New technology protects City workers on active job sites

The City of Edmonton is enhancing its commitment to worker safety by testing new technology at the City’s Aggregate Recycling Facility.

PHOTO CREDIT - RBWWaste.com

Edmonton - July 12, 2012 - The City of Edmonton is enhancing its commitment to worker safety by testing new technology at the City’s Aggregate Recycling Facility.

“Although rigorous safety training is in place at all City work sites, with conveyor belts, large trucks, loaders and crushing equipment all moving at the same time, workers have to be constantly vigilant to avoid workplace injury,” says Blair Buchholtz, General Supervisor of the City’s Aggregate Recycling Programs. “The new back-up detection system we are testing will provide an early warning to both the equipment operator and workers on the ground.”

The new technology being tested (the Armour System®) uses a radio frequency identification system (or RFID). The receiving unit in a machine detects specially equipped hardhats and vests worn by workers on the ground. An alarm sounds in the machine when a worker wearing the sensory devices is nearby, giving the operator ample time to stop and assess the situation.

“Our employees have to be very conscious of what is going on around them at all times,” says Darren Campbell, Occupational Health and Safety Consultant for Transportation Operations. “But a moment’s distraction can have devastating results and it is our goal to eliminate risk as much as possible. Helping workers to avoid such situations can only have long term benefits for everyone.”

Over the last two years, there were eight fatalities province-wide that involved equipment backing up and colliding with people.** Although in 2012 there have been no such incidents at the City of Edmonton, there have been two near-misses this technology might have helped prevent.

“Every department within the City has a comprehensive Occupational Health and Safety Management System, and we are always looking at managing risk and improving worker safety,” adds Campbell. “We anticipate that, if tested successfully, this technology could greatly improve safety on active work sites in many areas, including Roadway Maintenance and Roads Design and Construction. Ultimately, it is the City’s goal to create a workplace where no one gets hurt.”