You don’t have to buy special PPE cameras to monitor construction site compliance. With Videoloft’s PPE Detection software, your existing CCTV or surveillance cameras can become powerful safety tools.
However, how you position your cameras makes a big difference. Correct placement ensures workers hard hats and high vis jackets can clearly be detected and that your compliance monitoring stays accurate and reliable. Before exploring the best positioning practices, let’s take a moment to understand why PPE compliance matters so much.
Why PPE compliance is critical on jobsites.
Every construction site has risks – falling objects, heavy equipment, moving vehicles etc. Proper Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) – such as hard hats and hi-vis jackets – play a vital role in worker safety.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, there were 2.8 million nonfatal workplace injuries and illnesses reported in 2023 (BLS News Release). Construction and manufacturing are the industries with the highest rates of serious injuries.
The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) report that PPE is often the last line of defense against hazards and must be properly fitted, maintained and worn to be effective (NIOSH).
One industry analysis found that around 12% of all workplace injuries involve missing or incorrectly used PPE (Gitnux PPE Statistics).
To put it simply, PPE compliance saves lives, but keeping track of it manually is challenging, especially across multiple sites. That’s why tools like Videoloft’s PPE Detection, which can automatically identify PPE use in real time using your existing cameras, are becoming so valuable.
7 tips for positioning cameras for the best PPE detection accuracy
1 Position cameras where PPE compliance matters most
Start by placing cameras in the areas where PPE usage is essential – such as entry and exit points, active work zones and high risk areas where machinery operates. Avoid installing cameras in spots where equipment or vehicles regularly obstruct workers from view. If forklifts or cranes frequently block the line of sight, detections may be missed. Aim for open, unobstructed views where workers can be consistently seen moving through the frame,
2 Keep cameras within about 12 feet (3.5 metres)
For best results, install cameras within approximately 12 feet (3.5 metres) of the target area. At this distance, the PPE detection can clearly distinguish details like hard hats and hi-vis jackets. If cameras are too far away, they might struggle to capture the color and contrast needed for PPE detection. On larger worksites it’s better to deploy multiple cameras close to key areas, rather than relying on one wide shot.
3 Mount cameras at the right height and angle
Camera angle has a major impact on detection quality. Mount cameras so that the viewing angle is no greater than 50 degrees from the area being monitored. A steeper angle can distort perspective, making it harder for the PPE detection model to interpret head and torso positions properly.
Look at it this way – a camera mounted too high might clearly see a hard hat but not the hi-vis vest. Keeping the view more horizontal provides a clear look at both the workers head and upper body.
4 Keep workers fully in frame
For Videoloft’s PPE detection to identify both hard hats and hi-vis jackets, each worker’s head and torso should be visible in the frame. Ideally, frame people from the waist up.
5 Watch for obstructions and blind spots
Obstructions are one of the most common causes of missed detections. Before finalizing your setup, check for any equipment, signage, scaffolding or pipes that might block the camera’s view.
Even temporary obstructions – like parked cars – can interfere with accurate monitoring. Where obstructions can’t be avoided, consider adding another camera at a different angle to fill in the blind spots.
6 Ensure bright, even lighting
Lighting quality can also affect how well the PPE Detection works. For the most reliable results, ensure that your monitored zones are well lit and evenly illuminated.
Uneven lighting, deep shadows or glare can make it harder to distinguish high visibility clothing from the background.
7 Use multiple cameras for large or complex sites
Larger worksites often require overlapping camera coverage. Multiple cameras help eliminate blind spots and ensure that workers remain visible even as they move between areas.
Set up overlapping fields of view so that if one camera is temporarily blocked, another can still capture activity. Videoloft’s centralized dashboard makes it easy to view multiple camera feeds at once, ideal for tracking PPE compliance across various zones or locations.
Download the PPE camera positioning guide
If you’d like a handy reference version of these tips, download our free PPE camera positioning guide – a simple overview that outlines best practices for camera placement, angles and lighting to help you get the best PPE Detection results.
Why it matters
PPE Detection isn’t just about ticking boxes, it’s about creating a safer, more accountable workplace. The combination of video evidence and automated monitoring reduces human error and improves transparency, reinforcing a culture of safety.
“Good camera placement is one of the simplest ways to boost PPE Detection accuracy. Our system works with most existing CCTV cameras, but positioning really is key - a few small adjustments in angle, lighting or distance can make a big difference to performance.”
By following these placement tips, you’ll get the most from Videoloft’s PPE Detection – helping to protect workers, report compliance, reduce risk and keep projects running smoothly.
Want PPE Detection for your cameras? Get in touch with our team today.
