Story Contracting will begin using Tended’s geofencing technology to enhance the safety of their track workers when undertaking projects across their UK workbank. The technology will be used across a range of different work types in multiple locations. Tended will also be working with Story Contracting to control assets on site. Both organisations share ambitious goals that break new ground, which includes putting an end to the incorrect placement of protection equipment onsite.
Story Contracting delivers key projects in the rail industry, including essential refurbishment and the installation of new rail infrastructure. With Tended’s geofencing technology, they can now overlay virtual zones onto their worksite to define safe working zones and access points. Wearables assigned to those zones are worn by track workers and will provide immediate feedback when they have accessed the safe access point and work zone or inadvertently stepped into a hazardous area. This removes the reliance solely on human factors where miscommunication, fatigue or loss of situational awareness can result in workers accessing sites in the wrong location or before it is safe to do so.
As well as supporting track workers in high-risk working environments, Story Contracting will also use the technology to assist with the correct placement of protection equipment, including marker boards. With the ability to check both the planned and live location of equipment from the online Planning Dashboard, Story Contracting can ensure that protections are in the right place prior to works starting, supporting safe systems of work and avoiding accidents.
Tended initially approached Story Contracting for support as part of Story Start Up, an initiative that supports entrepreneurs and SMEs.
“We are thrilled to work with Story Contracting to transform safety on rail environments.” said Dominic O’Malley, Head of Commercial Operations at Tended. “The positive impact that geofencing can have on worksite safety is quickly being realised across the industry, where organisations such as Story Contracting are leveraging the new innovation to provide an added layer of protection for track workers and improve asset control.”
Having recently won its seventh consecutive Gold RoSPA Medal Award for health and safety achievements, the implementation of Tended’s geofencing technology by Story Contracting supports their commitment to high health and safety standards.
Dan Jones, Operations Director (Eastern Region and Story Geotech) at Story Contracting commented “At Story, we have an unwavering commitment to the safety and well-being of all our teams. We are focused on identifying and supporting the latest innovations that will further improve safety onsite. We’re continuing that focus by implementing Tended’s geofencing technology to help create safer work environments.
“We’re excited to see the impact that this technology will have on safety and is a step in the right direction in shaping a safer tomorrow for all.”
Image credit: Tended
