HOUSEBUILDER Dandara is utilising AI Human Form Recognition (HFR) cameras supplied by telehandler hire specialists UK Forks.
The developer has added AI HFR cameras to its fleet of 14m JCB telehandlers that it hires to move materials around sites across Scotland, England, and Wales.
The cameras use AI technology to detect human presence in three zones around an operating machine – both sides and the rear. The cameras provide a real-time visual and audible in-cab alert to warn operators of potential dangers. An external speaker can also be fitted to warn the individual at risk and increase awareness for site personnel.
The technology can differentiate between humans and static objects such as bricks or scaffolding to prevent excessive alerting.
Dandara already had strict safety protocols in place to ensure the safe movement of pedestrians throughout sites before the HFR cameras were adopted, but is investing heavily in the new tech to take them to an even higher level. Prior to introducing the HFR cameras, the firm’s safety specification included driver aids such as reversing cameras, white noise reversing alarms to alert site operatives, and rear and side view mirrors.
The housebuilder’s health and safety department started trialling various site personnel and pedestrian detection products to mitigate where plant and people could not be separated. UK Forks introduced the company to a range of human detection systems, and it was agreed the human detection system from VUE, based in Manchester, was the right fit.
Chris Ball, Dandara’s head of health, safety and environmental, said, “We chose UK Forks as they had the ability to provide the human detection solution we needed and to implement that solution across our active fleet of telehandlers on all our sites throughout the UK. Along with the HFR cameras already installed and operational, they will also respond to any associated mechanical issues promptly and provide the support and expertise we always look for in a partner.
“Operators have reported a significant positive shift in on-site behaviour as workers on site are showing more respect for the machine movements and are more reluctant to approach them without authorisation from the operators. The external audible alerts are proving to be beneficial in changing people’s behaviours and habits around operational telehandlers. We are also utilising the integrated telematics to improve fleet efficiency and reduce risk.
“The service and support from UK Forks has been excellent and their engineers completed the installs across the entire fleet smoothly and efficiently. Going forward, all new hires will have HFR cameras fitted prior to arriving on site as per our hire option terms.”
UK Forks’ operations director Simon Brook added, “We are delighted to have played a part in helping Dandara achieve an even higher level of health and safety across their sites through the introduction and application of this new, innovative and exciting technological solution to site safety.”
