How to boost safety measures and efficiency for gas and oilfield fleets

Most people probably recognize the dangers present in the oil and gas industry. Working with heavy equipment, in remote locations, for long hours and around flammable liquids all mean that safety is paramount. But while major disasters and explosions might grab the headlines, one of the most dangerous aspects of working is driving. In fact, according to the most recent data available from the National institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), 42% of all fatal accidents in the oil and gas industry involved vehicles.¹

This is driven by many factors, such as the fact that many sites are accessible only from poorly maintained roads. But despite the challenging and often dangerous driving conditions, there are tools that fleet managers in the oil and gas industry can use to not only help boost driver safety, but also efficiency as well.

Smart safety measures, safe oilfield drivers

A fleet management solution can go a long way to prioritize safety by providing opportunities to monitor driver behavior and encourage safe driving practices. Real-time alerts allow fleet managers to monitor and track unsafe driving practices such as tiredness, distraction, smoking, phone calls, tailgating and pedestrian ahead. This can provide valuable opportunities to coach drivers on safe practices, and it can help create a culture of safety. 

Additionally, smart video solutions that combine road and driver-facing dashcams with AI give greater visibility into potential driving incidents and empower leadership with important context and analysis. 

Video footage provides an objective account of unsafe driving behaviors (tailgating, stop sign violations, near-misses, distracted driving, speeding, etc.) to give both managers and drivers a better sense of what needs improvement.

Workers in the oil and gas industry face unique safety challenges. Download our free eBook to learn three ways a Mobile Resource Management (MRM) solution can help transform worker safety in the field.

Enhance oilfield operational efficiency in the field and back office with Mobile Resource Management

With drivers and vehicles often out in the field in remote locations, operating efficiently can be extremely challenging. A fleet management solution from Verizon Connect offers a variety of benefits that can help fleet managers streamline operations:

• Know where your assets are. GPS tracking gives near real-time visibility into the location of vehicles and assets, providing peace of mind that they are where they’re supposed to be.
• Streamline maintenance. Automated alerts let you proactively know when assets need maintenance, which can help prevent costly breakdowns and reduce vehicle downtime.
• Simplify compliance. Automatic alerts can also let you know when inspections or registration renewals are coming up, helping you prevent compliance issues. 
• Understand fuel costs. Identify potential opportunities to reduce fuel costs by optimizing routes and cutting down on idle time. 
• Focus on what matters. A comprehensive telematics solution can help reduce the time spent on back-office work by automating tasks such as the tracking of Hour of Service (HOS) requirements, allowing fleet managers to put greater focus on their business.

Safety and Productivity: KRP Rentals and Trucking

KRP Rentals and Trucking, a transportation and equipment rental company serving the Permian Basin, was pivoting to be more technology-focused and wanted to implement a GPS fleet tracking system to help improve a variety of elements of their business, including productivity, operational efficiency and driver safety. 

Since many of their drivers and customers worked in the oil and gas industry, Kris Poole, the HSE Director at KRP, knew that safety was paramount. A key part of that safety focus was being able to track the location of their vehicles and equipment, especially in remote locations. 

With Verizon Connect, not only can KRP Rentals and Trucking know where their vehicles are, they can also track driving behaviors, which has provided valuable opportunities to coach and incentivize safety. Additionally, it’s helped enhance operational efficiency by giving their dispatch teams the information they need to send vehicles where they need to go. 

Prioritizing safety and efficiency with one solution

With budgets and resources often limited, it’s easy to think that businesses must choose between prioritizing safety or efficiency. But that’s not the case. Thanks to GPS tracking technology, fleet managers can invest in a single solution that benefits multiple areas of the business. 

Companies in the oil and gas industry that take the initiative to implement a fleet management solution can stay ahead of their competition, improve operational efficiency, and find opportunities to focus on and help meet safety goals.

Investing in a fleet management solution is a major decision. Download our free Fleet Management Buyers Guide; tailored specifically for the Oil and Gas industry, it will help you navigate your options and understand your needs.

For more information on how GPS tracking technology can impact both fleet safety and efficiency, schedule your free demo today.

¹https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/fog/data2017.html