With a fleet of over 400 light and heavy vehicles covering more than 10 million kilometres annually, MPC Kinetic recognised driving as its most substantial risk, particularly due to driver fatigue. This risk is heightened by long hours spent in the field before driving back to camps.

“MPC Kinetic was not immune to instances where drivers had become distracted and tired leading to breaches of the company’s speeding, braking and driving behaviour policy” said Danny Crooks, Group Manager – Safety, Assurance and Environment.

Given the paramount importance of safety, MPC Kinetic made safe driving its number one Core Mandatory Requirement, introducing enhanced safe driving rules and innovative initiatives for their fleet. One of these crucial initiatives was the deployment of Guardian technology across all company vehicles to enable real-time monitoring and management of driver fatigue and distraction and improve safety.

“The installation of Guardian cameras had an immediate and positive effect, in that it alerted and provided clear evidence to MPC Kinetic’s Operations Teams of instances where drivers were distracted or showing signs of fatigue.”  

This capability allowed for accurate identification and management of at-risk drivers, facilitating timely interventions such as additional medical assessments, assistance, and enhanced safe driving training as needed.

Efficient Implementation and Workforce Adoption

To expedite the installation process, MPC Kinetic’s Land Transport Excellence Committee engaged third-party specialists to install Guardian while the workforce was on rest and relaxation. This approach ensured that installers had unrestricted access to the fleet, enabling the installation of units in approximately 380 vehicles over a 12-month period.

Understanding potential resistance from its workforce, MPC Kinetic proactively addressed concerns and myths about the new technology. Some of the issues raised by the workforce during early discussions with site teams included fears that the camera was always recording and management could hear their conversations, that the in-cab sensor emits harmful UV rays, as well as privacy concerns around event footage.

Curious to know more? Check out our Guardian MythBusters video series!  

Through a series of engaging weekly SMS messages, the company dispelled misconceptions and highlighted the safety benefits of the Guardian system. This communication strategy included both serious messages and humorous responses to conspiracy theories, fostering a positive reception among employees.

A few examples included:

• “No, they’re CCTVs filming for a few seconds, not the ones used in the fake moon landing”
• “No, wearing a fake moustache while driving won’t work, you’re not Jason Bourne”
• “Yes, you can still scoff a big bag of dimmies in your cab, the cameras don’t judge”.

Competitive Advantage and Future Outlook

MPC Kinetic’s commitment to driver safety extends beyond internal benefits. By showcasing its investment in innovative safety technologies, the company strengthens its value proposition to clients. This dedication to safety not only enhances the wellbeing of its workforce but also provides a competitive edge in the industry, demonstrating MPC Kinetic’s leadership in adopting advanced safety measures.

Looking ahead, MPC Kinetic envisions a future where innovative technologies like Guardian and other in-vehicle monitoring systems become integral to fleet transportation, and their widespread adoption will continue to elevate safety standards across the industry.

“These systems have proven time and time again that they work and keep our people safe” concluded Crooks.

For MPC Kinetic, embracing technology such as Guardian is not just a strategic move; it is a commitment to the safety and wellbeing of its people, ensuring that every journey is a safe one. Learn more in this case study.