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“The goal of our LWE program is to ensure that when people work on our equipment, they are not exposed to any energy that would put them in harm’s way and cause injury,”
Lori-Anne Fleming,
Live Work Elimination Program Manager,
Epiroc.
Epiroc has taken a bold step forward in the mining industry with the expansion of its Live Work Elimination (LWE) product portfolio, reinforcing its commitment to sustainability and worker safety. This initiative is in line with Epiroc’s ambitious long-term 2030 sustainability targets, reflecting the principles of the Paris Agreement and the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Central to these targets is the goal of eliminating work-related injuries, a mission that Epiroc’s LWE program is designed to achieve.
The LWE program goes beyond a collection of products but it represents a holistic strategy aimed at eliminating the risks associated with energy exposure during equipment operation. “The goal of our LWE program is to ensure that when people work on our equipment, they are not exposed to any energy that would put them in harm’s way and cause injury,” explained Lori-Anne Fleming, Epiroc Live Work Elimination Program Manager. This initiative encompasses not only technological innovations but also change management and the reinforcement of a safety culture within the industry.
Additionally, the product portfolio within the LWE program is structured around three key perspectives to minimize risk exposure. First, by prolonging the lifespan of equipment, the frequency of risk exposure is reduced, thereby decreasing the likelihood of encountering hazards. Second, remote diagnostic tools play a crucial role in lowering the potential for injury by enabling issues to be identified and resolved from a safe distance. Then finally, the continuous advancement of technology provides new opportunities for tasks to be performed remotely, significantly reducing the need for human exposure to potentially dangerous energy sources.
Also, the company’s legacy of innovation in safety is exemplified by the Hydraulic Operated Bit Basket System (HOBBS) for the Pit Viper 270 series. This technology eliminates the necessity for an operator to work under a suspended load, thereby mitigating the risk of injury. “The solution takes away the need of having an operator working under a suspended load, a rotary head, while changing a drill bit on the deck,” says Kajol Singh, Global Product Manager – Live Work Elimination. Building on the success of HOBBS for the Pit Viper 270 series, Epiroc has now introduced HOBBS for DML machines.
Furthermore, recent additions to the LWE portfolio, such as the Boom isolation kit and the Spool valve guard kit, further enhance operational safety. The Boom isolation kit, designed for Direct Control System (DCS) rigs, isolates feed, boom, and rock drill functions without affecting the operational cycle time, allowing maintenance work to be conducted safely. The Spool valve guard kit, developed for blast hole drill rigs, locks out specific spool valve manual actuation points, reducing risk exposure for personnel.
Moreover, the company’s relentless pursuit of safety is driven by a culture that blends innovative technology with a commitment to continuous improvement. Singh emphasizes that the company is constantly developing new products and tools to ensure safety by combining technological innovation with a culture of safety and continuous improvement. This dedication to leveraging automation, remote operation, and other advanced technologies not only enhances safety but also aligns with broader corporate social responsibility (CSR) and environmental, social, and governance (ESG) principles.
However, Epiroc’s initiatives demonstrate the profound impact of integrating geotechnology with sustainability efforts. By prioritizing worker safety through technological advancements, Epiroc is setting a precedent for the mining industry. These innovations represent transformative changes that redefine operational safety standards. The LWE program exemplifies how companies can align their business objectives with global sustainability goals. By reducing the frequency of hazardous exposures and implementing remote diagnostic tools, Epiroc is mitigating environmental risks and promoting safer working conditions. This alignment with CSR and ESG principles not only enhances the company’s reputation but also contributes to the sustainable development of the mining sector.
In summation, Epiroc’s expansion of the Live Work Elimination program marks a significant milestone in the journey toward a safer and more sustainable mining industry. By merging advanced technology with a steadfast commitment to safety, Epiroc is leading the way in creating a safer working environment for miners, aligning with global sustainability targets, and setting new benchmarks for the industry.
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