Proximity Detection vs Safety Halo: Which Is Better for Mobile Plant Safety?
Proximity Detection vs Safety Halo: Which Is Better for Mobile Plant Safety?
In high-risk industries like mining, civil construction, and logistics, the safety of workers around mobile plant is non-negotiable. With vehicle interactions accounting for a large portion of workplace fatalities, many organisations are now weighing the benefits of proximity detection systems versus visual systems like Safety Halo.
So how do these two approaches compare — and which one is right for your site?
What Are Proximity Detection Systems?
Proximity detection systems (PDS) use technology like RFID, UWB, radar, LIDAR, or AI cameras to detect when people or objects are too close to mobile machinery. Most systems rely on wearable tags or sensors mounted on vehicles.
✅ Pros:
Real-time alerts
Automatic zone enforcement
Detailed event logging
❌ Cons:
High cost and ongoing maintenance
Dependence on wearable compliance
Can fail due to interference, dead batteries, or weather conditions
Introducing the Safety Halo System
Safety Halo, developed by Incident Zero, is a high-visibility lighting system that projects a 360-degree exclusion zone around mobile plant. It creates a clear visual cue — a red “halo” — that shows pedestrians and operators exactly where danger begins.
It’s not about detection — it’s about prevention through behavioural change.
Key Benefits of Safety Halo Over Proximity Detection
| Category | Safety Halo | Proximity Detection |
|---|---|---|
| Simplicity & Reliability | Always visible, no wearables or software to fail | Can fail due to interference or hardware faults |
| Immediate Behavioural Impact | Drivers and pedestrians naturally stay outside the exclusion zone | Relies on alarms or auto-stop (often delayed reactions) |
| No Wearables Required | Protects everyone — workers, contractors, visitors | Only works if tags are worn and functioning |
| Low Cost & Maintenance | One-time setup, minimal ongoing cost | Expensive, requires tag replacements, ongoing support |
| Environmental Resilience | Works in dust, rain, fog, and darkness | Some systems struggle in harsh or underground conditions |
| Visual Compliance | Visibly enforces exclusion zones and MDG/ISO best practice | Invisible unless alert is triggered |
Where Safety Halo Excels
The Safety Halo system is ideal for:
Open-cut mining and surface operations
Warehouses, quarries, ports, and logistics yards
Sites with rotating personnel, contractors, or high pedestrian traffic
Teams seeking a low-maintenance, high-impact safety solution
Environments where reliability matters more than complexity
What About Combining Both?
For operations with high risk or strict regulatory environments, a hybrid approach can offer the best of both worlds:
Use Safety Halo to visually reinforce danger zones and change behaviour
Layer proximity detection for automated alerts, logging, or auto-braking
This combination is particularly effective in high-traffic or mixed mobile plant environments.
Choosing the Right System for Mining
If you're in the mining industry, your choice will depend on your site type:
Choosing the Right System for Mining
| Site Type | Recommended Solution |
|---|---|
| Underground Mines | Proximity detection (UWB/RFID) + Halo |
| Open-Cut Mines | Safety Halo + radar or AI vision |
| Mixed Fleet Sites | Combined Halo + V2X-capable proximity system |
Top proximity system manufacturers in mining include Hexagon, Booyco Electronics, Matrix Design Group, and Pyrotek/Becker — but none offer the simplicity, scalability, and instant impact of the Safety Halo system.
Final Word: Keep It Simple. Keep Them Safe.
Proximity detection systems are powerful tools — but they’re not foolproof. If your site has struggled with wearable compliance, false alerts, or system reliability, the Safety Halo offers a practical, proven alternative.
It doesn’t rely on software, doesn’t require wearables, and works every time a machine turns on. Simple, smart, and safe.
🚨 Ready to Improve Your Mobile Plant Safety? Talk to our team about how the Safety Halo system can be deployed across your fleet. It’s time to move from passive alerts to visible prevention.
Get in Touch
Do you have any questions about our SafetyHalo products or need help navigating your worker safety strategy? We're here to talk.