Fleetclear improves bin lifting operation safety

There is a long history of incidents involving bin-lifts, involving entanglement and entrapment of crew members, or even the ‘picking up’ of individuals and dumping them in the hopper. Sadly, some of these accidents have resulted in fatalities. According to a HSE search of the RIDDOR database 389 incidents were reported between 2012 and 2022 and of these there were 30 occurrences of people being lifted by a bin-lift.

Bin lifts demand constant situational awareness and if proper procedures aren’t followed serious accidents can occur in the danger zone between the barrier arms.

Fleetclear’s VLIS is type approved and is effective with every type of bin lifting mechanism. It can be fitted retrospectively to all makes and models of Refuse Collection Vehicle (RCV).

Chris Waller, Chief Technical Officer, Fleetclear said: “There are a range of situations that can occur, which can lead to operatives becoming injured by bin lifting mechanisms. These include clearing debris, dealing with falling or dislodged bins, and attempting to stop the hopper from overflowing. We have developed our Vehicle Lift Information System using AI detection to actively monitor this danger zone during lifting operations. If a person or object is detected in the designated area the lifting mechanism is automatically and immediately disabled preventing entanglements and significantly reducing any risk of accidents and injuries.”

In November 2024 the Waste Industry Safety and Health Forum (WISH) produced a document on the ’Safe Use of Automatic Bin-Lifts on RCVs’ to provide supporting advice to fleet operators about what action to take to improve standards of safety associated with existing fleets of RCVs. The document points out that procedures alone are ‘a weak risk control measure because people make mistakes, get distracted or fail to follow systems.’ It goes on to point out that ‘Technology now exists which has the potential to significantly improve the safeguarding of these machines.’

Fleetclear’s VLIS uses intelligent AI camera image recognition algorithms to filter out non-human objects to avoid false activations. The detection zones are adjustable and can be tailored to accommodate different vehicles and lift types. Event reconstruction with video and telematics data showing each activation is also available when the system is used in conjunction with Fleetclear Connect software and Fleetclear DVR camera systems.

Why Fleetclear? With over a decade of expertise delivering credible solutions proven in the field, Fleetclear helps fleets operate safely, efficiently and responsibly. With fully qualified in-house engineers and leading after sales support and warranties, Fleetclear is your fleet safety partner.

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