Does your organisation or company use commercial vehicles to function? If so, it’s important to manage and be aware of some of the potential hazards of fleet management. This way, your business can protect its workers from injuries and accidents while increasing productivity. Keep reading to learn more about fleet management and some of the main hazards it poses to your employees and business.
What is fleet management?
Fleet management is the process of overseeing all fleet performance and maintenance to help a business run smoothly. This includes managing fuel consumption, vehicle maintenance, route planning, fuel costs, driver management and implementing programs that increase company productivity. Fleet management is crucial for companies that use vehicles to transport goods such as oil and gas or provide services like public transportation.
While fleet management is extremely beneficial to businesses that use company vehicles to function, it poses various hazards to employees. This includes slips, trips, falls and fires. These hazards can result in life-threatening injuries and even death, making it crucial to implement measures and procedures that protect staff.
Fleet management hazards
Various activities within fleet management are hazardous, including:
- Working/driving alone at work
Professional lone drivers often work long hours in high-risk environments that require the utmost focus. Unfortunately, driving large trucks and other heavy-duty vehicles alone places these drivers and other road users at risk. For example, if an accident occurs, how do they call for help, and who’s in charge of sending them help? Since they’re alone, they also risk fatigue or potentially falling asleep behind the wheel. Under health and safety guidelines, employers must understand what goes into managing the risk to lone workers and properly train, supervise, and monitor them.
- Handling fuel in the workplace
Companies that use vehicles for their businesses rely heavily on fuel to run their fleet. However, fuel is a volatile and toxic substance that can pose risks such as fires when mishandled or stored incorrectly. Most fleet fires occur because of diesel spillage, use of improper dispensing equipment and failure to comply with fuel storage regulations.
- Operating heavy machinery and vehicles
Large vehicles, big trucks and rigs cause larger risks on roads than smaller vehicles. These vehicles are usually packed with shipping crates, containers and pallets, causing them to be heavier during travel. The heavy loads can result in the trailer swaying at certain speeds and road conditions, resulting in accidents. Operating these large vehicles also requires drivers with vast experience and knowledge in driving huge trucks to ensure the safety of other road users.
How to properly manage these workplace hazards
There are various steps companies that use vehicles to function can follow to minimise and eliminate damages caused by fleet risks. These include:
- Driver training
The safety and future of your fleet lie at the hands of your drivers. So, ensure they’re adequately trained and re-trained to improve their competencies and abilities. Trained drivers are less likely to cause fatal accidents or damage your fleets.
- Proper fuel storage
When storing your own fuel on-site, one of the most important considerations is ensuring the safe storage of diesel. Start by purchasing good quality and reliable tanks to store your fuel. Place these tanks in a secure location where they can’t receive accidental damage, such as away from driveways and moving machinery. Since fuel is highly flammable, ensure the storage location is cool and dry. Remember to maintain your diesel tanks so that they can serve you for years.
- Vehicle maintenance
Fleet vehicles have to be maintained regularly to ensure a safer fleet. This means having frequent vehicle inspections to check for repairs and replacements and installing mandate-appropriate breaks. Regular servicing also helps keep vehicles in good shape, increasing their life spans. Implementing these fleet management safety strategies go a long way in helping companies manage their fleets and minimise hazards.