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This comprehensive winter guide will feature vehicle readiness tips, winter maneuvering strategies, and essential emergency items. Brief Relief provides portable bathroom and shelter solutions designed specifically for professionals who are constantly on the move.

Impact of Winter Storm Heather 2024 and the Importance of Preparedness

Winter Storm Heather 2024 was a stark reminder of winter weather’s uncertain and often hazardous nature. Truckers and first responders faced formidable challenges as the storm rendered roads impassable and disrupted critical operations. So much so that a 70-mile stretch of Interstate 80 was shut down. Closures like this stranded many semi-trucks and left many idle, leading to considerable economic repercussions for trucking companies, as idle trucks meant drivers weren’t earning, and companies weren’t making money.

Winter Storm Heather highlighted the critical need for preparedness for truckers, emergency responders, and disaster relief crews. Extreme conditions, from heavy snowfall to icy roads, pose personal safety risks and hamper crucial operations. Being prepared means quickly and effectively responding to ensure the safety and well-being of frontline workers.

 

Vehicle Readiness: Essential for Commercial Driver Safety

For those who spend their workdays on the move, a vehicle is more than just a mode of transport—it’s a central hub of activity, a haven from the winter chill, and, at times, the only source of warmth. Ensuring your vehicle is winter-ready is critical to the safety of commercial drivers.

Key steps include:

  • Regular Vehicle Inspections: Checking the engine, brakes, tires, windshield wipers, fluid levels, and battery should be part of your routine since winter places extra demands on your vehicle.
  • Fuel Management: Always keep your fuel tank at least half full to prevent the fuel line from freezing and ensure you’re ready for unforeseen delays.
  • Heating and Insulation: Confirm that your vehicle’s heater is functioning correctly. Should the heating system falter, keep thermal blankets on hand for warmth.

For truck drivers, road workers, first responders, and disaster relief crews, winter brings many challenges that demand rigorous preparation. When snow and ice transform the landscape, these individuals are the lifelines of our roadways, and their safety and comfort are paramount.

 

The Foundation of Your Kit: Basic Necessities

A well-prepared roadside kit is essential for truckers and road crew professionals who contend with the challenges of winter travel. Your kit should equip a flashlight for those dark, wintry nights, a multi-tool for on-the-fly repairs, and a pocket knife, which can be crucial for cutting seat belts in an emergency. A comprehensive first-aid kit is a must-have, packed with band-aids, bandages, gauze, tourniquets, and ointments to manage burns and facilitate healing.

Given the unpredictable nature of winter weather, it’s essential to have non-perishable, energy-rich food items on hand. Protein bars, MREs (Meals, Ready-to-Eat), nuts, and candy can be vital in keeping energy and morale levels up if you’re waiting for help to arrive. Your kit should include thermal blankets, heat packs, a heavy jacket, and gloves to keep warm. Additionally, a compact snow shovel and traction mats are essential for digging out your vehicle and gaining traction on slippery surfaces.

Such a kit keeps you prepared for the unexpected, helping maintain safety and comfort until conditions improve or assistance reaches you.

 

Portable Toilets: A Non-Negotiable for Roadside Sanitation

Among these essentials, one must pay attention to a crucial component: the need for proper sanitation. Portable toilets are not just a convenience but necessary for truckers and road crews who spend hours in remote locations. The Waste Bag by Brief Relief is a prime example of a portable toilet solution tailored for truckers. It’s discreet, easy to use, and environmentally friendly, with a gelling agent that solidifies waste and neutralizes odors. This level of sanitation is critical, not just for personal hygiene but for environmental health as well.

 

Advanced Preparation: Portable Toilets for Truckers

A more advanced kit is advisable for those who may find themselves stranded or working in severe weather conditions. An enhanced kit incorporates the previously mentioned Waste Bag along with a portable toilet or portable toilet shelter designed for prolonged usage. These units are sturdy, offering a higher level of comfort and convenience. They are exceptionally vital for truckers on the road for days, road workers, and emergency personnel who work long shifts in stationary locations.

 

Why Prioritize a Portable Toilet?

The presence of reliable portable toilets for commercial drivers serves several critical functions. Having a portable toilet shelter ensures that drivers and crews remain on-site during emergencies, maintaining operational continuity. It prevents the interruption of essential tasks for sanitation needs and safeguards against the health risks associated with unsanitary conditions.

Environmental Responsibility and Comfort on the Road

Brief Relief designs portable toilets with the environment and user experience in mind. By providing a clean and private space, they uphold the dignity of workers while also preventing waste from contaminating nearby lands and waterways, which is crucial in winter when the spread of pathogens can be a concern.

 

Ready for Anything

As we continue to face the challenges of winter, having a well-thought-out roadside kit, complete with a reliable portable toilet solution, is not a luxury—it’s an essential aspect of road safety. By choosing products like Brief Relief’s Waste Bag and portable toilets, truck drivers, road workers, first responders, and disaster relief crews can remain focused on their vital roles, knowing their needs are met with solutions that offer safety, privacy, and respect for the environment. These products reflect a deep understanding of the unique requirements of mobile workers, such as truckers and emergency responders. Brief Relief’s commitment lies in providing technical solutions that genuinely improve working conditions in the field.

