Managing health and safety on road construction and maintenance sites remains one of the most complex and critical challenges across Downer’s Transport & Infrastructure operations. With live traffic, mobile machinery, and public access all contributing to high-risk, dynamic environments, traditional monitoring methods often fall short. To shift from reactive reporting to proactive prevention, a smarter, real-time solution was required — one that could adapt quickly to fast-changing conditions.

That challenge led to the creation of R/VISION, an AI-powered computer vision system created by Downer in partnership with RUSH Digital. Purpose-built for construction and transport environments, R/VISION connects to site cameras and applies AI models to detect safety risks the moment they emerge — helping teams respond instantly and prevent harm before it occurs.

R/VISION is designed to detect a range of safety threats, including unauthorised entry into exclusion zones, excessive speeds in restricted areas, and non-compliance with Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) requirements. Rather than relying on manual checks or delayed reporting, the system delivers real-time alerts, giving teams the visibility they need to act decisively.

The rollout was delivered in two stages. First, AI-enabled cameras were installed at temporary traffic management sites, where rapid response is essential. The second phase introduced a permanent installation at a busy operational depot, providing continuous, long-term monitoring in a high-traffic setting.

Since 2023, the implementation journey has included ideation by Downer’s Zero Harm and Traffic Management teams, mobile pilot deployments across four busy sites, and successful prototyping leading to permanent integration at Penrose, Auckland. A three-month trial during FY25 demonstrated its effectiveness in monitoring plant-versus-people interactions, vehicle speeds, and crossover risk areas. Additional applications, such as licence plate recognition and automated induction verification, are also being explored to expand its value across operations.

Key outcomes

• Automated detection of near misses and critical risks, improving real-time response

• Improved PPE compliance and enforcement of exclusion zones

• Identification of behavioural trends and high-risk locations, enabling targeted workshops with frontline workers

• Reduction in pedestrian and mobile plant interface risks across pilot and fixed sites