Fleetclear has launched an AI-enhanced vehicle lift information system (VLIS) for bin wagons, which it said would reduce the risks of operating in the waste management industry.
HSE figures showed that between 2012 and 2022 there were 30 incidents reported of crew members being picked up by the lifts after becoming entangled or entrapped.
Some of these accidents have resulted in fatalities.
Fleetclear said bin lifts demanded constant situational awareness and if proper procedures were not followed then serious accidents could occur in the danger zone between the barrier arms.
Its VLIS is type approved and effective with all bin lifting mechanisms and it can be fitted retrospectively to all makes and models of refuse collection vehicle.
Fleetclear’s VLIS uses AI camera image recognition algorithms to filter out non-human objects to avoid false activations.
The detection zones are adjustable and can be tailored to accommodate different vehicles and lift types.
Chris Waller, chief technical officer at Fleetclear said: “There are a range of situations that can occur, which can lead to operatives becoming injured by bin lifting mechanisms.
“These include clearing debris, dealing with falling or dislodged bins and attempting to stop the hopper from overflowing.
“We have developed our vehicle lift information system using AI detection to actively monitor this danger zone during lifting operations.
“If a person or object is detected in the designated area the lifting mechanism is automatically and immediately disabled preventing entanglements and significantly reducing any risk of accidents and injuries.”
