The Rasmussen Group uses AI-based solutions to improve driver and worksite safety
Rasmussen uses Samsara AI Dash Cams and Site Visibility to improve driver and worksite safety across their operations.
Meet Rasmussen
Limited visibility made it difficult to coach drivers operating under challenging conditions.
The Rasmussen Group comprises 10 operating companies supporting diverse construction and heavy equipment functions, including heavy haul, concrete production, dump truck operations, asphalt paving, and gravel production.
Rasmussen often delivers materials to hazardous construction sites, navigating rough terrain, hilly areas, and tight residential spaces. Drivers must adapt to different situations daily, which can be risky. Promoting safe driving practices, such as coming to a full stop at intersections, maintaining appropriate following distances, and minimizing harsh turns, is pivotal to ensure timely and efficient service, thereby satisfying customers.
Improving safety required equipping their safety team with the necessary visibility to effectively coach drivers. For example, it often took days to retrieve relevant footage from their previous dash cam provider, delaying critical feedback. To better manage multiple companies and locations, Rasmussen sought a solution that would enable them to act more safely and efficiently across their operations.
Rasmussen built a valuable driver coaching program using footage and insights from Samsara AI Dash Cams deployed across their fleet. As a result of these investments, they were able to protect drivers and the motoring public, as well as strengthen their relationships with customers. Furthermore, Rasmussen reported reduced insurance premiums as a result of improved safety practices and evidence provided by Samsara AI Dash Cams.
AI-based in-cab alerts coach drivers in real time.
In response to the challenging and potentially hazardous conditions at construction sites, Rasmussen leveraged Samsara’s in-cab alerts to coach drivers on safe behaviors in the moment. AI-based voice coaching prompts drivers to correct their actions in real time, from speeding to rolling through stop signs, to mobile usage. As a result, Rasmussen has decreased speeding and rolling stop signs by 70% and mobile usage while driving by 90%.
“Our drivers operate in high-risk, unpredictable environments. You never know what’s gonna happen out there,” said Janssen. “That’s why it’s so important to change behavior in the moment. The AI technology powering in-cab alerts helps us proactively improve driver awareness and safety.”
Rasmussen safety coaches leverage Samsara coaching workflows to identify coaching opportunities—both constructive and complimentary. This helps coaches provide high-quality, consistent feedback to drivers in less time. This has greatly improved productivity and resulted in a 30% increase in time savings for safety coaches.
Rasmussen further empowers drivers to review their own behavior, using Samsara Driver Safety Scores to provide a quantifiable measure of their performance. With this tool, Rasmussen is able to encourage personal responsibility for safe driving.
On-demand video retrieval expedites exoneration.
The footage from Samsara AI Dash Cams has helped exonerate drivers in accidents or disputes. “When I receive a call about an incident nearby, I can easily pull up the footage on my phone and instantly resolve the issue with the officer at the scene,” said Sajid Ordagic, Safety Manager at Rasmussen. “With our old system, we often waited days to be able to access the relevant footage.”
Recently, Rasmussen saved an estimated $1.2 million in costs after dash cam footage exonerated a driver who was not at fault. Furthermore, they saved $2.6 million in legal expenses and loss exposure due to improvements in driver behaviors.
Moreover, drivers see firsthand how this technology directly protects and supports them. This is directly aligned with, Rasmussen’s driver-centric culture where drivers are engaged and encouraged to grow with the company—in the last year alone, Rasmussen promoted three drivers to coaches.
HD Camera Connector provides additional visibility.
A common concern during concrete pouring at a construction site is safely backing up the vehicle. It often requires very technical maneuvering which can be hindered by limited visibility. With Samsara HD Camera Connector, Concrete Supply—an operating company under Rasmussen—is able to leverage backup cameras for enhanced safety. “Usually, you only have two mirrors to see what’s going on behind you,” said Jim Faust, Driver Performance Coach at Concrete Supply. “But that rear camera is a golden asset to help prevent incidents while at the construction site.”
With the benefit of Samsara HD Camera Connector, Rasmussen reduced backup incidents by 25%.
Rasmussen decreased mobile usage while driving by 90%.
Rasmussen deployed Samsara AI Dash Cams to develop a comprehensive safety program, improving safety with in-cab alerts and exonerating drivers with on-demand video retrieval. As a result, Rasmussen has decreased mobile usage while driving by 90%, speeding and running stop signs by 70%, and backup incidents by 25%. With this technology, safety coaches have seen a 30% increase in time savings. Furthermore, Rasmussen is now easily able to exonerate not-at-fault drivers, after a recent incident, they exonerated a driver at the scene, saving an estimated $1.2 million.
LEARN MOREBring the field to your office with Site Visibility.
Site Visibility offers the advantage of having a safety coach present at worksites without the logistics or inconvenience of travel. John Ross, Driver Development Specialist at JMT Trucking, an operating company within Rassmussn, uses Site Visibility to efficiently oversee and ensure strict adherence to safety protocols, all from the comfort of his office.
"Just yesterday, I was able to personally observe a driver who was not wearing the mandatory protective equipment while outside of his truck,” said Ross. “With Site Visibility, I promptly shared the footage with the individual and immediately coached him on the proper use of personal protective equipment to ensure safety."
Moreover, Site Visibility enables real-time, boots-on-the-ground insights without the need for an in-person visit. With alerts that are triggered by AI detections, Ross is notified of people, motion, or vehicles within a frame or certain part of the frame. This allows him to monitor safety and security incidents without actively monitoring footage.
When needed, Ross is able to use Site Visibility to view assess vital aspects of worksite operations. This includes monitoring deliveries, evaluating unloading processes, assessing on-site traffic conditions, and gauging overall operational efficiency. "Our ready-mix plants are located up to 30 miles away,” said Ross. “By the time I get in my car, drive there, walk the worksite, and return, it could take up an entire afternoon."
Site Visibility thus becomes an indispensable tool that combines the power of remote oversight with the convenience of timely, informed decision-making.
Remotely monitoring job sites and identifying hazards with AI-based alerts saves time.
With multiple construction sites and diverse operations, having visibility into what's happening on these sites is crucial for safety, security, and operational efficiency. Samsara Site Visibility allows Rasmussen to remotely monitor job sites, saving time and providing insights into site activities and hazards.
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