Whenever heavy machinery is present, there is an inherent risk to operators and other workers. On public worksites, companies must prioritise the safety of everybody, even pedestrians. Systems like Safety Shield and Blindsight offer advanced features to improve safety whenever plant equipment is being used. Using AI systems to detect hazards and alert operators, these tools can both improve safety levels.
In this article, we’ll explore some key features to determine which one comes out on top.
Customisable safety zones
While collision detection systems work well in a certain area or radius, we’re looking for something a little more advanced. Safety Shield provides an excellent feature that allows operators to customise the safety zone around them. It’s all colour-coded too, such as orange and red zones that trigger differently depending on proximity. The red zone disables the machine for added protection.
Blindsight lacks this feature, so operators need to be more mindful of the spaces around them. Site managers who want to respond quickly to safety hazards that are more site-specific should certainly consider Safety Shield.
Easy communication for all workers
Any safety system is only as good as the way it alerts users to potential danger. It’s not much good if a system can detect a hazard but doesn’t notify anybody. Safety Shield uses the ‘thumbs up’ alert, providing a bright green ‘thumbs up’ symbol on the LED screen when it’s safe to approach. It also offers audible alerts, making communication accessible for those who suffer from colour blindness.
Blindsight offers notifications, however, the process isn’t as clear and simple, which could lead to misunderstandings. For ease of use and clear visual and audio alerts, Safety Shield wins the prize here.
Auto-stop feature
If you want the ultimate safety features, it’s hard to go past Safety Shield’s auto-stop feature. Basically, if somebody walks into the red zone, the machine’s hydraulics are automatically disengaged. This stops all movement, potentially preventing a serious incident. Once the red zone is clear, the machine’s hydraulics will work again. To add another layer of security, Safety Shield also has an in-cab locking system which prevents tampering.
Blindsight doesn’t come with these features, unfortunately, meaning operators still need to rely on real-time alerts and take manual action to avoid collisions.
Incident review and reporting
Both Safety Shield and Blindsight offer reporting platforms, both powered by AI. These allow you to access a lot of historical data to review incidents and near misses. Safety Shield’s reporting is impressive, offering real-time data on things like location and even video. However, Blindsight’s reporting features are also good, offering plenty of insights. The speed at which site managers can review incidents with Safety Shield and review bespoke information in the Safety SHield Hub puts its ahead of Blindsight
Safety Shield offers API integration, too, meaning it can be incorporated into a range of site management tools. For example, if you have specific reporting tools that you use, Safety Shield can link up and send the information wherever you need it.
Flexible deadman control to reduce alarms
While we all want loud and visible alerts if an incident is about to occur, nobody wants persistent alarms going off all day. This creates a phenomenon known as ‘alarm fatigue’, where people will basically ignore an alarm if they hear it too many times throughout the day. Safety Shield fixes this problem, allowing a configuration where real-time alerts are stopped if the deadman is activated. Alerts will still come through to the cab.
Blindsight doesn’t have this feature, so if you go in that direction, be ready to hear a lot of alerts constantly as it monitors your site activity. It’s not necessarily a bad thing, but alarms for only genuine incidents are preferable.
Remote configuration of safety settings
Everything seems to be going remote these days, and Safety Shield is no exception. The system allows for remote adjustments of safety settings, such as changing the zones, without having to be inside the machine. So, you can easily adapt to changing site conditions without manual intervention.
If you’re using blindsight, you’ll still get data. But you can only change the settings at the source, meaning more for operators to concentrate on.
Which product is right for you?
Regardless of the industry you work in, safety is always a priority where heavy machinery is in operations. Intelligent systems powered by AI are changing the way we think about site safety, with Safety Shield and Blindsight two of the popular choices. For most operations, Safety Shield offers a comprehensive and effective solution, excelling in areas that Blindsight hasn’t yet caught up with. So, if you’d like to know more about Safety Shield, contact the team at Earthmoving Technology Solutions today.