THE Construction Industry Plant Safety Group has launched a new publication in response to increased use of human form recognition systems (HFRS) in the sector.
HFRS utilise camera-based technology with AI to identify people near machinery and alert operators and others to potential hazards.
Called ‘Good Practice Guidance for the Use of Machine-Mounted Human Form Recognition Systems’, the new resource aims to advise and inform plant owners, users, operators, managers, OEMs, and third-party suppliers about considerations for the fitment, use and management of HFRS installed on plant.
This is the latest publication produced by the pan-sector group, managed by the Construction Plant-hire Association (CPA) and set up through the Health & Safety Executive (HSE) to provide guidance on construction plant safety topics.
HFRS is being increasingly used to minimise contact between workers and others in the vicinity of active construction plant. As the systems are becoming more commonplace, and as the technology is continually evolving at pace, a dedicated working group was formed to help develop a consistent approach to the fitment and use of HFRS.
The group came together under the management of the Construction Industry Plant Safety Group, comprising 25 representatives from plant owners, construction contractors, OEM/equipment suppliers and the HSE, along with other supporters, to devise the guidance.
Aaron Davis, chair of the HFRS working group, said, “Borne of a need to generate consistency within industry, the working group started work on the guidance in late September 2024 and although a challenging piece of work, the publication has been produced in good time. We recognise that HFRS are still an emerging technology and with limited applicable standards currently available, some of the technical specifications within the publication are currently an industry aspiration.
“However, the overall aim is to meet the needs of the sector in providing reliable and accurate systems. Although HFRS are currently only safety aids to people/plant interface requirements, OEMs and suppliers are working in partnership with the sector to encourage future development of trustworthy products and systems.
“I thank the working group and other supporters for their time, perseverance and patience in producing this guidance and to those who have produced supporting material and research reports. Although the guidance is both comprehensive and technical in nature, our next task is to produce a companion summary publication that outlines the key points of HFRS use.
“With the technology fast-moving, we further intend to undertake a review programme of the publication in approximately 12 months’ time.”
The new document can be downloaded free from the CPA website at https://cpa.uk.net/plant-safety-group/
