News


Elevating safety in quarrying and surface mining

June 2024 News

The continued focus on integrating proximity detection systems (PDS) in South African quarries and surface mines highlights a significant shift towards enhanced safety and regulatory compliance. This move, directed by the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy (DMRE) regulations, underscores the critical nature of technology in mitigating workplace accidents.

As the pioneer of PDS in South Africa, and with more than 18 years of experience in the field, Booyco Electronics believes that the human factor is a crucial element in the successful deployment of such technologies.

Anton Lourens, CEO of Booyco Electronics, says that beyond the technical installation, the acceptance and willingness of employees to embrace these tools and adopt them in their daily operations are fundamental to their effectiveness. He advocates for a comprehensive approach to change management that involves all organisational levels, from front-line workers to top executives, ensuring a unified understanding of the technology’s purpose, benefits, and operational impact.

Lourens points out that the successful implementation of PDS technologies not only promises to enhance safety in quarries and surface mining operations, but also influences other key operational aspects such as equipment availability and productivity. He emphasises the importance of clear communication about the technology’s objectives to facilitate smoother adoption and minimise resistance among employees.

Drawing from Booyco Electronics’ experience, Lourens highlights the setbacks in safety and productivity that can arise from inadequate change management, stressing the need for employee involvement in the process to foster a sense of ownership and understanding.

The change management strategy at Booyco Electronics begins with a technical readiness assessment to tailor the PDS technology to the unique conditions of each site. It encompasses educating stakeholders about the technology’s capabilities and limitations through specific deployments, managing expectations, and providing training that explains the rationale behind the investment and its operational mechanics.

Lourens also underscores the importance of ongoing training and system optimisation based on user feedback to ensure the continuous success and improvement of the PDS technology. Additionally, he cautions against the unintended consequences of technology dependance, advocating for proactive management and continuous education to maintain the safety benefits of PDS implementations.

For more information contact Booyco Electronics, +27 11 823 6842, [email protected], www.booyco-electronics.co.za




Share this article:
Share via emailShare via LinkedInPrint this page

Further reading:

Reinstatement opportunity for ECSA registration
News
In 2023 the Engineering Council of South Africa (ECSA) announced a special opportunity for engineers in South Africa to reinstate their registration status if it had been cancelled. This exclusive offer is available until the end of August 2024.

Read more...
Two weeks to go: AATF 2025 welcomes Africa’s industrial future
News
With less than two weeks to go, the countdown to Africa Automation Technology Fair 2025 is on - and there’s never been a better time to register.

Read more...
Groundbreaking renewable energy skills platform
News
South Africa’s renewable energy sector has taken a significant leap forward with the launch of PowerUp. A South African first, this online platform is designed to equip the country’s workforce with the skills required to meet industry demands.

Read more...
Innomotics wins Platinum TITAN Brand Award for Best Corporate Rebranding
News
Innomotics has been awarded with the Platinum TITAN Brand Award for Best Corporate Rebranding. The international jury honoured Innomotics’ efforts to develop a powerful and recognisable brand after the carve-out of Innomotics from the Siemens Group in 2023.

Read more...
Unlocking Africa’s hydrogen potential
News
Africa is positioning itself as a frontrunner in the global green energy revolution, with hydrogen emerging as a critical commodity of strategic and national importance across the continent. Namibia is putting ambition into action by having already reached a number of key milestones towards final investment decision on up to five projects.

Read more...
Fuchs doubles sales volume
News
An aggressive growth strategy in South Africa and sub-Saharan Africa over the last decade has resulted in Fuchs Lubricants South Africa achieving a CAGR of 6% in volume sold since 2015. The result of this is that sales volume has nearly doubled in this time.

Read more...
High-quality sensing and automation equipment
News
The Turck Banner Demo Van is showcasing the company’s latest products and solutions.Turck Banner sells directly to end users and OEMs in a broad range of industries and applications.

Read more...
SA company uses AI to break the language barrier
News
Helm has a unique approach to AI that allows it to automate customer communication in any of South Africa’s 11 official spoken languages.

Read more...
From ground to compound: the journey of crude oil
Wearcheck News
You’re in for a ‘crude awakening’ when you download WearCheck’s latest Technical Bulletin. You will be treated to an in-depth explanation of the processes of producing oil, fuel and other petrochemical wonders that power our modern lifestyle.

Read more...
2025 – a year for growth, amid industry challenges
News
Automation is rapidly emerging as a catalyst for industrial transformation, enabling businesses to meet sustainability targets, enhance productivity and drive economic efficiency.

Read more...