GKD Technologies has introduced a link for ‘intelligent workwear’ to its proximity monitoring system. High viz vests or other workwear fitted with the link will display flashing lights and sound an audible alarm when the company’s SensorZone system detects the wearer is in a danger zone.
SensorZone comprises a sensor system that detects the presence of workers near a vehicle and activates an alarm beacon, and transmits a warning to vibrating tags fitted to the workers’ helmets.
In addition, the system alerts the operator to the presence of workers in the danger zone via a display in the vehicle cab. SensorZone is unique in offering this bi-directional alarm, claims GKD Technologies founder Nicholas Ground. Furthermore, because each tag has a unique ID, the system will let the operator know how many workers are in the zone at the time, avoiding the danger of the operator assuming an all clear when they see one worker moving away from the vehicle.
The tag ID also allows organisations to monitor workers and understand their risk profile, says Ground. By analysing individual worker data, organisations can identify workers who might need retraining or redeployment if necessary. Because SensorZone also collects location information on machines, organisations can analyse the data to identify danger hot spots on sites over time.
GKD Technologies has also introduced a wireless display and battery base station version for SensorZone that can be quickly mounted on vehicles that come on site temporarily. This gives immediate protection without the need to wire in the equipment to the vehicle.
The SensorZone system has been on the market in the UK for two and a half years with around 1,500 systems in operation across a number of industry sectors, including construction, quarries and waste management. Sales in Europe have been limited so far, says Ground, although there is growing interest. The system is available via T2S in France. Visitors to Intermat 2018 from around 20 countries have also shown an interest in the system and GKD Technologies is looking to arrange distribution deals globally.
