Acmena's human factors expertise enables a major construction contractor to deploy an AI-driven proximity detection system on its plant machinery.

Challenge

Acmena conducted a series of structured workshops across several business units. Current processes, governance frameworks and technical documentation were assessed from a systems safety perspective. A cross-industry benchmark study was also undertaken to identify proven strategies in risk management, change control and stakeholder coordination. The analysis focused on highlighting areas where safety processes could be improved, also where technical capability may be lacking and where reliance on vendors could create exposure.

Approach

To safeguard workers on its construction sites, a major contractor is fitting its heavy machinery with a proximity detection system (PDS). Using sensors and AI to detect and identify humans, the system is designed to alert operators to hazards within the vehicles’ blindspots. Acmena was engaged to provide a human factors assessment to understand the risks associated with integrating the system into vehicles. The risks included operators being distracted or ignoring alarms if they are too frequent or unreliable. Another key risk was giving operators the ability to adjust the system’s inputs and outputs, which could potentially compromise safety.

Outcome

By engaging with the client’s workforce, Acmena successfully reduced the barriers to adopting the technology by formalising new procedures for PDS introduction and operations that improve safety along with user performance and experience. The client was provided with pragmatic technical advice on the safety implications of various system configurations and an HF issues register with evidence-based design guidance in compliance with standards and best practice. The findings accelerated the roll out of the technology by ensuring learnings could be applied consistently across the client’s safety standards and integrated into policy development.

Profile

• Cost: Confidential
• Client: Confidential
• Objective: Improve worker safety by installing heavy plant machinery with a sophisticated proximity detection system and developing protocols to maximise the safety and effectiveness of the system.
• Services provided: Human Factors

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