to make it clearer what the considerations should be for their safety. In my experience lone worker tracking systems do help in most industries, but as an employer how do you know if you might need to use them?

Both the Health & Safety at Work and Corporate Manslaughter regulations make it clear the employer is responsible for ensuring the safety for lone workers during working hours. But lone working might not always be what it seems. The London Hazards Centre defines lone working as;

"activity which is carried out in isolation from other workers by an individual or a small team of people and where the work activity would normally last for some time"

SO are any of your employees Lone Workers? The RoSPA report gave a long list of examples of industries and workers that would likely be affected, many of which I had not considered myself before. They included:

• Shop workers
• Petrol station workers
• Warehouse and plant staff
• Sales & delivery staff
• Social workers
• Home help & nurses
• Estate agents

To name but a few!


Can Digital Communications systems help?

Lone Worker Tracking Device

As I mentioned in my previous post, Digital Communications systems are amongst the easiest to install as well as being simple to use and suitable in a number of different ways.

Lone working systems specifically work well as they provide a communications system for both regular contact and raising an emergency alarm.

Of course, if you have personnel working on the road then vehicle tracking systems or a radio communication network might be more suitable for you.

RoSPA also went into detail over the need to risk assess the workers needs and consider individuals, as work patterns are often not the same from person to person despite the job description being similar. The report (published in september) and various other useful information on Lone Working can be found on the RoSPA website.

Night shift and Lone Working increases Tracker needs

Having recently travelled overnight on the uk roads, i never fail to be surprised by the lack of traffic that is out there overnight. It's no wonder so many businesses are looking at increasing their lone worker and night working fleet in order to take advantage of the time and money savings.

Undertaking night and overnight work shifts come with extra safety considerations for both your employees and assets, so the rise in purchase of vehicle tracking systems and lone worker assistance is no real surprise.

Although they might seem like an unwanted cost initially, these types of tracking systems can (in the long term) be time and money savers as well as a useful KPI tool in managing your customer expectations.

Fleet Tracking Systems

Keeping your office based staff to a minimum is obviously necessary when employees on site or driving are working overnight. Using a tracking system with the personnel or vehicles will allow you to watch their movements and journey details from any internet based pc and depending on the amount of office work required to monitor this, can make it easier to manage your wage costs.

Lone worker tracking systems

If you have workers on site without a vehicle then a lone worker tracking system alone can be useful. This equipment will feed back the same information as a vehicle system, but can be kept by the worker on a belt or in a handbag for ease of transportation whilst out. It also has the added benefit of a personal alarm that can be activated in an emergency situation.

Other lone worker systems

There are many other things you can do to assist the safety of your vehicles, equipment and workers whilst they are out. Procedures such as signing in and out as well as high visability clothing can assist with this.

Haulage Industry Welcome news of Rail Freight Network – can Vehicle Tracking still help?

I was intrigued to read recently about the Network Rail plans to cut the number of lorries on the road from 2014 onwards. They are considering spending £5.6 billion on their infrastructure to support this freight network, and with the loss of the daily traffic headache it could be every business owners dream, especially within the transport industry. So if this is your future plan for your business freight and logistics could vehicle tracking systems still be of assistance to you?

This question got me thinking about the logistics of consignment tracking instead for business owners and I had to ask myself the question “will businesses still be able to manage customer expectations if you are not in control of your own haulage?

I have mainly spoken about Vehicle Tracking and its advantages on here, but Consignment Trackers also offer useful help and information for Logistics Teams. Whether you are sending one small parcel or one massive container full of products, the consignment tracker can be fitted to report back on their progress and the size of system doesn’t normally vary.

The tracking device is small and like other trackers can be packed with your goods easily. The software used online is exactly the same as that of the vehicle tracker and any PC connected to the internet can access the information. Once the package is fitted you are ready to collect data about the ETA, current location, journey time and more.

Specifically these products are useful for those that are shipping to customers, but if you have a priority package that you are sending to another warehouse, office or internal depot then having the ability to track and trace the item might be invaluable.

So, in conclusion, on the up side it seems the changes could mean a reduction in costs and “on the road time” for consignments being moved by businesses and although traditional Vehicle Trackers can’t be used if you hire a 3rd party company to complete your deliveries, at least there is an opportunity to use an alternative product and manage those expectations remotely.

Lone Workers having to Track themselves?

The benefits of Lone Worker, GPRS and Vehicle Tracking Systems are well documented, but in the vast majority of cases I had understood that businesses were purchasing their own equipment.

However, it has recently come to my attention that some self-employed personnel and staff are looking to purchase their own lone worker safety solutions for times where they might find themselves in danger or an emergency.

