UK Forks Transform Telehandler Safety with Advanced HFR AI Camera Technology

UK Forks, a division of Vp plc, has established itself as a leading national telehandler rental provider, delivering dependable, high-performance machines to construction sites across the United Kingdom. With a reputation built on quality, compliance, and safety, UK Forks serves some of the country's most demanding construction projects, from residential developments to complex commercial builds.

Operating in an industry where safety is paramount, UK Forks has consistently sought innovative solutions to enhance operator protection and reduce risk to people working in complex build environments. As sites grow increasingly complex and machinery more powerful, UK Forks recognised the need for advanced systems that could support customer operators beyond traditional safety measures.

The Challenge

Despite comprehensive safety protocols including signage, segregated walkways, banksmen, and rigorous training programmes, pedestrian-machinery collisions remain one of the most persistent risks on construction sites. The challenge intensifies as telehandlers operate in environments characterised by blind spots, tight access points, and constant movement of both machinery and personnel.

Human perception faces significant limitations in fast-paced, high-pressure environments where visibility can be compromised, and site conditions change daily. Traditional safety measures, while essential, cannot always account for split-second decisions or momentary lapses in visibility that can lead to near-miss incidents or worse.

For UK Forks, the challenge extended beyond immediate safety concerns. Accidental impacts result in repair costs, reduced fleet availability, and potential reputational damage. The company needed a solution that would complement existing safety protocols, support operator decision-making in real time, and deliver measurable improvements in both safety and operational efficiency.

The Solution

VUE developed an advanced Human Form Recognition (HFR) AI camera system specifically designed to address these challenges. UK Forks partnered with VUE to deploy this technology across their telehandler fleet, bringing together VUE's cutting-edge AI capabilities with UK Forks' operational expertise.

The HFR system employs sophisticated machine learning algorithms to identify people, obstacles, and unsafe behaviours in real time. When a person enters close proximity to the machinery, the system alerts operators instantly through clear visual and audio prompts. The technology also features external audible alerts that warn pedestrians when they approach machinery, creating a two-way safety communication system.

UK Forks played an instrumental role in the development phase, working closely with VUE to provide insight into real operational environments. This collaborative approach ensured the technology was precisely calibrated for the demanding conditions telehandlers face on active construction sites.

The Results

The deployment of VUE's HFR technology has delivered quantifiable improvements in both safety performance and operational efficiency. Analysis from one national housebuilding company showed a remarkable 43% reduction in HFR alerts between early October and late November. On another site, high-severity alerts from the eight most frequently alerting machines dropped by 47.3%. These substantial reductions reflect genuine behavioural change, with operators demonstrating increased awareness and modified practices around machinery.

A standout example comes from UK Forks' deployment with one of the UK's leading independent housebuilders. On a busy residential development where restricted visibility zones posed significant challenges, the HFR system helped operators manage pedestrian interactions around walkways and delivery routes, significantly reducing near-miss incidents. Site managers reported marked improvements in on-site behaviour, with workers showing greater reluctance to approach machinery without operator authorisation.

Beyond safety metrics, the technology has delivered measurable operational benefits. Fewer accidental impacts have reduced repair costs and increased fleet availability, directly impacting UK Forks' bottom line. The system's clear footage has enhanced training programmes, simplified compliance documentation, and accelerated incident resolution processes.

Early concerns about alert fatigue have not materialised. Instead, evidence indicates that operators remain engaged as the technology reinforces situational awareness rather than replacing it.

The Partnership

The collaboration between VUE and UK Forks represents a partnership built on shared values and complementary expertise. UK Forks selected VUE due to their established reputation in sectors with strict safety requirements and their proven track record in delivering reliable telematics solutions.

For plant hire companies seeking to enhance safety standards, reduce operational costs, and demonstrate commitment to worker protection, VUE's HFR technology presents a compelling case for investment in intelligent safety systems.