Winter Storm Heather 2024 showed us how powerful nature can be and how important it is to be ready for anything. Being prepared is vital for people in the trucking, emergency response, or disaster relief sectors. Being prepared means making sure your vehicles can handle the harsh winter weather. You must also have the right tools and supplies to keep you safe and comfortable. Make sure to visit the Brief Relief Shop for waste bags, portable bathrooms, and commode systems. Workers who prepare well with essential items and solutions can confidently face winter challenges.

 

 

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. How do portable toilets and shelters from Brief Relief enhance winter safety?
    1. Portable toilets and shelters provide a safe, warm, and private space for workers, protecting them from the cold and ensuring their comfort and hygiene.
  2. Why are Vomit Bags and Wag Bags important in winter work environments?
    1. They offer a convenient and hygienic solution for workers who might experience motion sickness or have limited access to traditional bathroom facilities, especially in remote or cold areas.
  3. What role do Urine Bags play in winter worker safety?
    1. Urine bags are a practical solution for quick and hygienic relief, particularly beneficial for workers in areas where traditional facilities are not accessible.
  4. How does the availability of portable sanitation solutions impact worker morale?
    1. Providing these facilities demonstrates an employer’s commitment to worker health and safety, which boosts morale and productivity.
  5. What are some key considerations for integrating Brief Relief products into a winter safety plan?
    1. Assessing workforce needs, ensuring easy access, and maintaining these facilities are crucial for their effective integration into winter safety protocols.
Snowed In? Trucker Survival Tips to Keep You Safe and Warm

Winter weather can be unpredictable and unforgiving, especially for truck drivers who spend long hours on the road. Snowy conditions can be particularly treacherous, leaving truckers stranded and in need of survival know-how to stay safe and comfortable until help arrives. It’s in these chilling scenarios where preparation and the right gear can mean the difference between mere discomfort and deathly consequences. 

Understanding the Risks and Challenges of Being Stranded in Snow

Winter truck driving poses unique risks and challenges for truckers, especially when they become snow-stranded. Snowstorms can make roads impassable and leave drivers isolated for extended periods of time. This can lead to dangerous situations such as freezing temperatures, limited food and water supplies, and lack of communication. Essential trucker gear, like a well-stocked trucker survival kit, is crucial in these situations. Understanding these risks and challenges is the first step in preparing for and overcoming them, ensuring truckers can stay safe while stranded. 

Practical and Actionable Safety Tips for Truck Drivers in Snowy Conditions

When facing snowy conditions as a truck driver, safety should be your top priority. Here are some practical and actionable tips to help you navigate through winter weather:

 

  1. Stay informed. Keep track of weather updates and road conditions before starting your drive. Use reliable sources and be aware of any advisories or warnings.

 

  1. Slow down and increase following distance. Snow and ice make the roads slippery, so it’s essential to drive at a reduced speed. Increase your following distance from the vehicle in front of you to give yourself more time to react to any unexpected situations.

 

  1. Take breaks and rest when needed. Driving in snowy conditions can be physically and mentally draining. Take regular breaks to rest, stretch, and stay hydrated.

 

  1. Plan your route. Avoid routes that are prone to snow drifts or low visibility. Opt for well-maintained and frequently plowed roads.

 

  1. Be prepared. Equip your truck with winter tires, chains, and proper traction devices. Have a well-stocked trucker survival kit that includes items like extra blankets, warm clothing, non-perishable food, an alternative restroom solution and a reliable communication device.

Trucker’s Toolkit for Tackling the Cold

Truck driving in the winter requires having essential items in your rig for emergency situations. These items can make a significant difference in keeping you safe and comfortable until help arrives:

 

Emergency Blankets: Maintaining body warmth is crucial. Emergency blankets and extra warm clothing can provide life-saving insulation when stranded in cold conditions.

 

Snow Chains: These are crucial for gaining traction on snow-covered roads, enabling movement to a safer location.

 

Shovel and Ice Scraper: Necessary for clearing snow around your vehicle and ensuring visibility.

 

Porta-Quick Utility Pack Commode: During weather-induced halts on the road, having access to restroom facilities is a luxury that truckers aren’t often afforded. This portable, easy-to-use, toilet system from Brief Relief offers truck drivers a clean, sturdy, and easy-to-set-up restroom solution on the go. 

 

Being prepared with these items can provide peace of mind, ensuring you’re ready to tackle any emergency situation.

Staying Safe While Snow-Stranded

If you do happen to get caught in a snowstorm, it’s necessary to stay inside your vehicle to maintain warmth and safety. Running the engine intermittently to warm up while conserving fuel is a wise strategy. Ensure that the exhaust pipe is clear of snow to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning. Staying active within the truck— like moving your arms and legs or performing exercises that require little space — to maintain circulation can also help keep the cold at bay.

