The Intervention Project

RUSH is implementing an innovative computer vision AI solution aimed at transforming workplace safety in the manufacturing sector, thanks to ACC's Workplace Injury Prevention Grant.

This 24-month project, commencing February 2025, focuses on proactively identifying and preventing workplace injuries through advanced technology and industry collaboration.

RUSH Digital acknowledges the co-funding of this project by ACC's Workplace Injury Prevention Grant programme.

A person in a hardhat with a high vis vest in a manufacturing role

The mission

To deploy a technology sandbox environment where manufacturers can safely trial and implement computer vision AI-powered safety systems, and working with H&S practitioners to better understand AI technology and its application in workplace design.

We'll be working closely with our trial site partners, Health & Safety practitioners, Māori & Pasifika advisors and other experts during this project.

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About the project

Computer Vision AI informing and continuously optimising workplace design.

Build

Develop and validate high-accuracy computer vision AI models for risk detection. Continue scaling implementation and refinement of AI models.

Deploy

Create a technology sandbox environment for trial site experimentation and adoption. Work with sites on developing sustainability and scale-up framework

Consult

Ensure culturally responsive approaches, particularly for Māori and Pacific workers. Ensure equitable access and outcomes across all worker populations.

Intervene

Implement data-driven workplace safety interventions based on real-time insights. Form and H&S practitioners AI mentoring panel.

Produce comprehensive industry guidance for Computer Vision AI adoption and industry-wide knowledge transfer.

Report

Comprehensive performance monitoring framework aligned with ACC's strategic objectives for promoting sector leadership in health and safety.

Statistics

New Zealand's manufacturing sector employs 200,000 people across 18,000 businesses and 15 sub-industries.
Manufacturing ranks second only to construction in terms of lifetime cost of injury claims.
In 2022, sprains and strains alone resulted in 240,400 lost workdays in the manufacturing sector.
The estimated lifetime cost to ACC for these sprains and strains was $43 million in 2022.
Māori workers represent 16% of the manufacturing workforce but account for 22% of injury-related costs.
Work-related injuries in New Zealand's manufacturing sector create a $1.23 billion annual economic burden.

(Source: ACC Newsroom, 24 Jan 2025)