Industries such as mining, quarrying, agriculture and construction use machines and plant equipment, which by their very nature pose a danger if they are not managed safely. Blind spots tend to be much larger on these vehicles and include not only the rear and nearside but also the front, especially with elevated driver positions. Terrains are harsh, vehicles are exposed to the elements more aggressively whilst thick dust and darkness decrease visibility further.
Earth moving equipment addresses the problem of blind spots around a vehicle. It states that in order to enable proper, effective and safe operation the operator must be able to ‘detect the presence of a standing person (of approximately. 1.5m tall), 1m out from the perimeter of the machine.’ Camera monitor systems provide this to some extent, but in difficult conditions a range of complementary devices are vital to give visual and audible operator warnings.