Improved safety at SCA’s terminals with AI

To reduce the risk of people being struck by heavy vehicles at wood terminals and other locations within SCA with similar conditions, SCA carried out a group-wide pilot project at SCA's wood terminals in Torsboda and Töva.

The most common risks of vehicle-related accidents include speed, limited visibility, and work taking place within the machines’ operating area. Reversing is a particularly exposed situation because visibility is often limited.

SCA has now tested and evaluated technical solutions, which produced good results. Among other things, trucks and wheel loaders at Töva, Tunadal harbour and Bollsta sawmill have had AI-assisted reversing cameras installed.

Decision on two solutions

SCA has now decided to proceed with two technical solutions and will use both an AI-assisted reversing camera, which complements the machine’s own reversing camera, and a fixed AI camera.

“Technical solutions can reduce the risk of accidents when used together with clear working procedures,” says Torbjörn Edman, Business Developer at SCA Forest’s Wood procurement function.

The AI-assisted reversing camera can detect people and alert the machine operator. It is used in the inner zone, meaning close to the machine where the risk is greatest, for example during reversing. The fixed AI camera operates in the outer zone, meaning it monitors a defined area where it can detect people and alert the machine operator if someone moves in an area where people should not be.

Forest first within SCA

Forest is the first business area within SCA to install the equipment at its wood terminals. However, the solutions will be available and can be implemented in more business areas within SCA.

“Within SCA Forest, we have long worked in various ways to improve safety at our wood terminals, and this is a good step in the right direction. We are starting with the terminals in Östavall, Töva and Torsboda, followed by Bensjö and Krokom. After that, the rollout will continue to the remaining terminals according to our priorities and planning,” says Torbjörn Edman, concluding:

“The new technology supports machine operators and reduces the risk of being struck by vehicles, which is an important step towards greater safety. But it is important to remember that safe working practices and good communication remain essential to safety at our terminals.”