Journey management goes beyond just setting arrival and destination points and travel times – it is imperative to ensure drivers are safe as well.
There are many industries where driving is an essential part of work. It is also one of the most dangerous activities an employee will undertake as part of their duties.
Transportation and shipping are two of the oldest industries to require journey management plans. The resources sector, including mining, oil, gas and renewables, also requires extensive travel between job sites – including in rural and remote locations.
Health services are increasingly becoming more mobile with home visits common again in the modern world. And the rise of ride-sharing, food delivery and other services performed by workers in their own vehicle means more and more drivers are hitting the road as part of their employment.
What is journey management plan?
A journey management plan is about implementing measures and company travel policies that ensure these drivers are kept safe at all times. Driving is the most dangerous work activity which is why journey management is so important.
Motor vehicle accidents are by far the leading cause of all workplace injuries and account for around 40 per cent of all workplace deaths. A journey management plan outlines the steps required to be as safe as possible before, during and after each work-related trip.
It can include the steps to take before a journey like proper vehicle maintenance, driver behaviours like rest and what they consume prior to driving and the time of day the journey commences. When the trip is completed, vehicle inspections are important and drivers should ensure they get plenty of rest – especially after driving for long distances.
All elements of risk that could be experienced during a trip should be included in a journey management plan
There is a range of hazards that can be experienced on the road. Vehicle malfunction, weather, poor road conditions, other drivers and wildlife are just some of the hazards a driver may need to mitigate.
It is important that all company travel policies and journey management plans include education, awareness and training surrounding these hazards.
Despite our best efforts, accidents happen on the road
One of the most critical components of a journey management plan in 2020 is a dedicated emergency response policy for when things go wrong.
If a worker was driving between job sites in a rural or remote area and had a vehicle malfunction or were involved in an accident, how would you know? In areas of low mobile/cell phone reception, a worker could be left stricken by themselves for several hours or longer.
Our journey management software
Journey Management System is a simple to use, automated safety application that can ensure any worker that has run into trouble gets the help they need – fast. It works by using both the mobile/cell phone reception and the built-in GPS to monitor every stage of the journey.
Checkpoints are set along the journey and set times the driver should reach these points. If they do not, the application will automatically send alerts to management through multiple channels including SMS, email and mobile audio. This app can be customised for your business needs and then automated to ensure drivers are monitored through their journey and rapid emergency responses are available.
You can trial JMS for free today. Alternatively, to learn more contact our team on 1300 379 577 (inside Australia), +61 7 3077 9699 (from outside Australia) or email us at info@jmsapp.com.au.
