Health and safety is now a top priority, says Trimble

A happy and healthy workforce is now a key reason companies are investing in new technology in their fleet vehicles.

That’s according to a survey commissioned by telematics company Trimble MRM. The poll found worker wellbeing is now seen to be as important to business as fuel usage and vehicle location.

Traditionally tracking and telematics technology has been thought of as the key to help drive a cost-effective and efficient business. But research shows fleet drivers are twice as likely to be involved in a road accident as the average motorist, forcing businesses to also take health and safety on the road into consideration when choosing a solution.

“Companies rightly spend time and effort in ensuring health and safety in the office. The same standards can apply to workers out in the field,” says Andrew Yeoman, managing director of Trimble MRM in Europe.

“Additional legislation such as the lone worker directive and Corporate Manslaughter Act has compelled fleet managers into taking further responsibility for their staff out on the roads.”

Yeoman added: “We have recently seen a shift in the reasons why businesses implement fleet management and telematics technology.

“Now with many organisations running 24 hour fleets, often meaning there are lone workers operating at night, the tracking and telematics technology can provide peace of mind as well as the usual benefits from such solutions.”

Managing risk has become a crucial part of a fleet operator's role with the introduction of more robust health and safety legislation. Go to the Managing Risk section for all the key areas you need to worry about with tips for ensuring your fleet complies with its legal requirements.