| Written by Jens Petter Haugen
Even though we reached the 21st century, mines are still one of the most perilous working environments. According to the International Labour Organization around 1% of the world’s labour is engaged in mining and accounts for 5% of on-the-job fatalities. Thanks to technological progress safety systems for hazardous industries have become more and more sophisticated, like IDENTEC SOLUTIONS innovative Crew Companion.
Today, “Zero Harm” is a popular buzzword throughout the mining industry. Many initiatives have been launched: changes in the mine design, excavation monitoring, implementation of autonomous systems, explosion-proof equipment etc. And even though all these impressive strides were the number of annual incidents is still too high.
Besides all the prevention measures, it is essential to consider what happens in the event of an actual emergency. A safety assistance solution is needed that offers a hundred per cent reliability. With decades of on-the-job experience, IDENTEC SOLUTIONS this year launches an enhanced version of their Crew Companion, a tracking solution for personnel in the mining and tunnelling industries.
HOW DOES THE CREW COMPANION SYSTEM WORK?
The system offers real-time visibility of personnel throughout the mine by implementing a robust turnkey solution that divides the mine into zones. Workers are equipped with transponders that enable the system to locate them continuously. In case of an emergency, the rescue coordinator can immediately identify people at risk and act accordingly.
Incidents in mines do not always need to assume alarming proportions as Mikael Winnebäck, business developer IT of LKAB, tells us: “In our underground mine in Kiruna, we have, as a rule, events of fire caused by vehicles. Then Crew Companion is of great use, not only to check how many people are in the mine but also in which zone. It is all about retaining control to keep people safe. It's part of our mining safety framework.”
CREATING VALUE BY ADDING MORE SAFETY
As a long term partner of IDENTEC SOLUTIONS, LKAB knows that the value of the system – not only in emergency situations. Their daily work includes scheduled blasts every night to unlock new working zones. During the blasting, no personnel must be in the danger zones. Crew Companion gives immediate visibility of workers located in these areas whereby they can be contacted and instructed to move to a safe area. This guarantees an uninterrupted workflow in the mine. A very important consideration, as the delay of a single blast can cause a loss of three million EUR.
Further reading: Mining safety use case
Crew Companion easily scales up as the size of the mine increases. A mine like Kiruna can have as many as 600 workers per shift, while projects like the world’s largest copper mine El Teniente in Chile – also using the IDENTEC SOLUTIONS system – need to handle about 3,000 workers per shift. With an enhanced transponder and software, Crew Companion now manages 3,000+ workers with the same accuracy as before. Not only allowing to locate them within the mine, but also to register workers at access points. The access control module allows the registration of whole work groups entering/leaving the mine in buses. These improvements provide a quick and effortless commencement of work and enable automated attendance recording. This is an advanced risk management in mining (read more about risk management in mines in our latest whitepaper).
Due to a new hardware design with a lightweight ATEX certified transceiver replacing the currently used heavy steel cabinets, the installation becomes very simple and increases the flexibility to adapt and alter mustering zones. Learn more about Miner Tracking solution Crew Companion!
FAQ
What are the primary safety benefits of using the Crew Companion system in protecting miners?
The Crew Companion system plays a crucial role in protecting miners by offering real-time visibility of personnel throughout the mine. This advanced tracking solution ensures that in case of emergencies, such as fires or other hazardous incidents, rescue coordinators can quickly locate and assist at-risk workers. By equipping miners with transponders, the system continuously monitors their positions within the mine, providing a reliable means of protection. In addition to emergency response, Crew Companion is instrumental in daily safety measures. For example, during scheduled blasting operations in mines like LKAB's Kiruna site, the system ensures that all personnel are cleared from danger zones, significantly reducing the risk of accidents. This not only protects the lives of miners but also helps maintain the mine’s operational continuity. By scaling to manage large workforces, such as in Chile’s El Teniente mine, Crew Companion ensures comprehensive protection for miners in even the most complex environments.
How does the Crew Companion system contribute to operational efficiency while protecting miners?
The Crew Companion system enhances operational efficiency while prioritizing the protection of miners. By providing real-time tracking, the system ensures that no personnel remain in hazardous zones during critical operations like blasting. This capability prevents delays that could disrupt mining schedules and lead to significant financial losses. The system's integration streamlines worker registration, reducing the time needed for manual check-ins and ensuring that miners are accounted for efficiently. As mines expand and operations become more complex, Crew Companion's scalable design continues to protect miners without compromising efficiency. In large-scale mining environments, the system’s ability to accurately manage thousands of workers ensures that safety protocols are maintained without hindering productivity. Crew Companion supports safer and more effective mining operations by balancing the need to protect miners with the demand for operational efficiency.
Takeaway
Mining remains one of the most hazardous working environments, with a significant number of fatalities despite ongoing safety advancements. IDENTEC SOLUTIONS has developed Crew Companion, an innovative safety tracking system, to enhance safety in the mining industry. This system provides real-time visibility of all personnel in a mine, allowing for immediate location tracking during emergencies. It helps rescue coordinators quickly identify and assist at-risk workers, ensuring efficient emergency responses.
The Crew Companion system is not only vital in emergencies but also plays a crucial role in daily mining operations, such as ensuring no personnel are present in danger zones during scheduled blasts. Its ability to scale to accommodate large workforces, as seen in mines like Chile’s El Teniente, ensures comprehensive safety coverage without hindering productivity. The system also integrates with access control modules to streamline worker registration, enhancing both safety and operational efficiency. With continuous upgrades, including lightweight hardware and automated attendance recording, Crew Companion represents a significant advancement in risk management and safety practices in the mining industry.
Dive deeper into our core topic: Mining Safety!
Sources:
(1) https://blog.dol.gov/2024/04/04/5-safe-machinery-practices-for-miners#:~:text=Most%20importantly%2C%20mine%20operators%20must,hats%20protect%20you%20against%20hazards.
Note: This article was updated on the 10th of September 2024
