Modern safety technology using artificial intelligence, radar, and visual displays is significantly reducing construction blind zone incidents by providing operators and workers with real-time alerts and clear safety signals around heavy equipment.
- In 2024, over 42,000 people were injured in work-zone crashes, with 763 of 850 fatalities resulting from crashes, highlighting the critical danger of no zones.
- AI-enabled 360-degree camera systems can detect workers entering blind zones and alert operators with the worker's relative location in real time.
- Advanced collision-warning radar with configurable detection zones complements camera systems and can be displayed on a single in-cab monitor to reduce operator distraction.
- Visual safety displays like thumbs-up indicators and directional backup alarms help workers on foot understand when it is safe to approach moving equipment.
- Existing fleet equipment can be upgraded with AI processors to transform passive camera systems into active detection solutions without requiring complete replacement.
*This article is sponsored by Brigade, Inc.
Construction remains one of the industries most affected by workplace injuries and fatalities. In 2024, more than 42,000 people were injured in work-zone crashes. Of 850 work-zone fatalities, 763 resulted from crashes.^1,2,3
These figures highlight the continuing danger of the “no zone”—the blind area around a vehicle or machine where the operator may be unable to see workers on foot.
A Persistent Safety Challenge
Blind zones have posed a risk since motorized equipment first appeared on construction sites. In the early 2000s, the CDC supported research measuring blind zones by vehicle type to help operators and workers understand these areas. NIOSH went further by evaluating available safety products. Its research found that combining technologies such as vision systems and radar could help reduce blind-zone incidents.^4
Although the industry has made meaningful progress, today’s work sites present new challenges:
- Machine designs have changed, creating different blind spots.
- Operators must manage more equipment functions and in-cab alerts.
- Less-experienced contractors and operators may share the same site.
- Workers on foot and nearby drivers face more potential distractions.
Today’s Blind Zones Demand Advanced Solutions
Modern fleet-safety systems combine artificial intelligence, advanced triggers and sophisticated algorithms to address these evolving risks.
AI-Powered 360-Degree Vision
AI-enabled camera systems can provide a 360-degree view around a machine. When a worker enters the no zone, the system can alert the operator and indicate the person’s relative location.
Unlike passive camera systems, AI-enabled solutions can identify workers around the vehicle and help operators focus on genuine hazards.
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Configurable Collision-Warning Radar
In keeping with NIOSH’s recommendation for a combined approach to safety, advanced radar can complement camera systems.
Modern collision-warning radar can offer:
- Configurable detection zones
- Speed-dependent zones that expand as a machine moves faster
- Radar alerts overlaid on an existing in-cab monitor
- Integrated information that reduces the need for additional displays
Presenting camera and radar information on one screen can improve situational awareness without adding another interface to an already busy cab.
Recording and Event Bookmarking
Integrated systems can also record footage from multiple cameras. Configurable triggers can automatically bookmark incidents, close calls and other events worth reviewing.
This creates a practical library of real-world examples for:
- Training new team members
- Reviewing near misses
- Reinforcing safe practices
- Identifying recurring risks
Alerting Workers on Foot
Operators are not the only people who need timely warnings. Workers on foot must also understand when it is safe to approach a machine.
Visual Safety Displays
A thumbs-up display provides a simple visual signal:
- Green thumbs-up — It is safe to enter the designated area.
- Red thumbs-down — Do not enter the no zone.
Clear visual signals can reinforce site procedures and help workers make safer decisions around moving equipment.
Directional Backup Alarms
Traditional tonal alarms produce the familiar “beep-beep-beep.” Over time, workers may become accustomed to the sound, while nearby businesses and residents may view it as unnecessary noise.
Directional broadband alarms provide a distinctive warning concentrated near the hazard area. The sound dissipates more quickly outside that area, helping alert people behind the machine while reducing overall work-site noise.
This type of alarm was featured in White Rabbit Project, Season 1, Episode 7, “Tech We Love to Hate.”
Upgrading Existing Fleets
Adopting advanced safety technology does not always require replacing an entire system. In some cases, adding an AI processor can transform an existing passive camera system into an AI-enabled detection solution.
Many technologies are available as factory options for new equipment or as retrofit solutions for existing fleets. This flexibility allows organizations to improve safety while building on their current investments.
A Shared Responsibility
Technology continues to evolve, but protecting the no zone requires cooperation among OEMs, safety providers and fleet operators. By combining equipment expertise, advanced technology and real-world experience, the industry can continue reducing risks around construction machinery.
Want to join the evolution? Contact Brigade to explore solutions available today, discuss future developments and share practical experiences that can help advance this critical safety technology.
References
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, “Incidence Rates of Nonfatal Occupational Injuries and Illnesses by Industry and Case Types, 2024.”
- OSHA Online Center, “Construction Safety Statistics (2026).”
- National Safety Council, “Work Zones—Injury Facts.”
- NIOSH, “Advances in Proximity Detection Technologies for Surface Mining Equipment.”