 

In times of distress, keeping in touch with fleet managers and other drivers is a must. Share your location and situation with others, and keep a charged cell phone handy at all times. Having a portable charger or power bank can be a literal lifesaver.

Conclusion

In the face of snowy conditions, truck drivers need to be prepared and take the necessary precautions to stay safe and warm. Understanding the risks, practicing safe driving techniques, and stocking essential items in your truck can make all the difference in emergency situations. 

Brief Relief’s products are designed with outdoor and emergency situations in mind, embodying the brand’s commitment to ensuring safety, hygiene, and comfort, even in adverse conditions. When facing winter’s wrath, having access to sanitary restroom solutions can provide a much needed sense of relief amidst the unpredictable. Stay warm and stay safe out there!

5 Essential Hurricane Prep Kit Tools

Hurricanes represent one of the greatest threats in nature, capable of extensive destruction and loss of life. Given the potential severity of these events, hurricane preparation is not just beneficial, but crucial. Effective readiness extends beyond mere planning—it requires the acquisition of critical tools and resources to safeguard lives during these extreme circumstances. 

In recent years, we’ve witnessed an alarming increase in the frequency and intensity of hurricanes. Places that aren’t typically affected have seen some activity. In fact, New England was just recently impacted by Hurricane Lee. Climate change has brought about more powerful storms, making it crucial to adapt and strengthen our preparedness. 

In this article, we’ll explore five of the latest hurricane tools that should be included in any emergency preparedness kit. These innovations can be the difference between riding out the storm safely and facing unnecessary risks.

1. SOL Scout Survival Kit

The SOL Scout Survival Kit is a compact collection of crucial survival items designed for worst-case scenarios. The kit includes a heat-reflective two-person survival blanket that keeps you warm, a mini rescue flash signal mirror that broadcasts your location up to 10 miles, and a slim rescue howler whistle that can be easily heard over long distances. It also contains a compass, duct tape, and a fishing/sewing kit, making it an all-in-one solution for various survival needs during a hurricane.

2. ZOLEO Satellite Communicator

During a severe storm, regular communication channels like cellular networks might fail. The ZOLEO Satellite Communicator can be a lifesaver in these situations. This device connects with your smartphone via Bluetooth and allows you to send and receive messages anywhere in the world using the Iridium satellite network. It also has an SOS button for emergencies which alerts the GEOS International Emergency Response Coordination Center.

3. UCO Stormproof Match Kit

The UCO Stormproof Match Kit is a waterproof case that includes 25 matches and 3 strikers. The matches are windproof and waterproof and will burn for up to 15 seconds, even after being submerged in water. This tool is essential for starting fires for warmth, boiling water, or cooking food when other ignition sources are unavailable.

4. Brief Relief Liquid Waste Bag

Maintaining sanitary conditions during a hurricane is crucial to prevent the spread of diseases. The Liquid Waste Bag from Brief Relief is a sanitary, triple barrier bag and liner for liquid waste. Each pack is individually wrapped and equipped with gel activated technology, instantly transforming urine into a convenient, disposable gel. It’s a necessity for situations when plumbing functionality is compromised.

5. LifeStraw Peak Water Filter Straw

Clean drinking water can be hard to come by during a hurricane. The LifeStraw Peak Water Filter Straw is a compact tool that filters up to 4,000 liters of contaminated water without chemicals or batteries. It removes 99.9999% of waterborne bacteria and 99.9% of waterborne protozoan parasites, ensuring you have access to safe drinking water in an emergency.

By incorporating these tools into your hurricane prep kit, you can significantly improve your chances of surviving and recovering from a hurricane. Preparation is key, and being equipped with the right tools can make all the difference when it comes to weathering the storm.

Don’t wait for the storm to hit before you start preparing. Visit Brief Relief’s website today and equip yourself with the essentials you need to weather any storm.

As the winter months approach, ensuring the safety and well-being of workers exposed to cold temperatures becomes a top priority for employers. Cold weather can pose significant risks to employees, ranging from frostbite and hypothermia to slips and falls on icy surfaces. Properly educating employees about the potential hazards and necessary precautions is crucial for preventing cold-related illnesses and injuries. In this blog post, we’ll explore essential tips for employers on how to keep their workers safe during cold weather.

Educating Your Employees About Cold-Weather Risks

Education is a foundational step that must be considered when keeping workers safe in cold temperatures. Properly educating employees about the potential hazards and necessary precautions is crucial for preventing cold-related illnesses and injuries. Here’s a closer look at how to effectively educate your workforce: 

  • Explain what cold stress is: Help employees understand cold stress — the body works hard to maintain a stable core temperature in cold conditions, and prolonged exposure can lead to serious health risks such as frostbite and hypothermia.
  • Recognizing early signs of trauma: Teach employees to recognize the early signs of cold-related illnesses. Symptoms of frostbite include numbness, tingling, or discoloration of the skin. Additionally, hypothermia can manifest as shivering, confusion, and slurred speech. Encourage workers to find shelter and report any discomfort immediately, even if symptoms are minor. 
  • The importance of dressing appropriately: Educate your employees about wearing proper clothing to trap and conserve body heat. For example, moisture-wicking fabrics, clothes made of insulating materials, and thick fabrics are great for cold outdoor weather. However, they may need to wear more than just these types of clothing. Consider the materials to be worn. For example, merino wool won’t draw body heat from the skin when wet. Employees should add layers and protect extremities with items such as additional jackets, gloves, scarves, hats, beanies, etc. 

