Computer Vision in Workplace Safety: Definition, Use Cases & How It Works

What Is Computer Vision?

Computer vision definition: a branch of artificial intelligence (AI) that trains computers to interpret visual data — images and video — the way human eyes and brains do. Computer vision systems use deep learning algorithms to identify objects, people, actions, and events in visual data automatically, in real time.

How Does Computer Vision Work?

• Cameras capture visual data (images or video streams)

• Deep learning models — trained on millions of labelled images — analyse the data

• The model identifies relevant objects, people, postures, and events in the scene

• Detections are compared against defined safety rules (e.g., 'PPE must be worn in this zone')

• Alerts are triggered for violations; data is logged for analytics and reporting

Computer Vision Safety Use Cases

1. PPE detection — identify workers without hard hats, vests, or other required PPE

2. Forklift-pedestrian conflict detection — real-time proximity alerts

3. Ergonomic risk assessment — automatic RULA/REBA posture scoring

4. Fire and smoke detection — faster than heat-based detectors

5. Blocked emergency exit detection — instant alerts for blocked egress

6. Near miss detection — automatic logging of close-call events