Air Liquide UK (ALUK), the parent company of Energas Ltd, supplies industrial and medical gases nationwide. They operate more than 100 HGV’s and employ over 90 professional drivers in high-risk operations in high-risk environments including the transport of dangerous goods. The company maintains an unwavering commitment to road risk management, driver wellbeing and regulatory compliance.

As part of its duty of care and safety management responsibilities, ALUK continually reviews risk associated with fleet operations. In 2018, a safety event raised concerns about driver attentiveness. Although in-cab footage was available, it did not fully explain the cause. This highlighted a need to strengthen risk controls and ensure drivers were fully alert behind the wheel.

While driver distraction was already recognised and managed through policy and training, fatigue emerged as a less understood but increasingly critical concern. Industry research pointed to fatigue as a widespread issue in transport operations – a phenomenon with potentially serious consequences if not proactively addressed.

Following a structured evaluation of available systems, including data reliability, legal compliance, and integration with existing safety processes, Air Liquide UK selected Guardian by Seeing Machines as its preferred solution. The system met the company’s operational and safety requirements and supported real-time alerts with sophisticated algorithms and reliable event capture – critical components for both immediate risk reduction and long-term driver coaching. Its advanced capability would transform how ALUK monitored and managed fatigue and distraction.

Since deployment, Guardian has integrated into ALUK’s Fatigue & Distraction Program. Event data is analysed, recorded, and shared across the business, enabling leaders to track performance, identify trends, and refine interventions. The technology has strengthened the driver coaching experience by providing clear, verified evidence and trends of fatigue or distraction, leading to safer driving behaviours and increased situational awareness.

“With the tools at our disposal, we can be assured that as an operation we are heading in the right direction to help keep our drivers safe, along with other road users and pedestrians.” – Mark Young, Road Safety Compliance Manager UK, Air Liquide UK

ALUK’s leadership has extended beyond its own fleet. The organisation played a key role in driving Air Liquide’s global achievement of fitting all primary transport vehicles with Active Fatigue and Distraction Detection (AFDD) technology before the end of 2025. Through active involvement in the European Industrial Gases Association (EIGA), the company also advocates for AFDD systems to become standard within the oil and gas sector.

For Air Liquide UK, fatigue and distraction detection systems like Guardian form part of a wider hierarchy of control. They are proud to partner with Seeing Machines to provide additional assurance and support to achieve the company’s transport management framework and continuous improvement in road safety performance. Learn more in this case study and driver testimonial.