Monitor Weather Conditions

Stay informed about weather forecasts in your region. Thankfully, modern technology — such as satellite data — can predict extreme weather patterns (such as snowstorms) days, if not weeks, in advance. You can receive this information by tuning into your local news broadcasts and receiving up-to-date and accurate weather predictions for your geographic area.

The safety of your employees comes first. When icy conditions are predicted, consider delaying work or implementing shorter shifts. The risk of cold-related injuries increases in severe cold weather. Prioritize safety over productivity, you’ll abide by OSHA guidelines, and boost employee morale. 

In addition to monitoring weather conditions, you can also develop a weather policy. Create a clear and well-defined cold-weather policy that outlines how the company will respond to various weather conditions. This policy should include criteria for determining when it’s safe to work in cold temperatures and when adjustments must be made. 

Provide Adequate Breaks

When working in cold temperatures, providing employees with adequate breaks isn’t just about comfort — it’s a crucial safety measure that can help prevent cold-related illnesses and injuries. Adequate breaks allow workers to warm up, maintain their core body temperature, and recharge their energy. 

Frequent and more prolonged breaks are better than shorter ones in cold weather conditions. Also, encourage warm-up periods for employees to engage in physical exercises (e.g., jumping jacks). Not only is this good for their physical fitness, it increases blood circulation and raises body temperature. 

Granting ample breaks also gives workers a mental breather, which helps reduce the stress and anxiety of working in harsh weather conditions.

Encourage Hydration and Nutrition

Drinking fluids and consuming warm, nutritious meals can help the body generate heat and sustain energy levels. Ensure employees have access to hot beverages (such as hot cocoa, tea, and coffee) and warm, nutritious snacks and meals. 

For example, you can set up a table area to place your hot beverages (in insulated canisters/beverage dispensers). Hot meals can be stored in insulated packages. You can even place snacks that are dense in nutrition, such as protein bars and Clif bars. 

Address Slip and Fall Hazards

Due to icy and snowy surfaces, the risk of slips and falls escalates dramatically and makes a big safety issue. These incidents result in injuries and can disrupt operations and decrease worker morale. Employers must prioritize strategies that effectively address slip and fall hazards to ensure a safe and productive workplace. 

Maintain clear pathways by promptly removing accumulated snow and ice. Use snow shovels or snow plows to make walkways, entryways, and parking lots accessible in hazardous conditions. You can also encourage your employees to wear footwear with slip-resistant soles to ensure a safe workplace. Remember, proper footwear can make all the difference in icy conditions by enhancing grip and traction on slippery surfaces. Appropriate footwear provides stability, reduces the risk of falls, and contributes to worker safety. 

Have an Emergency Kit

An emergency kit empowers workers and supervisors to respond effectively in urgent situations, potentially minimizing the impact of injuries or health issues. Here’s what you can include in your emergency kit: 

  • First aid supplies: Provide a first aid kit that includes items such as bandages, antiseptic wipes, adhesive tape, gauze, and trauma scissors. These essential items can quickly address minor injuries and prevent infection.
  • Hand and foot warmers: These small packs generate heat and quickly relieve the symptoms of oncoming frostbite.
  • Flashlight and batteries: Ensure workers can illuminate their surroundings during low light or power outages. 
  • Whistle: A whistle can serve as a signal for help, especially when visibility is limited. 
  • Disposable waste bag: In some cases, your workers may not have easy access to the restroom, or maybe traveling to a nearby toilet would expose your workers to more severe conditions. For scenarios like this, a disposable waste bag can provide your workers with the necessary convenience, safety, and hygiene to take care of their needs. 

By equipping employees with knowledge, proper gear, and effective emergency measures, employers can shield them from harm and empower them to face cold-weather challenges confidently, all the while prioritizing worker safety. Your commitment to their well-being lays the foundation for a resilient and productive workforce, fostering a workplace where safety is paramount. If you want to equip your employees with the essential gear necessary for working safely in cold temperatures, browse our portable restroom solutions here.

Accidents in the workplace are among the worst possible scenarios for utility companies. Workplace accidents can be harmful to an employee’s life in ways that go far beyond what they do on the job, and any good company strives to keep their employees safe, healthy, and happy. 

 

But on-the-job injuries, especially those that result in workers’ compensation claims, are also detrimental to the company. They result in lower productivity, time spent replacing and training personnel, unplanned overtime for other employees, and a variety of other expenses and setbacks. 

