When it comes to safety, there is no one-size-fits-all solution. Every site will have its own unique challenges, so it’s important to first fully understand the risks and then apply proximity warning and AI camera detection systems that address these known issues.
Understanding the risk
When pedestrians and vehicles work together in close proximity, there is always the potential for serious accidents. Being struck by a moving vehicle is still the second highest fatality rate as per The HSE’s latest report, and statistics show it’s on the rise.
Common dangers include:
- Any area where vehicles and pedestrians work in close proximity
- Entry and exit points, crossings and loading bays
- Reversing and turning circles
- Areas of limited visibility around corners, blind spots, racking and storage, or in space-limited or narrow locations
- Areas that are subject to environmental conditions such as excessive noise, heavy rain, extreme heat or cold, fog, dust and smoke, low-level lighting or darkness
When looking for the best solution, it’s essential to fully review proximity warning and AI camera detection systems, and understand the risks and invest in a system or systems that meet those challenges head-on.
ZoneSafe Proximity Warning and AI Camera Detection Systems
Both are popular choices and offer intelligent technologies that aim to reduce accidents and improve site safety. Proximity warning and AI camera detection systems are highly effective options with positive results, but there are significant differences in function, reliability, and application, and it is important to be aware of this to make a fully informed decision.
ZoneSafe Proximity Warning & Alert Systems
System features:
- Real-time, audio-visual alert to immediately raise awareness and stop accidents in their tracks
- Small wearable tags align seamlessly with standard-issue PP
- Complete 360-degree detection of pedestrians around the vehicle
- Pedestrian detection even from behind objects, walls and furniture
- Dual warning alerts are issued to both drivers (via in-cab control unit) and pedestrians (via tag vibration), enabling everyone to stop their actions before an accident takes place
- Flexible and easy-to-apply system that can be used independently or with other ZoneSafe products, and alongside other safety systems
- Real-time data analytics that clearly pinpoint key areas of concern and safety hazards to ensure a proactive and preventative approach to safety
ZoneSafe uses active RFID technology to create an adjustable, invisible 360-degree detection zone around vehicles and hazards. The system is fitted to the vehicle, and pedestrians wear a small RFID tag that communicates with the vehicle and triggers an immediate alert to both the driver and the pedestrian any time the adjustable detection zone is breached. The dual alert ensures everyone knows when there is a breach, and both the driver and the pedestrian can stop their activity. The alert is instantaneous – there is no delay, so potential collisions are stopped immediately.
RFID technology allows ZoneSafe to ‘see’ around corners, wrapping around obstructions, and provides full vision in all weather and environmental conditions and even in complete darkness. There is, therefore, no reliance on a clear line of sight or room for hazards to be missed. ZoneSafe will detect pedestrian workers from behind objects like walls, racking or stacks of product.
The system is easy to install with minimum disruption, and the tags worn by pedestrians are easily incorporated into existing PPE. They can be worn on a lanyard, in a pocket, or applied to a hard hat or other workwear.
ZoneSafe is also an essential tool for future accident prevention, as it records data while in use. This MyZoneSafe data is easily accessed and analysed to help identify high-risk areas and behaviours around the worksite. Other optional upgrades include vehicle detection and asset protection.
AI Camera Detection
System features:
- Real-time visual monitoring
- Differentiates between people and objects
- No wearable equipment required for workers
- Cost-effective coverage of large areas (depending on the camera system)
- Drivers are alerted when risks are identified
- Real-time data analytics that clearly pinpoint key areas of concern and safety hazards to ensure a proactive and preventative approach to safety
AI Camera detection systems use visual recognition and machine learning to identify people and objects in the camera’s field of view. The system analyses live video feeds to determine whether a person is too close to a vehicle or within a restricted area. There may be a short delay in processing images, which can slow reaction time.
If a person or potential collision is detected, the system triggers an alert to the driver but not to the pedestrian.
AI cameras require a clear line of sight of hazards. It is important to note that if there is an obstruction in the line of view, the camera will not pick up the hazard behind it, so there is room for error here.
In terms of installation, AI cameras are a cost-effective and easy-to-apply option for large work sites. However, precise installation, calibration, software updates, and regular cleaning and maintenance may be required.
Finding the Right Solution Between Proximity Warning
and AI Camera Detection
The best approach is to identify your specific challenges and select a solution that meets these unique needs. In some cases, the best solution may be to incorporate a proximity warning and AI camera detection system to address differing layouts and areas of concern.
The most important step is choosing to meet the safety challenge, take action and invest in safety at work. When making the choice between proximity warning and AI camera detection systems, important things to consider may include:
- Line of sight – are common obstructions going to cause a problem and create collision opportunities? Are blind spots a concern?
- Usability – which system will integrate into the workplace, and how will it be properly applied and maintained?
- Who or what do you want to detect – people, vehicles or both?
- Is it helpful to incorporate dual detection and alert both drivers and pedestrians, or do only the drivers need to be alerted to the risk?
- Will it work successfully with other systems and procedures already in place, and can it be easily scaled up if required?
- Will the team buy into the new technology?
- What reporting capabilities do you need for safety improvement?
Safety technology is an investment in your most valuable asset – your people. Investing in safety not only protects people and the business but also sends a strong message and supports a culture where safety is paramount.
Contact us for a no-obligation discussion about your workplace safety concerns and find out how ZoneSafe can help to support safe working practice – contact us.
