In this article, we will discuss how computer vision can make warehousing and logistics safer for workers by reducing the risk of accidents. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics in the US, transportation and warehousing experienced 216 fatalities in 2020, with transportation incidents accounting for 41% of those fatalities. In Europe, according to Eurostat, in 2018, there were over 44,000 non-fatal accidents in the warehousing and storage industry. With over 16 fatalities reported in the UK transportation and storage sector, including warehouses and logistics, in the year ending March 2022, it is essential to explore new ways to prevent such accidents. Slip and trip hazards alone account for a third of all reported injuries in the sector. Here are five ways in which computer vision can help you reduce the risk of accidents in your workplace.
Collisions are the leading cause of death in the sector, with over 400 non-fatal accidents each year. Computer vision can help prevent such collisions by providing data about the frequency of pedestrians and vehicles crossing each other's paths, detecting when high-visibility clothing isn't being worn, and identifying vehicle movements that exceed the speed limit.
Computer vision can detect movements of people in prohibited areas and record selected movements if people need to access specific areas. Different colored high-visibility vests can be used to differentiate between movements that should and should not be recorded.
Computer vision can send an alert as soon as it detects a possible racking hit, so that you can review the video and check the stability of the stored objects. This can prevent accidents that result from unstable objects on racking.
Computer vision can detect when forklift trucks are moving with a raised load instead of a lowered load, which is a leading cause of overturning vehicles. This can help you identify drivers who need additional training and determine whether delivery schedules need to be changed.
Computer vision can detect when people stray from pedestrian routes into areas that might not be clear of obstacles that can cause trips.
Good housekeeping is essential to reduce the potential for accidents, and computer vision can play a crucial role in identifying hazards that might otherwise go unnoticed. It can detect when items have been left in evacuation exits, or when pallets are obstructing commuter zones, and alert staff to take corrective action. By proactively addressing these issues, you can help prevent accidents before they occur and keep your workers safe.
In conclusion, workplace design can reduce the likelihood of accidents, but computer vision can help you maintain checks on how your workplace is being used. With its data, workers can find solutions that help keep warehouses and logistics workers safe. Computer vision could be your new, untiring team member.
Automated supervision, monitoring and risk prediction in areas of safety, quality and productivity.
