Truckers in the oil and gas industry face unique safety challenges due to the nature of their work.
The constant movement of vehicles and machinery in hazardous environments presents numerous risks. If not handled properly, transporting hazardous materials, such as flammable liquids, can lead to accidents, injuries, and even fatalities.
To address these challenges, fleet companies in the oil and gas industry must have an effective fleet safety solution.
What Safety Challenges Do Oil and Gas Fleets Face?
Gas transportation
Working as an oil and gas fleet driver is incredibly challenging. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), there were 1,521 work-related injuries in the transportation and material moving industries in 2021. This marks an 18.8 percent increase compared to the figures from 2020.
Long hours spent on the road and sometimes remote areas make it difficult for drivers to stay safe. Below are some of the challenges that oil and gas fleets face.
- Driver Fatigue – The long-haul journey and the monotonous driving nature increases the risk of fatigue and sleepiness. Moreover, the lack of physical activity and opportunities to take breaks can exacerbate fatigue, which could lead to collisions and injuries.
- Struck-By/Caught-In/Caught-Between – Three of every five on-site fatalities are the result of struck-by/caught-in/caught-between hazards. Sources of these hazards include moving vehicles and equipment, falling equipment, and high-pressure lines.
- Explosions and Fires – Flammable vapors and gasses from wells, trucks, and production equipment can lead to explosions. Oil and gas industry workers must operate with a high-level of alertness and precaution.
- Machine Hazards – Workers are constantly around and interacting with rotating wellhead machinery that can lead to workplace injury if they are struck or caught.
To address these challenges, oil and gas fleet operators must prioritize driver safety and implement safety measures to prevent accidents and property damage.
By establishing clear safety policies and using a fleet management system, operators and managers promote a safety culture within the organization.
How Do Fleet Dash Cams Work?
One way of ensuring road safety is by installing an AI-powered dash cam like Driver•i. Fleet dash cams offer numerous benefits and can assist fleets in various ways.
At the Driver Level
Smiling driver
Fleet dash cams play a crucial role in enhancing driver safety and performance. In-cab audio alerts provide real-time feedback to drivers, notifying them if they are following too closely or are overspeeding on the highway. These alerts help drivers stay vigilant, reducing the likelihood of a collision.
However, not all dash cams are created equally.
Driver•i the most advanced AI technology that encourages positive driving behavior through the GreenZone Score. The only fleet safety system to do this. This scoring system uses algorithms and video captures that evaluate drivers based on criteria such as safe maneuvering and adhering to the speed limit.
Cloud Based Technology
Hand typing on keyboard
The cloud is pivotal in organizing and storing records of events efficiently. When a dash cam captures an event, the footage is automatically uploaded to the cloud.
This system categorizes and organizes the events by type, making it easy for fleet managers to access and review specific incidents on certain dates.
With this structure, fleet managers can quickly identify patterns, analyze trends, and address recurring issues. Cloud storage also ensures that the footage is encrypted and securely stored to preserve valuable data for later reference or in case of investigations.
With the cloud’s centralized management, fleet operators can make informed decisions and enhance overall fleet performance effectively.
At the Manager Level
Person looking over paperwork
Smart dash cams use a combination of edge computing and machine learning meaning they quickly organize large amounts of data. Fleet managers are spared hours of time combing through videos and are able to identify risky and positive driving behaviors.
This makes dash cam videos are powerful coaching tools. Managers are able to review driving events to identify areas for improvement. This helps managers and drivers create a customized training system that addresses specific challenges.
What to Consider When Choosing an Oil and Gas Safety Solution?
As the fleet industry continues to evolve, finding a service you can rely on for years to come is crucial.
To ensure you make the best choice, here are what you need to consider:
Features and Capabilities
Look for a software that provides real-time GPS tracking, positive and risky driver behavior data, and vehicle alerts. Having quick access to vehicle location helps you stay informed about delays, completion of deliveries, and how your drivers are operating your vehicles. Also, recognizing positive driving behavior through a fleet management system encourages your drivers to repeat that behavior resulting in more alert and skilled driving.
Driver Training
Effective training is essential for minimizing risks in the oil and gas industry. By utilizing clear and easily accessible dash cam footage, you are able to demonstrate the right driving behaviors and help prepare new drivers for their jobs.
Also, the Driver•i mobile app offers remote coaching, allowing experienced drivers to receive well-deserved recognition and constructive feedback for enhancing their safety skills.
Compliance and Safety Standards
Before deciding, verify if the software aligns with industry safety standards and regulations. Ensure the system offers guidance to help you meet safety and regulation protocols, such as hours-of-service regulations, to promote compliance. A solution actively supporting adherence to these standards will contribute to a safer and more compliant fleet operation.
Incident Management
Fast incident reporting is critical in addressing issues promptly. The system should be able to help streamline the resolution process by providing video records of events on the road to help exonerate drivers when necessary.
Oil and Gas Fleet Safety In and Around the Vehicle
Driver and fleet safety starts with effective dash cam technology that provides full visibility in and around your vehicles.
Let’s break down how dash cams protect your fleet:
- Exterior Facing Cameras – Driver•i cameras capture a 360-degree view of a vehicle’s surroundings giving the driver full visibility when loading and unloading fuel.
- Real-time Vehicle Usage – Through GPS fleet tracking managers are able to track their vehicles on their routes. This allows you to stay ahead of delays and ensure that your drivers are taking the most effective routes safely.
- Interior Facing Cameras – In-cab cameras capture distracted and drowsy driving in addition to when a driver maintains the speeding limit. Drivers are given proactive in-cab audio alerts so they correct their behavior in real-time. This helps break risky driving behaviors quicker.
The Best Safety Software for Oil and Gas Fleets
Driver•i D-430 dash cam
“Netradyne’s was on another level, you had 1080 HD out the front. And being able to see all the trucks, the following distance, the highlighting and all that. Plus with Netradyne’s camera, you have those two smaller cameras that face out the side windows, that was a big plus too.”
Jeff Lisowski General Manager at Lamb Fuels, Inc.
Netradyne’s Driver•i comprehensive safety software empowers oil and gas fleet operators to proactively manage risks. Our advanced dash cams provide essential visibility on deliveries and offer in-cab audio alerts, enabling drivers to make proactive safety decisions.
The GreenZone Score calculates a driver’s performance by analyzing both positive and risky driving events. This simple measurement provides valuable insights into driver behavior, promotes safe driving behavior, emphasizes gamification, allowing drivers to continuously mitigate the risks they face.
At the fleet manager level, Driver•i captures and organizes the entire driving day, streamlining fleet management. Oil and gas fleet managers can locate vehicles, monitor operators, and review event videos in real-time. By leveraging Driver•i, fleet managers prioritize driver safety and achieve more efficient operations for their fleets.
Final Thoughts
Operators in the oil and gas industries often face situations and challenges that require diligent attention to safety. By investing in a comprehensive fleet safety solution, organizations promote a culture of safety and ensure that employees are equipped with the necessary tools to get the job done safely.
Ready to enhance your fleet safety and increase efficiency? Explore the Driver•i AI fleet camera system for yout oil and gas.
