![PP Construction Safety logo and link to home page [1]](http://www.ppconstructionsafety.com/wp-content/themes/ppcs960/images/ppcslogo.jpg)
Helmet mounted buzzer warns of static or moving construction site hazards
MyZone is a personal vibrating alarm, worn inside a safety helmet, which can alert construction site workers to nearby hazards thereby prompting evasive action before injury occurs.
Following an initial survey to agree perceived hazards on the site MyZone implement the system with ongoing technical support etc. The system can be adapted to provide a hazard management solution within many industry scenarios.
The system suppliers stress that:
“MyZone is an aid to personal awareness only and the suppliers should be used in addition to established on site safe working practices“.
It is understood that some major contractors have adopted the system. Dncan Aspin, Regional Manager at Balfour Beatty Regional Civil Engineering is reported to have said:
“I was involved in the initial trials of this technology and it was clear that it was highly successful in addressing one of the most serious risks on a construction site – that of heavy plant working in close proximity to individual workers. I like the fact that it tackles issues where accidents are caused by people day-dreaming or ‘switching off’.
“MyZone tackles this problem in a way that no other proximity warning system on the market appears to do, by alerting the individual into taking evasive action themselves, rather than relying solely on the actions of the plant operator to avoid personal injury.”
Comment
This is an interesting innovation. It is essential that a safe workplace is established for all vehicle operations by separating pedestrians and vehicles and providing hazard-free traffic routes.
However, pedestrian ‘awareness’ of moving vehicle hazards is part of the solution and the MyZone system may be an effective method of raising awareness in high risk areas where separation is not practicable.