In one aspect, a method of controlling an operation of a compactor during a paving operation may include obtaining thermal image data and position data of an asphalt mat using a measuring device on a paving machine, and determining, using a controller, whether a person is on the asphalt mat based on a temperature range and the thermal image data. The method also includes determining, using the controller, a distance between the person and the compactor using the obtained position data and a position of the compactor, and generating, using the controller, a signal for reducing a speed of the compactor when the determined distance between the person and the compactor is less than a maintain speed threshold distance. In other aspects, a related system is provided for controlling a compactor during a paving operation.