Health & Safety Update (September 2010)

Firms 'not taking advantage of technology' to help with health & safety

New research has advised companies to consider how technology could assist them in fulfilling their health and safety requirements.

The findings, by telematics firm Trimble - which works on combining telecommunications with computers - are especially relevant to those companies who employ a fleet of drivers, as many of the technological advances are linked to improving road safety.

Although there are a range of technological options which can help to increase safety for the drivers, only a third of managers are clued up as to what they are, despite more than half of managers considering driver safety to be a priority and major challenge.

While workplace accidents can leave a firm facing legal action if health and safety breaches are discovered, technology now means that firms can pinpoint problems with employee driving habits more easily and deal with them immediately.

Andrew Yeoman, Trimble’s managing director said, “We have seen a shift in the reasons why investment in technology is being made, but the next generation of technology may bring even further benefits to help companies manage the risks around driver safety.

Companies have a responsibility around duty of care to their employees. If they are in an office this is relatively straightforward, but for field employees it can be another story.

“Once a worker is out on the road and alone, it is far harder to under-stand the risks they may encounter and to help them recognise and mitigate these risks to protect themselves and others,” he added.