 

It’s safe to say that for most companies, reducing the accidents that lead to workers’ compensation claims is in the best interest of all parties involved. 

 

Of course, this is easier said than done. For utility workers working closely with electricity, water, and in potentially hazardous environments, risk is just part of the job. But keeping workers safe must be a primary objective for any utility company, and taking these steps can certainly minimize the risks that lead to workplace accidents. Here are some ways to create a safe workplace environment.

 

Prioritize Risk Assessment and Prevention

 

Utility companies must have a dedicated, knowledgeable safety team that can assess risk factors for employees at business facilities and in the field. They should be adequately staffed and trained to meet the company’s needs, as well as understand the hazards that follow your employees wherever they go on the job. 

 

A good safety team will take steps like these to ensure employee safety:

 

    • Create a written safety plan.

      Having a written set of policies for safe conduct is vital, along with corresponding procedures for prevention and for reporting incidents. The plan should be based on OSHA requirements for the industry and should be tailored to your business. Making sure all your emergency exits are identified and up to code is also a top priority in any safety plan.
  • Consistently audit, update, and maintain the plan.

    Over time, circumstances and experiences may require additions and changes to the safety plan. Ensure your plan is regularly updated with the most current information available.
  • Engage your insurer.

    Insurance companies are professional risk assessors and may be able to offer advice for best practices to keep workers safe. 

 

Enact Comprehensive Training Practices

Training is essential for conveying safe practices, even for seasoned pros. Maintaining a rigorous training program creates an environment where safety comes first for everyone. 

 

Training programs should be job-specific and should be taken seriously, reminding employees that their lives — and the lives of others around them — are often on the line in the field, and safety should be taken seriously at all times. Even neglecting safety in simple aspects of the job, such as lifting heavy objects without proper safety equipment, can lead to problems. 

 

    • Train at regular intervals.

      Training isn’t just for new employees; it needs to be an ongoing requirement, particularly when safety is at a premium. Anytime there is a new piece of equipment introduced, anyone who may use the machine or even come into contact with it should be trained on its safe use.

      Continuing safety training and “refresher” courses continue to drill in best practices for all employees. Encourage your team to take regular breaks as well.
  • Encourage an ongoing dialogue.
    Encourage employees to report safety matters, and welcome their questions anytime. When an issue is reported, follow up and act on it promptly.
  • Evaluate processes and change them when necessary.

    Conducting regular safety reviews, updating training procedures, and implementing preventive measures will help ensure the rules are clear, accurate, and properly reflect the utility’s needs.
  • Consider multiple training types.

    In-person or classroom training, online modules or webinars, and reading materials can all be effective. Learn which works best for your company, or even better, use multiple methods to make it easier and more convenient for employees and trainers. 

 

Foster a Culture of Safety First

 

The best way to create a company that prioritizes safety is to have leadership that demands safety be put first. That priority must begin at the top and be pushed ahead of the normal metrics and goals. When management gives more value to a job done more slowly and safely than one done quickly, the rest of the company will follow suit. 

 

Implementing processes and procedures is a great first step, but if they are pushed aside when the chips are down, they don’t mean a whole lot. Here are ways to create a workplace culture of safe practices:

 

  • Reward good safety records.

    Employees who value safety should be rewarded for their efforts. Commending consistently good safety records, or even small accident-avoiding gestures, should come with praise or other incentives.
  • Pay attention to the small stuff.

    Sometimes, seemingly small gestures can have big payoffs. Managing the little details, such as optional equipment like a portable restroom solution, and a secondary portable restroom solution can keep technicians from situations where they do something careless that results in an injured employee..
  • Reinforce safety daily.

    When you talk about safety and the potential consequences every day, you keep it at the top of everyone’s minds. Work to follow best safety practices daily.

 

Indeed, it is often the little things that prevent costly accidents, higher insurance premiums, and the other pains that come with workers’ compensation claims. Having a safety program in place is a long term effort to reduce workplace injuries.

 

Brief Relief specializes in portable restroom solutions like the Disposa-John Portable Restroom which can help prevent emergency restroom situations that can lead to careless mistakes. Having the foresight to anticipate these types of scenarios not only prevents unsafe practices, it can save money and effort in the long run by preventing accidents and costly compensation claims. 

 

Help your utility workers stay comfortable on the job with these workplace safety tips.  Workers whose needs are met are safer workers. See how Brief Relief products can help your workers stay efficient, reliable, and safe when working in potentially hazardous environments. Always remember to create a safe work environment that practices a strong safety culture.

Technology always marches forward, and truck drivers have certainly benefited from technology advancements over the past couple of decades. 

 

While technological advances surrounding location, mapping, and time logging have already transformed the way truckers work, trucking companies continue to adopt transportation tech as part of their day-to-day operations. 

 

These advancements continue to help truck drivers reach their destinations and back in a safe, comfortable manner and make their jobs a little easier. 

