Apparatus and System for Detecting and Alerting to Worksite Hazards (RFT758)
Background
Highway construction zones are among the most dangerous workplaces, accounting for 1.5–3% of annual workplace fatalities in the U.S. Work zone crashes have increased significantly, with nearly 1,000 fatalities in 2021. Workers face constant risks from heavy machinery, moving traffic, and intrusion events caused by reckless drivers. Traditional safety measures, such as cones and barriers, offer limited protection. As accidents continue to rise, there is a critical need for advanced, reliable, and adaptable safety systems that can detect hazards early and provide immediate alerts to workers and operators.
Invention Summary
This invention introduces a wearable, modular hazard detection and alerting system built on an ad-hoc, peer-to-peer sensor mesh network. The system integrates wearable devices, equipment-mounted sensors, and traffic cone units into a unified safety infrastructure. Each wearable includes GPS and IMU modules to monitor worker position, motion, and proximity to equipment. Alerts are delivered via buzzers, vibration motors, or visual displays, ensuring workers receive immediate warnings in hazardous conditions.
Construction equipment is fitted with collision detection modules that track movement and distance from workers, issuing operator alerts via E-Ink displays and haptic feedback. Similarly, intrusion detection modules on traffic cones identify unauthorized vehicle entries into work zones, triggering central sirens and worker alerts.
A modular design allows rapid customization: gas sensors detect toxic fumes, microphones enhance distance measurement, and new modules can be easily added without major reconfiguration. Data flows through gateways to a cloud server, where it is processed into actionable insights and displayed via a web dashboard for site managers. Historical logs enable post-incident analysis and continuous improvement of safety protocols. By integrating multiple hazard detection technologies; collision, intrusion, and environmental sensing; this system provides a holistic, scalable, and adaptive solution for real-time worksite safety.
Benefits
- Real-time hazard alerts via visual, auditory, and haptic feedback.
- Scalable and modular design for easy adaptation to diverse worksite needs.
- Cloud-enabled monitoring with historical logging for analysis and compliance.
- Improved worker safety through proactive detection of collisions and intrusions.
- Cost efficiency by enabling incremental upgrades without replacing entire systems.
Applications
- Highway and road construction zones
- Rail, bridge, and tunnel construction projects
- Utility and pipeline maintenance sites
- Mining and heavy industrial worksites
- Oil, gas, and chemical facilities with toxic gas risks
Patent
This technology has a U.S. Patent Pending and is available for licensing/partnering opportunities.
Contact
NDSU Research Foundation
info(at)ndsurf(dot)org
(701) 231-8173
NDSURF Tech Key
RFT, 758, RFT758
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