Video Analytics and a Modern Approach to HSE and Industrial Safety

Why electrical installations require special attention in industrial safety

Work in electrical installations is classified as high-risk work. Despite strict regulation of procedures and requirements for protective equipment, the human factor remains a weak link in the safety system. Traditional control methods, based on operator observation and periodic checks of compliance with HSE and industrial safety requirements, cannot provide round-the-clock monitoring and prompt response to violations.

At SUEK, video analytics started with electrical installations, specifically with:

• Monitoring of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

The system automatically checks the availability, completeness, and correct use of PPE, including dielectric gloves, hard hats, safety glasses, special clothing, etc.

• Monitoring of hazardous areas

Video analytics detects the presence of personnel in areas with a high risk of electric shock: near exposed live parts, in switchgear, and electrical rooms.

In both cases, the system generates a message and records a video clip marking the location of the violation, indicating the exact time. This saves time and eliminates the need to review the entire video feed, thereby optimizing the operator's work.

For the legal use of video analytics on the enterprise premises, the employer must:

• develop and approve local regulations defining the video surveillance procedures, the purposes of its use, and camera locations;

• inform employees about the use of video surveillance systems against their signature, and mark the monitored areas with special signs and warning boards;

• ensure the protection of employees' personal data by developing an appropriate local act and obtaining consent for the processing of biometric personal data (if personal data is used in video analytics).

Implementation stages or what we faced when introducing video analytics:

• conducted a facility audit — identified critical control zones, the list of monitored PPE, and the necessary video monitoring angles;

• installed and configured equipment — installed additional video cameras to supplement existing ones and adjusted video monitoring angles;

• informed personnel — briefed employees on the system's operation and its goals in the field of HSE and industrial safety;

• during operation, the system requires additional training — we continuously improve the system for specific working conditions.

Universal "out-of-the-box" solutions sold on the market often do not take into account the specifics of a particular facility, which leads to low accuracy and false alarms in specific conditions. For correct operation, it is necessary to adapt the system to specific operating conditions: retrain neural networks to work in difficult lighting conditions, configure the recognition of specific PPE, and add modules to monitor necessary production processes.

The implementation of video analytics in electrical installations allowed us to achieve the following results:

• reduce the number of violations through the preventive identification of dangerous employee behavior;

• build an evidence base to demonstrate video materials to employees for further training on correct actions;

• increase the level of safety culture — the awareness of constant monitoring encourages employees to take HSE and industrial safety requirements more responsibly.

Video analytics represents a qualitatively new level of safety assurance in production processes. Combining the capabilities of artificial intelligence and modern equipment, it allows moving away from reactive measures and transitioning to preventive ones. With proper implementation, taking into account legal requirements and production specifics, video analytics becomes not just a control system, but a strategic tool for creating a safe working environment that preserves the lives and health of employees.