 

Today’s leaps ahead aren’t necessarily self-driving trucks or “Jetsons”-like flying vehicles, but modern trucking tech has absolutely improved the truck-driver experience.

 

Dynamic Routing

Location tracking has been around for quite awhile, and the ability to chart your course with your smartphone makes finding a destination markedly easier. Dynamic routing optimizes delivery routes, reduces time on the road, and saves fuel — all vital metrics for trucking companies. This means slow traffic or stops on the highway, which previously might have cost drivers precious hours, can now be anticipated, giving drivers time to find an alternate route. 

 

Smartphone Apps

They say there’s an app for everything, and in the trucking world, that’s pretty close to being true. Need to track your driving route, avoid accidents, and optimize your trip? There’s an app for that. Need to find the best place for cheaper fuel? 

 

There’s an app. Need something to track inspection and maintenance schedules? They have one. Need to track individual driver performance, including mileage, hours, fuel, service costs, and average cost per mile? You know there’s one. 

 

Smartphone apps make tracking all of these things easier and faster while keeping the information in the palm of your hand, improving tracking and monitoring, safety, and organization. Just be sure to stay off your phone while driving! 

 

Dash Cams

In-cab cameras have been around for a while, but today’s dash cams have made them mainstream for anyone who wants one. Camera systems provide protection for vehicles, and more recent advancements mean streaming, night vision, and high-definition images uploaded to the cloud. Dash cams also provide protection for trucking companies, particularly in lawsuits involving accidents or fraud. 

 

Temperature Tracking

When transporting goods that need to stay below a certain temperature, temperature tracking helps ensure your load is safe and sound. As part of the Food Safety Modernization Act, truckers hauling food are required to have a way to ensure sanitary transportation for their cargo. 

 

As a result, most refrigerated units today are fitted with a temperature-tracking device, which not only monitors the in-trailer temperature, but sends readings to the fleet management platform with GPS positioning. 

 

As an early-warning device, temperature trackers alert drivers and management to temperature increases, allowing drivers to pull over and investigate (and correct issues if they’re able). The results are increased food safety and a higher rate of safe delivery, which means more money to shippers. 

 

Collision Mitigation Technology

Though self-driving vehicles are making truck drivers nervous for their jobs, the development of collision mitigation technology undeniably helps prevent accidents, reduces the risk of human error, and saves lives. 

 

The use of proximity-sensing technology to alert drivers to potential crashes, radar detects hazards both in front of and in the blind spots of trucks. Collision mitigation systems are quickly becoming standard on new rigs and are a vital part of today’s truck-driving experience. They can also be retrofitted to work on existing trucks.

 

Portable Bathroom Solutions

Time off the road is time wasted, and nothing wastes time like unscheduled stops. Products like Brief Relief’s Daily Restroom Kit® can help truck drivers make a quick stop for relief rather than having to track down a rest stop or resort to using a dirty gas station. With Brief Relief products, it’s a quick stop on the side of the road, and your potty is self-contained, sanitary, and ready to dispose of properly.

 

Electronic Logging Devices (ELD)

ELDs electronically track and record truck drivers’ hours of service to ensure drivers are operating within the limitations set by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. Once a certain threshold has been met, the truck is no longer able to drive. 

 

Meant to enforce driving limits for the safety of drivers and the public, ELDs are required to be installed in trucks. Some owner-operators and small-fleet drivers grouse at the idea, but ELDs are vital pieces of safety equipment that makes truck drivers, company owners, and the general public safer. 

 

Despite these advancements in technology, today’s truck drivers still have one of the most important jobs in the world. In the age of IoT, they have access to more tricks, tips, and new devices than ever, and they deserve to have all the advantages they can. 

That’s one of the reasons why Brief Relief creates portable bathroom solutions for truckers who know when they have to go. Truck drivers can employ many of Brief Relief’s products to help keep them going when they’re going. Check out Brief Relief’s full line of products, and see which can help you arrive at your destination safely and quickly.

Wesco/Anixter is a leading provider of B2B distribution, logistics services, and supply-chain solutions. They also work in storm-related restoration efforts, particularly in the utilities business. A Fortune 200 company, they have 18,000 employees globally and $22 billion in revenue.

 

Working with major utility companies during natural disasters, including restoration efforts and the mitigation of major storms and fires, Wesco/Anixter is the largest utility distributor in the market focused on live post-storm restoration efforts. Their goal is to work with major utility providers to quickly restore power and utilities services to places where it has been knocked out by natural disasters. 

 

Logistical concerns for these types of events are massive, and Wesco/Anixter has to have a tremendous infrastructure in place to ensure they can restore utilities as quickly as possible. The first step is response readiness, because planning capabilities are limited. They might know ahead of time which state a storm is going to hit, but it’s impossible to predict which communities will be affected. 

