BALFOUR Beatty has announced it has become the first Tier One contractor to mandate human recognition cameras on certain items of plant and machinery across all its UK operations.
The move is part of the contractor’s Zero Harm mission, with the technology designed to proactively cover any ‘blind spots’ around the equipment. The cameras detect the human form and will trigger an alarm to alert pedestrians and the operator of the plant to the potential risk.
In addition to the camera, a ‘digital thumbs up’ system has also been introduced so plant operators can temporarily disable the machine to allow individuals to approach, creating a no entry sign outside the machine which turns into a green thumbs up symbol once the operator signals that it is safe to approach.
Alongside the on-site alarms, data collection and sharing of hazards and incursions from the technology is tipped to enable site discussions and change individual and site behaviours.
Balfour Beatty will mandate human form recognition cameras on excavators above 13 tonnes, forward tipping dumpers over six tonnes, articulated dump trucks weighing more than nine tonnes, rollers of 13 tonnes and above, as well as telehandlers, dozers, and wheeled loaders.
Chief technology officer Chris Johnson said, “At Balfour Beatty, we believe that our long-term success is dependent upon our ability to keep our workforce, suppliers, subcontractors and members of the public safe. It is of utmost importance and our biggest priority.
“Today’s announcement is another important step towards eliminating harm across all Balfour Beatty projects. By mandating these new strident measures, we will continue this positive trajectory and ensure that everyone gets home safe, everyday.”
