NIOSH TO EVALUATE TAG-BASED PROXIMITY WARNING SYSTEMS FOR CONSTRUCTION SAFETY APPLICATIONS

Researchers are studying the application of tag-based proximity warning systems in mitigating deaths resulting from mobile equipment and work zone accidents. Methods for reducing collisions involving pedestrian workers and heavy equipment or smaller vehicles are being tested in new proximity warning systems that also address false alarms in congested work areas. The systems involve the application of tags to the clothing or safety equipment of personnel. The tag-based proximity systems will be evaluated according to criteria such as detection reliability, false and true alarm rates, user confidence, installation and maintenance requirements, system robustness, and system acceptance.