 

Setup is key. Establishing camps and providing the supplies necessary for survival are vital yet massive undertakings. These camps are the nerve centers for the restoration, providing supplies and equipment for thousands of workers who will be on site. Restoration efforts often include a massive amount of resources. Bringing in dozens of campers, electrical equipment, ice trucks, porta-potties, generators, and emergency supplies of food and water is the first job. Maintaining an inventory of these critical supplies is crucial. 

 

The first three to five days are critical to the restoration efforts and whether the project will be successful. Often, there is not only no power, but, if cell towers are down, no real communications capabilities. That leaves satellite phones for Wesco/Anixter to call in the specific supplies they need. 

 

Challenges on the front end don’t just include supplies, but also manpower. Recruitment efforts often extend all over the country when thousands of utility workers are needed, well beyond the number stationed locally. Many are hesitant to work on Day 1 under the conditions of no power, running water, or communication with the outside world. Many times, those initial responders won’t yet have ways to satisfy basic needs like food, water, and using the bathroom. 

 

Having an inadequate number of people willing and able to provide first-line help effectively means failure for the restoration efforts. Time is of the essence when delays could mean the difference between life and death for some of the people affected. 

 

For Wesco/Anixter, solutions mean taking action. They express appreciation and interest in the value of their products, providing solutions for those first crucial hours so responders can have their basic needs met from the outset. Brief Relief’s portable bathroom products include liquid and solid waste bags, commode systems, and portable privacy shelters, along with all of the accessories needed to provide supplies for safe and sanitary efforts. 

 

Brief Relief is a top manufacturer of portable restroom products, providing best-in-class worksite solutions to aid in the safety and productivity of employees. Out in the field, in storm-, fire-, or disaster-damaged areas, Brief Relief products can provide an emergency stopgap solution when restroom facilities are limited or unavailable. This effectively eliminates a major barrier for utility-worker recruitment efforts, improves efficiency, and reduces the time to complete restoration efforts.

 

Brief Relief products can be used anywhere. Line workers often won’t even have to come out of their lifts to take care of their business, saving critical time and energy so they can keep their focus on restoring power, cellular service, and water to the area. 

 

Brief Relief products are safe, sanitary, easy to use, discreet, cost effective, and help increase productivity. You can learn more about Brief Relief, their products, and how to obtain a supply of products at briefrelief.com

 

When was the last time you updated your disaster prep kit? That is — if you have one at all. According to a 2020 Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) survey, only one in three people have an emergency supply kit. Having a well-stocked kit can make a big difference in the event of a hurricane, so it’s important to go beyond bandages and bottled water. Think you’ll be ready when disaster strikes? See which of our these five emergency prep tools you have in your kit.

1. Solar Charger

Electricity is often the first thing to go during a natural disaster, and having a way to generate energy can make or break a situation. Classic generators can come with a hefty price tag, and portable options aren’t ideal for wet conditions. Solar chargers are a more affordable, flexible option, and many of them are designed to be water-resistant. 

With solar chargers, you can rely on your power bank as long as you have access to sunlight. Some models are even made for low-light conditions, so you don’t have to worry about overcast days after a hurricane.

2. Body Lamps

According to the CDC, flashlights are the most common item people keep in their emergency supply kits, but it’s important to have functional, convenient gear in a disaster. Level up your kit with wearable body lamps that keep your hands free for whatever comes your way. Wearing a headlamp or light-up armband can help you navigate in the dark without worrying about dropping your flashlight or juggling bulky supplies. 

Because they’re always with you, body lamps are also a convenient way to increase your own visibility to those around you, such as family members or first responders. When the power goes out, you can rely on your body lamps to avoid fumbling around in the dark — just remember to pack extra batteries or charge them when a major storm is approaching.

3. Water Purifier

One of the first steps to take when a hurricane approaches is securing a safe water supply, with extreme weather having the potential to contaminate water sources. Severe flooding can shut down water treatment plants, damage pipes, and introduce dangerous chemicals into your home’s tap water. Setting up a store of bottled water is a great way to start, but having a water purifier on hand ensures that you’ll never run out. 

Quality water filters can often filter hundreds to thousands of gallons of water, removing microplastics, parasites, and even lead. Options ranging from lightweight straw filters for personal use to large, communal gravity filters make it easy for you to pick the right option for your kit. 

4. Weather Radio

Radios allow you to access vital weather updates during a natural disaster even when you can’t access the news on your phone or TV. When choosing your radio, consider opting for a model with a hand-crank generator. By putting in a bit of elbow grease, you can trust that your radio will always have power, even if you run out of batteries. Many models also have regular batteries and solar panels, giving you plenty of options to stay connected with critical weather information.

5. Emergency Toilet

When preparing for a disaster, thinking about where you’ll go number two is rarely the first thing on your mind. But the need to use the bathroom stops for no one, not even a hurricane. Many people turn off their main water valve during a hurricane; this is a great way to prevent flooding, but it also means sacrificing the comfort of a functional toilet. During a disaster, you may not know how long you’ll be without functioning plumbing, which makes having a clean, comfortable emergency toilet such a game-changer. 

