Safety Halo vs. Proximity Tag Safety Systems: A Comparative Analysis
Safety Halo vs. Proximity Tag Safety Systems: A Comparative Analysis
In today’s fast-paced industrial world, safety is paramount. As technology evolves, so do the tools and systems designed to protect workers and assets in various environments. Two of the most talked-about safety systems in recent times are the Safety Halo and the Proximity Tag systems. Both have their merits, but how do they stack up against each other? Let’s delve deeper.
What is a Tag-Based Proximity Solution?
Tag-Based Proximity Solutions are gaining traction as a practical and efficient way to monitor the location and movements of workers in relation to potential hazards on the job site.
These systems utilise physical tags, often in the form of wearable devices, that communicate with sensors or other tags to determine the proximity of workers to dangerous areas or heavy machinery. When a worker comes too close to a hazard, the system triggers an alert, which can be sent to both the worker and the site supervisor, thereby enabling immediate action to prevent accidents. Simple to implement and user-friendly, tag-based solutions offer a cost-effective approach to enhancing safety measures in the construction industry.
Benefits of Tag-based solutions
Universal Application
Proximity Tags, as showcased by Zonr, stand out due to their adaptability. Unlike the Safety Halo, which is primarily designed for forklifts (although they are slowly being introduced to construxction), these tags can be attached to a myriad of equipment and assets. This adaptability ensures that they can be seamlessly integrated into a wide range of industrial settings, from manufacturing plants to large-scale warehouses, offering a versatile safety solution.
Real-time Alerts
One of the standout features of Proximity Tags is their ability to provide instantaneous alerts. When workers or valuable assets approach a potential hazard and breach a predefined safety distance, these tags spring into action, sending out immediate warnings. This real-time feedback mechanism not only heightens awareness but also facilitates swift intervention, drastically reducing the chances of accidents.
Data Collection for Enhanced Safety Protocols
Beyond their immediate alerting capability, Proximity Tags are also data goldmines. They continuously gather information, especially about near-miss incidents. By analysing this data, companies can gain invaluable insights into recurring safety issues, allowing them to refine and bolster their safety protocols,
Easily Move between Vehicles
One of the standout features of tag-based proximity solutions is their portability and ease of transfer from one vehicle to another. Unlike more complex systems that may require extensive rewiring or reconfiguration, tag-based systems often consist of wearable tags and simple sensors that can be quickly and easily installed or removed. This makes it exceptionally convenient for construction companies that need to frequently switch vehicles due to varying project requirements or equipment availability. The ability to effortlessly move the tag-based system between vehicles not only saves time but also reduces the costs associated with multiple installations, making it a versatile and cost-effective safety solution.
Drawbacks of Tag-based solution
Reliance on Technology: While technology has its merits, it also comes with inherent vulnerabilities. Proximity tags are heavily dependent on sensors and stable connectivity to function optimally. Any technical glitches, malfunctions, or external interferences can hinder their performance, potentially leaving workers and assets exposed to risks.
Risk of False Alarms: Precision is crucial for safety systems. However, since Proximity Tags operate based on predefined distances, there’s a possibility of them triggering false alarms. Over time, frequent false alarms could lead to workers becoming desensitized, potentially overlooking genuine threats and compromising safety.
Human Error in Tag-Based Solutions: No system is foolproof, especially when human involvement is a factor. The efficacy of the Proximity Tag system can be undermined by simple oversights, such as employees forgetting to wear their tags or neglecting their maintenance. Such lapses can create gaps in the safety net, putting both individuals and assets at risk. To counter this, companies might need to invest in regular training sessions and reminders to ensure consistent compliance and optimal system performance.
What is Safety Halo ?
The core feature of the Halo Safety System is its ability to project a vivid halo of light around the forklift. This light, often bright and easily distinguishable, serves as a visual warning to pedestrians and other workers, indicating the presence and movement of the forklift.
Benefits of using Safety Halo
Enhanced Visibility: The Safety Halo projects a bright blue or red halo of light around the forklift, making it easily visible to pedestrians and other workers. This is especially beneficial in noisy environments where auditory warnings might be missed.
Versatility: The halo can be projected to the front, rear, or both sides of the forklift, ensuring visibility from all angles while vehicle is in motion.
Reduced Accidents: The visual cue provided by the halo has been instrumental in reducing forklift-related accidents in warehouses. It acts as a constant reminder of the machine’s presence.
Drawbacks of using Safety Halo
Limited to Visual Cues: The Safety Halo relies solely on visual cues. In environments with impaired visibility due to factors like fog, smoke, or poor lighting, its effectiveness might be compromised.
Reliance on Both Operator and Worker Awareness: Unlike tag-based systems that alert both operator and worker of the impending danger, the halo offers no such warning. This means that operators and workers alike must visually see the other one to make the halo effective. If a forklift driver fails to see a worker and continues forwards, the worker may not be able to get out of the way in time.
Colour Blindness: A significant portion of the population suffers from some form of colour blindness. The most common type is red-green colour blindness. If the halo uses colours that aren’t distinguishable by colour-blind individuals (often red), it could compromise the safety feature’s effectiveness. It’s crucial to consider universally distinguishable colours or alternative cues to ensure the system is inclusive.
Multiple Forklift Lines: In a busy warehouse with multiple forklifts operating simultaneously, the halos from different forklifts can overlap, leading to confusion. When these lines cross over, it can be challenging for workers to discern the direction or proximity of a particular forklift, potentially leading to hazardous situations.
Both the Safety Halo and Proximity Tag systems offer innovative solutions to age-old safety challenges in industrial settings. While the Safety Halo provides a brilliant visual cue for forklift operations, the Proximity Tag system offers a more comprehensive safety net for diverse equipment and scenarios.
Choosing between the two would depend on the specific needs of a facility. For a warehouse with heavy forklift traffic, the Safety Halo might be the saviour. However, for a more diverse industrial setting with multiple potential hazards, the Proximity Tag system could offer a more holistic safety solution.
In the end, the goal is the same: ensuring a safe environment for all workers. As technology continues to evolve, it’s exciting to think about the future possibilities in safety innovation.
Find out how Zonr can protect your workforce
Book a meeting or demo below with Paul and find out how Zonr can help increase the safety of your workers.