Lone Workers Tracking devices work in the same way as vehicle trackers, with a couple of small but very important differences:

2 Way Radio Communication

The Radio systems used on the tracking device allows the worker to make emergency contact with someone in an office or based somewhere else in an emergency situation. Using pre-installed software the office based personnel can then track the persons exact location in order to assist.

Tracking Panic Button

The Tracking device itself also has a panic button, meaning the alarm can be raised in the event of an emergency with one click. The panic button is a very helpful function and the alarm can be raised at the other end on a variety of ways including SMS, Email, Telephone and other messaging services.

Tracking System

Of course, besides all these other features, the tracking device itself has its own uses and is the type of device that assists employers in complying with the Lone Worker corporate manslaughter laws.

Vehicle Tracking Systems - effective crime prevention systems

I have met many customers with different reasons for needing Vehicle Tracking and Equipment Tracking Systems for their companies fleet, however one of the most considered reasons for purchasing this type of system is the potential assistance it can provide law enforcement officers with if your vehicle or item is lost or stolen.

Portable Vehicle Tracking Device

Many haulage companies suffer at the hands of criminals who are looking to steal the goods from within their van or even the van itself.

Of course, there are many other things you can do to try and prevent a thief from attempting to take your vehicle, but many high risk workers and companies choose to also have a warning sign confirming that:

"This Vehicle uses Tracking Equipment which will be used by the Police to find it and its contents if stolen"

This equipment is instant use and once the alarm is raised the equipment can be traced using any computer with an internet connection. This information can also be passed to the police who will use it as one of the most important tools to find the criminal. 

Vehcile Tracking systems are also purchased as an excellent tool for haulage companies in order to trace the whereabouts of a consignment, car, lorry or bike as well as confirming their speed, ETA and assisting with confirming traffic that might hinder the rest of the journey.

Many high profile companies (including security firms and even the police themselves) use tracking and communications systems like these on a daily basis.

Using your Tracking Systems Effectively

As I have mentioned on here several times before, Tracking Systems are fast becoming one of the most effective ways of improving profitability and productivity in any business with vehicles on the road.
However there are many other ways that tracking systems can help both your business and your drivers, including:

Breakdown
It is an unavoidable annoyance, but vehicles do breakdown from time to time. Ever had a driver breakdown? This can cause untold headaches, especially if the cargo on board or the drivers destination is high priority for some reason. Using Vehicle Tracking Equipment and Services will make it simple for office based personnel to accurately find the location of the vehicle and as it is battery operated, the GPRS system will continue to work even in a breakdown situation. Using this system can save time when arranging pick up or roadside assistance and also allow your office based staff to track the onward journey.

Traffic
Like breakdowns, traffic is unavoidable and the longer your journey the hard it will be to avoid it. If you come across traffic and need to find an alternative route then office based staff can use you tracker based location to find an alternative clearer option using the many online traffic services.

Communication
Some Tracking Devices also offer a “radio style” communications system – allowing the driver or passengers to make contact with the office from anywhere in the UK throughout the day and night.

Customer Service
If you are delivering a consignment to a client then the tracking device will allow you to keep the customer regularly informed of the ETA along with any delays in REAL TIME – many courier companies offer a tracking service that does not have the same ability to keep you and your clients constantly informed.

Legislation
Above all things since the changes in corporate manslaughter laws, some of these systems (as well as personal tracking systems) go long way towards ensuring the safety of your lone workers or drivers in an emergency situation.

Haulage Industry sees further growth

Despite the economic downturn, companies within the haulage industry are starting to see an increase in the industry, helped by companies who are looking to broaden their client base both nationally and internationally.
Using Road and Rail Transportation is an important service for many companies offering products and services both nationally and internationally and having a reliable haulage and logistics supplier has never been more important.

The Office of Rail and Department of Transport recently publicised a report confirming the reliability and cost-effectiveness of the Rail network for these purposes, which was greeted warmly by the industry.
As a business, whether you are looking to send products to your clients or other company locations by the road or rail network, tracking and traceability has never been more important and both the sender and hauler can benefit from the use of tracking systems for their vehicles and consignments.

Using GPRS technology, tracking equipment is very easy to install and use.

Systems can be discreetly installed onto vehicles and packages making it easy to trace their whereabouts. The GPRS transmitter sends a signal confirming information such as:

• • Driver Name or Consignment Information (predetermined by the user)
• • Location
• • Speed
• • Date and Time

Whether you are a Haulier or Distributor, the tracking equipment is beneficial in a range of different ways and can even assist with productivity which will have a positive effect on profitability and customer service to your own clients. Here are just a few ways that the systems can help:

Haulage and Logistics Suppliers
This system will allow you to trace the whereabouts of your vehicle as well as monitoring the productivity of your staff confirming how long they have been on the road, what speed they are doing and being able to tell your customer where they accurately are and provide an ETA. Also, if your vehicle was lost or stolen the GPRS system will still provide details of its location.

