Melbourne-based Equipment Safety Systems (EQSS), the developer behind the groundbreaking OverWatch™ secondary guarding solution for scissor lifts, is poised to extend its triumphant presence beyond the borders of Australia by venturing into international markets.

OverWatch is now a ubiquitous presence on construction sites worldwide, gaining widespread acceptance among rental companies and major contractors, thereby enhancing safety standards for scissor lift operators in regions such as the U.K., the U.S., Singapore, Japan, and Europe.

Its reception overseas mirrors the positive feedback received in Australia, with businesses eager to mitigate crushing hazards and ensure the well-being of their workforce.

According to Ross Bowden, the Managing Director of EQSS, the global expansion is in its nascent stages. He remarks, “Our trials are currently underway in the snowy terrains of the U.S. and amidst the soaring skyscrapers of Singapore. Rental companies are actively seeking to upgrade their fleets to meet the demands of their clients – the contractors and builders.”

Bowden continues, “Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) have granted their approval for its integration into their models, and we are thrilled to announce that Haulotte is now offering OverWatch as a factory option for scissors produced in their facilities in France and China.”

EQSS continues to garner positive reactions as it introduces OverWatch to multiple countries worldwide. Ross adds, “Companies are eager to witness our system in action and test it on their scissor lifts. Every contractor we’ve engaged with in the U.S. and U.K. has informed us of incidents and near misses, but they were unaware of an effective solution for scissor lifts. Upon witnessing OverWatch in operation, they immediately recognize its benefits and the protection it affords.”

OverWatch’s successful adoption in Australia can be attributed to its effectiveness in reducing entrapment risks without compromising equipment functionality or operator productivity. It emerged as one of the initial viable secondary guarding solutions for scissor lifts in the market.

Australia, known for its robust health and safety culture, has been a pioneer in utilizing technology to enhance worker safety. Recognizing the need for secondary guarding solutions for scissors, the industry conducted numerous trials but couldn’t find a solution that satisfied contractors and SafeWork authorities.

To address this entrapment hazard on scissor lifts, EQSS initiated the development of a solution. After consulting with major contractors, EWPA members, and collaborating with leading hire companies, the high-tech OverWatch was rapidly developed and put into production.

OverWatch was officially launched in 2020 following a recommendation to consider secondary guarding for Elevated Work Platforms (EWPs) where entrapment risks existed. Simultaneously, one of Australia’s largest contractors mandated the use of approved secondary guarding devices on their worksites. SafeWork Australia also issued guidance recommending the consideration of EWPs equipped with secondary guarding devices when working in areas with identified crush risks.

Ross emphasizes, “We’ve sold enough systems now to understand its usage and user expectations. It’s crucial to educate workers about how OverWatch operates and how to adapt their scissor lift usage accordingly. The benefit lies in how well tradespeople adapt; once they grasp its functionality, they adjust their approach to work smarter and safer.”

The Australian hire industry warmly embraced the launch of OverWatch, and it is now installed in over 9,000 units across the country.

In expanding OverWatch into new markets, Ross highlights that its proven success in the Australian market has been a pivotal factor. He notes, “Overseas rental companies and contractors are impressed by the widespread adoption of OverWatch in daily operations across Australia. Its proven design certainly contributes to its appeal.”

“At EQSS, improving operator safety remains our paramount objective. We adhere to a stringent and unwavering approach, which ultimately drives the development of innovative and dependable systems that perform effectively in real-world scenarios. OverWatch has been thoroughly validated in this market with the support of contractors and hire companies, and we are confident it will continue to receive a positive reception on worksites worldwide.”

At the core of OverWatch is a LiDAR sensor, which monitors the operator’s position and movements, intervening only when safety is compromised. It seamlessly integrates with scissor lifts, continuously tracking the operator’s position using an infrared light beam. The system detects sudden movements or hazardous positions, promptly halting the lift when necessary.

OverWatch stands out as a robust, inconspicuous, and cost-effective secondary guarding solution compatible with all scissor lifts. It excels across diverse job sites and in varying weather conditions.

EQSS proudly manufactures its products in-house in Keysborough, encompassing software development, design, and electronic production. They are actively investing in expanding production capacity to support their global expansion.

For more information about OverWatch and EQSS, please visit www.eqss.com.au.