While you may have seen makeshift toilets made from buckets and cat litter, there’s a better way to handle your bathroom emergencies in the face of a true disaster. Modern portable toilets like the briefcase commode are tidy and discreet, making them easy to store and even easier to use. The best portable commodes are lined with durable waste bags, which contain a high-tech powder that neutralizes odors and eliminates biohazards. Because the powder turns into a gel when it interacts with waste, you can simply seal the bags up and dispose of them like regular trash without worrying about tears or spills.

Become a Pro Prepper With Brief Relief

Emergency preparedness is all about having the tools to thrive when the conditions aren’t so perfect. Brief Relief’s line of portable commodes can help you bring dignity and comfort to even the most disastrous of situations. 

Although Brief Relief’s innovative, sanitary products are great in an emergency, they aren’t just for worst-case scenarios. They’re easy to transport and clean, so you can bring them with you to remote job sites, campsites, or any other situation where you need to go while on the go. If you’re ready to invest in your comfort and peace of mind, explore our full product line.

For as long as people have been going to the bathroom, they’ve been having bathroom emergencies. Whether someone just happens to be in the wrong place at the wrong time, or they get stranded somewhere without access to facilities, there are painfully memorable times where they just couldn’t hold it. 

When nature calls, there are only so many times you can hit “decline” before you absolutely need to go. If you can’t find a restroom, this means relieving yourself in a less-than-ideal location or missing out on big moments to avoid an embarrassing accident. 

If you’ve had a close call on your way to the bathroom, you’re definitely not alone! Here are some cautionary tales of people in potty peril who could’ve used some Brief Relief in their lives.

 

In the Work Truck

Sometimes, the solution to your bathroom woes only causes more problems. One Reddit user recounts their experience of sudden digestive danger while doing maintenance on a client’s ice machine. Thinking quickly, he ran to his work truck, threw a trash bag in a bucket, and released the floodgates. Not wanting to stink up his van permanently, he tied up the bag and left the doors open before returning to the job. 

Crisis averted, right? He thought so too, until he saw the client’s dog frolicking in the yard, the sack of poo clenched in his jaws. Thankfully, the pup dropped the bag before retreating to the client’s home, but not without scaring the literal crap out of that poor maintenance tech. Talk about a workplace hazard!

 

At a Remote Work Site

In response to the above story, another user in the HVAC industry recounts rushing through a job because he was so distracted by the storm brewing in his bowels. Of course, the job was in the middle of nowhere with no public restroom or emergency toilet in sight. 

After hurriedly installing a replacement part and seeing no improvement, he called up the previous technician to gather more details about the repair. And what did he learn? That tech had also sped through the job, barely paying attention because he needed to go to the bathroom badly. Legend says that HVAC professionals are still frantically trying to complete that repair (with a turtle pokin’ out) to this very day.

 

Thousands of Feet in the Air

Not even the toughest among us are immune to the call of nature. This paratrooper shared his story of being cursed with a full bladder during a jump. Usually, keeping yourself hydrated is a smart move to stay cool in the searing sun, especially when you’re sweltering under tons of gear for hours on end. Unfortunately for this soldier, all that water went right through him just as he was about to leap from a plane. 

Try as he might to hold it in, the shock of his parachute opening also unleashed his bladder. Despite the distraction of bursting with urine mid-air, he made it to the ground safely, albeit damp. While recounting his tale, he mentions that if he had known he wouldn’t make it to a bathroom, he would have just peed his pants earlier. Not only would that have saved him some serious discomfort, but he could have focused a bit more on sticking his landing.

 

Live on Stage

Everybody poops, even the rich and famous. Lil Nas X was a public reminder of this at a concert in Atlanta, when his brief costume change turned into an impromptu bathroom break. Fans shared a video of his remote announcement — live from the backstage restroom — that he needed a couple of extra minutes before returning to the performance. His fans clearly didn’t mind as they responded with a wave of cheers, clearly relating to his blunt, honest admission.

Lil Nas X most likely had comfortable facilities backstage, but that’s not always the case at performance venues. Any festival-goer is all too familiar with the trying to avoid thee smelly, overflowing Porta Potties. It’s no wonder that both fans and musicians may be tempted to hold it until it’s too late.

 

Take the Urgency Out of Your Emergency With a Portable Solution

Having a clean, private place to go can make or break those moments when you suddenly feel the urge. At Brief Relief, we specialize in solutions that are easy to take with you and even easier to maintain. Our portable commodes, privacy shelters, and durable waste bags combine to create a discreet solution for job sites and events. 

Anyone can be the victim of a bathroom emergency, but this problem is more exasperating for people who have a digestive condition, such as the estimated 10% to 15% of Americans who live with IBS. Having  access to a portable commode can help everyone handle their business with dignity.

Because Brief Relief bags contain polymers and enzymes that neutralize waste into an odorless gel, they’re durable enough for even the most rugged conditions. Regardless of where you are or what you’re doing, you can relax knowing that the next time you really have to go, you’ll have a safe, subtle, and comfortable way to take care of business.