Mail Order and Equipment Distributors
Placing a system in with your consignment provides you with the same piece of mind as the haulier, but directly to you. You only need to have a computer connected to the internet available to view the whereabouts of your consignment.

All systems are discreet and simple to install and use - Vehicle Tracking suppliers will be able to provide you with advice and assistance on equipment to suit your logistical requirements and budget.

Communications Solutions

Communications solutions have come a long way in such a short time – with technology in GPRS and Mobile Technology constantly being moved forward and new and innovative ideas coming into light on a regular basis.

However, Mobile Phones and other GPRS products often rely on the available signal from their network and even today there are many areas in the UK that are not covered by networks or suffer from poor coverage.
Various businesses based in rural and remote areas of the UK suffer from poor mobile signal meaning that effective communications between various parties cannot be achieved. Businesses affected can include:

• Restaurants
• Pubs
• Heritage Sites Buildings
• National Parks
• Event organisers

So what effective communications solutions can be used in a situation like this?

Event Management Solution companies offer permanent and temporary communications equipment using technology like the traditional “Walkie Talkies”, they can even set up a private network on which the equipment can run.

These solutions are especially suitable for groups or companies where multiple channels might be needed if, for example, you needed different parties to be able to contact each other throughout an event. Specifically, groups like those listed below can use these systems:

Emergency Services
Whether Ambulance, Police, Fire, First Aid or St Johns at an event or arena

Car parking
For large scale events, Car Parking has to be well managed and in order to achieve this effective communication systems must be in place between those managing parking arrangements.

Duty Management
In order for them to oversee what all teams are involved in respond quickly to any situations arising.

Maintenance
At any building or event there are always maintenance issues that come up and these can often be dealt with through much more efficiently if maintenance workers are able to use a dedicated effective communication product.

Stewards
Whether it is just for queries, reporting visitor numbers or maybe for relaying other important information, providing a communications system to stewards can often make the flow of pedestrian traffic at an event more fluid.

Help & Reception Desks
The first point of call for customer and visitor queries and most likely to be the people who will contact those listed above. Making sure your reception staff have an effective communication system that will work in all eventualities is a necessity.

Events communications companies can even set up several radio channels so the teams using the radios have separate networks to communicate on.

For more information on Event Management and Communications solutions, contact a specialist supplier.

Asda Logistics Present Awards to Top Hauliers

Asda awarded many of its transportation partners for excellent logistics and haulage services earlier this year. During a ceremony in Leeds, the supermarket giant presented awards to some of its principal logistics suppliers for their work towards environmental concerns and haulage management.

The supermarket chain (part of Wal-Mart Group) has announced that a “bonus pot” of £26 million will also be shared out between distribution employees following last years success.

The haulage industry is becoming more and more competitive and many companies are looking for cost effective solutions that will assist in time management, security and productivity.

Tracking System Example

With an increased demand for shipments being taken internationally as well as most shipments being time critical, tracking systems can be an essential ingredient to improving and managing customer expectations.
Vehicle tracking systems have become more and more popular in recent years, with GPRS technology (General Packet Radio Services) haulage companies can keep on top of their drivers and vehicles with ease, normally using desktop PC for real-time reporting.

The most obvious benefits of using a system such as this include:

• Real time tracking of your vehicles
• Reduced operating costs
• Improved customer service
• Enhanced security of employees and property

Anything can be tracked, including:

• Individual Cargo / shipments
• Vans
• Lorries
• Cars
• Even people!

The systems are not limited geographically – using satellite technology you can still monitor speed, location and other information from vehicles, please and cargo in international locations.

Systems like this can also assist in an emergency situation – giving drivers a “panic” button to press which will alert the necessary office based staff of the situation as well as their location.

Tracking systems for vehicles are also discreet and can be easily fitted to vehicles and cargo – they have a long battery life and can be recharged remotely if required. The equipment is “plug and play” meaning that once they equipment is installed, you turn it on and you are ready to go.

Personal tracking systems are about the size of a mobile phone and are specifically suitable for lone or high security workers and work in a similar way to the vehicle and cargo tracking systems.

If you are looking to purchase or install a tracking system on your own vehicles contact a specialist tracking system supplier who will be able to advise on a system that if best suited to your requirements and budget.