How construction fleets can boost safety with telematics

Driver safety is critical for construction workers. The construction industry is one of the most hazardous in the U.S. and transportation-related incidents are one of the leading causes of death and injury. According to recent research:

• There were 1,075 construction-related fatalities in 2023, marking the highest number since 2011. Transportation-related incidents account for 22.3% of these fatalities, the second-highest cause in the industry.¹
• The industry recorded more than 173,200 injuries in 2023, a slight uptick from the year before—one of few industries that failed to see injuries decline.² 
• Construction-related injuries also impose a significant financial burden on the industry. Construction injuries cost the U.S. $11.5 billion per year.³

But using fleet management software can support transportation safety for construction companies with real-time data and insights that help:

• Identify high-risk areas and establish safety protocols to lower accident risks.
• Monitor driver behavior and conduct coaching for safety compliance.
• Schedule proactive maintenance to reduce downtime and equipment repairs
  

The importance of fleet safety in the construction industry

Construction fleet safety risks include vehicle accidents caused by improper vehicle operation, driver drowsiness or distractions, poor visibility or road conditions, equipment malfunctions or improper loading.

Reducing construction fleet safety risks can positively impact both productivity and cost. By reducing accidents, shrinking downtime and boosting efficient operations. Safe vehicle practices and regular maintenance keep equipment running smoothly, preventing delays caused by breakdowns or injuries. A strong safety culture also boosts worker morale and compliance with regulations, preventing costly work stoppages and legal issues.

On the cost side, prioritizing construction fleet safety can lower expenses related to vehicle repairs, insurance premiums and liability claims. It also helps avoid regulatory fines and costly project delays caused by accidents.

Investing in safety measures like driver coaching, telematics and preventive maintenance can lead to long-term savings while improving overall job site efficiency.

Key safety solutions for construction fleets 

As fleet management continues to evolve, there are several innovative technology solutions available to advance fleet safety. These include:

Driver behavior monitoring and coaching 

One of the key features of telematics is its ability to monitor driver behavior and aid in coaching that behavior toward safer outcomes. Telematics solutions enable fleet managers to:

• Track driving metrics: Monitor speed, braking patterns and acceleration to identify drivers that need help adjusting their driving behaviors.
• Provide personal, quick feedback: Respond to unsafe driving practices quickly, using data personalized to drivers, boosting the effectiveness of coaching sessions.
• Promote defensive driving: Instruct drivers to keep a safe following distance behind other vehicles, observe speed limits and use hazard lights.

By creating a safety culture and offering driver coaching based on data, companies can promote driving safety at every turn. 

Video telematics for accident prevention 

Video telematics for vehicles has revolutionized how fleets can lower the risk of accidents. By using dashcams, construction companies can gather visual evidence of driving behavior and key incidents. Video telematics offers:

• Near-real-time alerts: Receive instant updates about unsafe driving behaviors. Drivers can also receive in-cab alerts to redirect their attention to road safety.
• Clear and objective view: View incident footage to use for driver training and enforcing safety protocols. 
• Insights on Driver Safety: Understand behavior trends and identify areas that would benefit from coaching for drivers.

Asset tracking for heavy equipment safety 

Heavy machinery requires specialized safety measures due to its size and complexity. Here's how heavy equipment tracking telematics help manage construction machinery effectively:

• Track assets: Monitor machinery for location, usage and get alerts when machinery moves out of set bounds.
• Schedule maintenance: Receive reminders when heavy equipment needs servicing to reduce the risk of malfunctions or unsafe operations.
• Plan ahead: Monitor equipment health and get regular inspections to keep heavy machinery in good condition and extend its life.

Geofencing and mobile worker safety

Geofencing for construction sites involves setting virtual boundaries around specific areas, such as construction zones or high-risk zones, to monitor when vehicles or equipment enter or exit these areas. Construction fleets see big benefits from tools like geofencing, as it alerts fleet managers when vehicles leave restricted areas and allows them to:

• Reduce unauthorized use of machinery: Know the minute a machine leaves a geofenced area so you can track any unauthorized use or stolen equipment.
• Enforce safety boundaries: Establish virtual boundaries so that workers and vehicles remain in safe zones.
• Strengthen compliance: Enforce worker adherence to safety regulations and internal policies.

Additionally, mobile worker safety solutions enable real-time monitoring of workers’ locations and activities. In the event of an emergency or if a worker is at risk, fleet managers can respond immediately with critical information and support.

Case studies: How companies are promoting fleet safety

Effective fleet management is a growing priority for construction companies. Several companies have implemented construction fleet safety solutions to support their operations.

• J&M Contracting struggled with tracking unguarded heavy equipment left overnight at construction sites, leading to theft and financial losses. By implementing Verizon Connect Reveal, the company gained real-time GPS tracking, geofencing for construction sites and asset management. The heavy equipment tracking system alerts fleet managers if equipment is moved outside designated hours. J&M has since recovered several stolen assets, including a $50,000 backhoe, reduced insurance premiums and prioritized fleet safety and driver behavior.
• Wolf Line Construction needed an efficient way to track crews in rural areas, replacing outdated methods like paper routes and phone calls. Verizon Connect Reveal’s  video technology  enabled immediate intervention on unsafe driving, which ultimately increased management efficiency and cut operational costs.
• Daco Paving sought a reliable solution to track its fleet and monitor driver behavior across remote job sites. With comprehensive fleet management, the company’s real-time tracking and video footage helped them to address issues like smoking in vehicles, and defend against insurance claims. 

Choosing the right fleet safety solution

When selecting a fleet safety solution, it’s essential to consider the unique needs of your business. Companies should prioritize systems that offer construction vehicle tracking, promote driver safety and provide real-time insights into driver behavior.

Solutions which integrate telematics, video , heavy equipment tracking and geofencing for construction sites offer several benefits. A complete construction fleet safety solution should:

• Incorporate technology to monitor vehicles and drivers.
• Provide driver data that helps monitor and coach behavior.
• Help track equipment health so it is well-maintained.

FAQ section:

What is the role of telematics in construction fleet safety?

Telematics plays a crucial role in construction fleet safety by providing near-real time data on vehicle location, driver behavior and equipment health. It helps prevent accidents by monitoring speed, harsh braking and distractions while streamlining vehicle maintenance by detecting issues early, potentially reducing breakdowns and safety risks.

How can video telematics reduce construction vehicle accidents?

Video telematics can reduce construction vehicle accidents by monitoring driver behavior, providing real-time alerts and improving visibility. It enhances accountability, aids in accident investigations and promotes safer driving through continuous feedback and coaching.

Why is geofencing important for construction site safety?

Geofencing for construction sites helps keep vehicles and heavy equipment within designated safety zones while alerting managers if they move outside, helping to prevent accidents, deter theft and improve equipment recovery.

Sources

¹ Bureau of Labor Statistics, Census of Fatal Occupational Injuries Summary, December 18, 2024

² Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employer-Reported Workplace Injuries and Illnesss - 2023, November 8, 2024

³ National Institutes of Health, National Library of Medicine, Costs of Occupational Injuries in Construction in the United States