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EcoOnline > Case Studies > Colas: Enhancing EHS Management with EcoOnline Mobile Technology

Colas: Enhancing EHS Management with EcoOnline Mobile Technology

Technology Category

Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS) - Private Cloud
Robots - Wheeled Robots

Applicable Industries

Cement
Telecommunications

Applicable Functions

Maintenance
Product Research & Development

Use Cases

Onsite Human Safety Management
Vehicle-to-Infrastructure

Services

System Integration
Training

The Challenge

Colas, a UK-based transport infrastructure company, faced a significant challenge in managing environmental, health, and safety (EHS) incidents across its widespread operations. With employees working in diverse locations such as high-speed road networks, busy airports, and construction sites, the company needed a robust and efficient system to report and manage unwanted events. The existing process, which involved reporting via an iPad, telephone call, or text message, was not only inefficient but also prone to errors and delays. The company also needed a solution that could work on a Windows Mobile Platform, as most of its corporate mobile phones used this operating system. Furthermore, Colas had over 600 individuals registered on the EcoOnline platform, plus a further 600 who had an anonymous generic login, all of whom needed to be able to install the app onto their work or private devices.

About The Customer

Colas is a leading business in the UK, delivering sustainable solutions for the country's transport infrastructure. The company invests, designs, manufactures, constructs, maintains, and operates a wide variety of projects for both public and private sector clients. With over 1800 employees, Colas has a broad reach across the country. The company is part of the International Colas Group, which provides it with access to world-class research and development facilities and innovative new products, processes, and ideas. Colas' services include transport infrastructure design, construction, and maintenance.

The Solution

Colas introduced the EcoOnline mobile app to the entire business as a long-term software solution for EHS management. The app was designed to be instantly accessible, providing a more efficient way to report incidents than the previous process. It also allowed users to provide 'photographic evidence' as part of their reporting, enhancing the quality and accuracy of incident reports. The app was compatible with the Windows Mobile Platform, meeting the company's technical requirements. Training for the app was minimal, with simple guidance provided on how to download and use it. The company also demonstrated the app live on screen during safety stand days and awareness training courses, encouraging widespread adoption. In the future, Colas plans to use the EcoOnline Mobile app to carry out audits, using EcoOnline's audit templates via a tablet device.

Operational Impact

The introduction of the EcoOnline mobile app has significantly improved EHS management at Colas. The app has empowered safety ambassadors and enabled business managers to make informed safety decisions. It has also made reporting more efficient, especially for off-site workers in potentially high-risk environments. The app's compatibility with the Windows Mobile Platform has ensured its accessibility to all employees. The minimal training required for the app has been a significant asset, making it easy for employees across all age ranges to adopt. The app has also shown potential for future use in conducting audits, further enhancing the company's EHS management capabilities.

Quantitative Benefit

Over 600 individuals registered on the EcoOnline platform, with a further 600 having an anonymous generic login.
Over 100 near misses reported per month through the app.
Over 100 people downloaded the app in a single training session.