Case Study: Mitigating Work at Height Risks with Computer Vision Technology

This case study details the journey of Service Center Metals (SCM), an aluminium and extrusion company, and their partnership with Matroid, Inc., showcasing the pivotal role of computer vision technology in enhancing safety airbag compliance and addressing height-related risks at their shipping and receiving docks.

Background

In 2021, Safetytech Accelerator, in collaboration with Work to Zero – a National Safety Council (NSC) program , launched an innovative pilot program aimed at empowering small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to trial and implement safety technologies. The inaugural “Safety Innovation Challenge” focused on the critical issue of working at height, a leading cause of serious injuries, illnesses, and fatalities (SIIFs) in the workplace.

Key Findings:

• Significant Improvement in Safety Compliance: Through the application of Matroid’s advanced computer vision software, SCM experienced a remarkable improvement in airbag compliance rates, soaring from an initial 25% to consistently exceeding 90% daily.
• Challenges to Technology Adoption: The pilot highlighted several barriers to integrating new safety technologies, including project delays, resource constraints, and the necessity of securing employee buy-in and effectively communicating the return on investment (ROI).
• Strategic Recommendations: Insights from the pilot emphasize the need for comprehensive planning, iterative improvement, and the importance of transparent communication with employees to foster a culture of safety innovation.

Pilot Overview

In an effort to mitigate the risks associated with working at height, SCM partnered with Matroid to implement a computer vision system capable of detecting damaged, under-inflated, or missing safety airbags in real-time. This partnership not only showcased the potential of technology to proactively identify safety hazards but also underscored the complex dynamics of integrating such innovations into the workplace.

Impact and Results:

The collaboration between SCM and Matroid delivered overwhelmingly positive results, demonstrating the viability of computer vision as an early detection tool for safety risks. The technology’s success in significantly improving airbag compliance has set a precedent for the use of similar innovations in addressing workplace safety challenges. While applications in this study were limited solely to risks associated with working at heights, Service Center Metals has extended its contract with Matroid intending to explore other future applications for the technology, including detecting fires or explosions and tracking PPE compliance.

Conclusion:

The pilot program exemplifies the transformative potential of safety technologies in the workplace. By achieving a dramatic increase in safety compliance and uncovering valuable lessons about technology integration, this case study serves as a practical example, illustrating how technology, strategic planning and effective communication can collectively contribute to the creation of safer and more responsive workplaces.

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