KeolisAmey Docklands, operator of the DLR on behalf of Transport for London (TfL), has joined forces with Tended to provide geofencing technology for its trackside teams working on the DLR.
The busiest light railway in the UK, the DLR requires continuous maintenance and upgrades, including a number of closures and live possessions needed to introduce the new train fleet, which is set to enter service in 2024. With much of this maintenance requiring teams to work trackside next to live areas open to train movements, keeping its workforce as safe as possible is paramount to KeolisAmey Docklands.
Loss of situational awareness has been highlighted as a leading cause of trackside accidents within the railway industry. With Tended's geofencing technology, KeolisAmey Docklands will be able to better protect trackside teams by alerting workers as soon as they enter hazardous areas or approach a possession limit, augmenting their situational awareness.
Using Tended’s Planning Dashboard, safe working zones (geofences) and designated access points can be created in advance of track workers entering the worksite. Wearables assigned to those zones are then worn by the track workers, which pinpoints their near-exact proximity to geofence boundaries. If a worker leaves a safe zone or access point, the Wearable alerts them in real-time through a combination of audio, visual and haptic alerts, providing a warning to move back to safety, keeping teams out of the path of hazards such as moving trains or live possessions.
To support its client TFL in its drive for open innovation, KeolisAmey Docklands places a focus on new technologies and approaches to solve challenges on its network. Working with KeolisAmey Docklands, the implementation of Tended’s geofencing technology on the DLR will help improve safety, reduce the number of accidents and near-misses, and achieve operational efficiency.
Dave MacGillivray, Possession Planning Manager for KeolisAmey Docklands said “The safety of our staff is of utmost priority and the introduction of this innovative wearable technology from Tended will provide a further level of protection for our trackside colleagues.”
Leo Scott Smith, CEO and Founder of Tended said: “This is the start of an incredibly exciting partnership for us with KeolisAmey Docklands. At Tended, our mission has always been to create innovative solutions that prioritise the safety of workers in challenging environments. By integrating our geofencing technology into the DLR's trackside operations, we aim to provide a crucial layer of protection for the dedicated teams working close to live possessions with moving trains. This partnership exemplifies the potential of technology to transform safety protocols and prevent accidents, strengthening our commitment to saving lives and ensuring a safe work environment."
