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Safety is a cornerstone of waste management operations. Waste vehicle operators face unique challenges daily, from navigating crowded urban streets to working in hazardous environments. In recent years, waste management companies have increasingly turned to digital tools, such as mobile video equipment and accompanying software, as a comprehensive safety solution to minimize risks, reduce liability, and enhance efficiency.
Mobile video provides waste and refuse fleets with unparalleled visibility, accountability, and protection. Vehicles equipped with advanced cameras and monitors can help companies significantly reduce accidents, improve driver performance, and safeguard valuable assets. Here are a few examples of how these systems are transforming safety in the waste industry.

Improving Safety and Incident Resolution
Blind spots are a major safety concern for waste vehicle operators, especially when maneuvering large vehicles on narrow streets. Mobile video systems help eliminate blind spots by delivering real-time video feeds directly to an in-cab monitor. The driver can have full visibility of the area surrounding the truck making reversing or maneuvering crowded areas less dangerous for both drivers and pedestrians.
In addition to boosting driver awareness, mobile video provides an objective record of events, helping to resolve disputes quickly and fairly. Accidents and disputes can be costly and time-consuming for waste management companies but investment in a recording mobile video solution may be returned after a single incident. Adding cameras to your fleet may also lower insurance costs as some insurance companies provide reduced premiums for fleets equipped with them.
Enhancing Operational Efficiency
Mobile video is also instrumental in improving driver behavior and streamlining fleet management operations. By reviewing footage, fleet managers can identify risky driving habits and provide targeted coaching to drivers. Several studies have found that mobile video systems with driver feedback features were highly effective in increasing the safety of drivers. For example, Hickman and Hanowski evaluated the safety benefits of mobile video with driver feedback features in two commercial vehicle fleets.
They found that the combination of the camera with driver feedback and coaching resulted in a 52.2 percent reduction in safety-related events and a 59.1 percent reduction in the most severe safety-related events.
Additionally, mobile video systems integrated with fleet video management software provide real-time route data and GPS coordinates for all vehicles. Fleet managers can verify that trucks have followed assigned routes and made all required pickups.
Adapting to Industry Challenges
The waste industry’s dynamic nature demands adaptable and reliable safety solutions. Mobile video systems are designed to withstand environmental challenges from extreme temperatures, vibration, and exposure to debris. Features like night vision and waterproof casings ensure consistent performance in the most demanding conditions.
A Safer Future
As waste management companies continue to experience the impact that improved safety has on operations, mobile video has become an indispensable tool. Enhanced driver awareness and reduced accidents mean fleet vehicles remain in-service longer and potential litigation avoided, improving bottom-line performance. Most importantly, this technology can help create a safer, more secure future for both operators and the communities they serve. | WA
As a leading provider of mobile video solutions in the waste industry, Safety Vision offers a wide variety of products designed to enhance fleet safety and efficiency. With a proven reputation for delivering durable, high-performance cameras, monitors, and DVRs, Safety Vision caters to the unique needs of waste vehicle operators. Their software solutions also provide fleet managers with total visibility into operations from a single platform, leading to faster incident response and communication with their fleets. For more information on how Safety Vision can support your fleet, visit, .
Reference
www.fmcsa.dot.gov/sites/fmcsa.dot.gov/files/docs/Guidance%20Document%20-%20Effective%20Use%20of%20Onboard%20Safety%20Monitoring%20Technologies.pdf