DETECTING WORKERS WITHOUT HELMET Using YOLO V5 And MaixCam

In industrial settings, safety helmets are a critical element of personal protective equipment (PPE), acting as the final barrier when other measures fail.

- SOMNATH BERA

Safety departments enforce PPE rules across process plants, especially among large numbers of contract workers. While training builds hazard awareness, studies show supervision plays a stronger role in accident prevention.

To address this need more effectively, a technology-led solution replaces manual oversight with an intelligent, machine-based system.

A high-fidelity camera continuously monitors the approach area. If a worker without a helmet is detected, the system triggers an instant alert—either a cautionary alarm or a verbal instruction to comply. A single camera can cover large zones, ensuring roundthe-clock, impartial enforcement. Once a violation is flagged, further action—such as activating an audio alert or controlling a gate—is handled by a microprocessor-based setup.

The solution uses MaixCam’s GPIO library to manage these automated responses, delivering scalability and cost-efficiency. Acting as a tireless, unbiased supervisor, this AI-powered safety system reduces reliance on human monitoring while boosting compliance. A prototype is shown in Fig. 1.

The required components are listed in the Bill of Materials table. An LED or buzzer may be added for alerts, though not included in the Bill of Materials.

EFY note. Since the same board is used in this solution, refer to ‘Face Recognition Using YOLO,’ published in the April issue. That article provides additional details regarding the MaixCam development board, including its usage and installation, which should be reviewed before proceeding.