Balfour Beatty is the first tier one contractor to mandate human recognition cameras on various big ticket items of plant and machinery across all its UK operations.
The latest technology is designed to 'proactively cover blind spots around the plant'. The cameras detect the human form and trigger an alarm to alert pedestrians and the operator to any potential risk.
In addition, a ‘digital thumbs up’ system has been introduced so operators can temporarily disable the machine to allow people to approach – a 'no entry' sign turns into a green thumbs up symbol when the operator signals it is safe to approach.
Balfour Beatty is installing the cameras on excavators above 13 tonnes, forward tipping dumpers over 6 tonnes, articulated dump trucks weighing more than 9 tonnes, rollers of 13 tonnes and above as well as telehandlers, dozers and wheeled loaders.
According to the latest work-related fatal injuries report by the Health and Safety Executive, the construction sector continues to account for the greatest number of workers involved in fatal incidents in the UK every year.
Among these incidents, 18% of the injuries were from workers being struck by moving vehicles.
Balfour Beatty 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.'
The human form recognition requirement for plants on Balfour Beatty projects across the UK came into effect in June this year and will be rolled out to supply chain partners as a standard in 2025.
Picture credit Balfour Beatty: A telehandler fitted with human form recognition.
