Every week on every suburban street in Australia drives a waste management truck, making them the most common heavy vehicle that Vulnerable Road Users (VRUs) encounter.
The industry – often in partnership with local council clients – has long placed a priority on safety, making the sector a pioneering force and early adopter of advanced safety solutions.
In many instances, this has in part been a response to a tragic accident or near miss, driving the development of a solution to prevent such an event from re-occurring.
In 2010, working with Ipswich City Council , SGESCO-MAX developed the MAX-SAFE Reverse Watch – the first Australian active radar solution to detect obstacles to the rear of a heavy vehicle and automatically apply the brakes, responding before a driver can, to prevent accidents and injury.
Other innovations followed to address blind spots and make it easier for drivers to distinguish between human and non-human/stationary objects.
New, AI detection solutions
In 2023. SGESCO-MAX introduced its View range of solutions that uses advanced AI cameras to detect VRUs and keep pedestrians safe around the unique operations of waste management vehicles.
The MAX-SAFE solutions cover blind spots on all sides of the vehicle as well as the safe operation of the side-arm, rear loader or front loader lifting arms.
Each year, around 1 in 3 people killed on Australian roads are Vulnerable Road Users and around 45% of seriously injured people on our roads are VRUs (National Road Safety Strategy Figures).
Councils often have long-term contracts (up to 12 years) with waste management providers, many of which pre-date the existence of the latest safety solutions. A lot can happen in a decade – so it is important that councils ensure they are operating to acceptable safety standards, said Scott McPherson, Managing Director of SGESCO-MAX.
Chain of Responsibility (CoR)
Even if existing contracts still have a substantial period to run, this does not preclude councils discharging their responsibilities during the lifetime of the contract, noted Scott. “This why contract variations exist, particularly where health and safety provisions are found to be inadequate and can be improved upon in line with CoR Primary Duties, he said.
New waste management vehicles will be added to a fleet during the life of a contract, presenting an optimal opportunity for councils to stipulate the addition of new safety measures, said Scott
“The advent of new AI camera safety solutions has made detection and protection of VRUs more affordable and reliable than ever before – and highly praised by drivers who have had the opportunity to experience the solution,” noted Scott.
“It is a quantum leap forward in heavy vehicle safety” he said. “After engagements with Smart Environmental, Cleanaway, Veolia and Visy, SGESCO-MAX is keen to make council’s aware of the availability and benefits of their latest AI solutions.”
“MAX-SAFE solutions are used and trusted by the biggest names in the waste management business and used in contracts delivered for some of Australia’s largest councils,” said Scott. “Now, with the availability of highly affordable, highly effective AI solutions (that can easily be fitted to existing vehicles), improved safety measures are within reach for every council. We are keen to work with more councils to make this happen.”