Our machines are designed with cutting-edge safety features to minimize risks and protect operators
At Epiroc, we’ve long been at the forefront of innovation in the mining and construction industry, with a steadfast commitment to operator safety. Our equipment is designed with the latest safety features, ensuring a secure working environment that prioritizes operator well-being.
Amit Randive
Digital Business Line Manager, Digital Solutions Division, Epiroc Mining
What are the key safety features integrated into your equipment? What new advancements have been introduced in your equipment to enhance operator safety?
At Epiroc, we’ve long been at the forefront of innovation in the mining and construction industry, with a steadfast commitment to operator safety. Our equipment is designed with the latest safety features, ensuring a secure working environment that prioritizes operator well-being.
The days of operator comfort and safety being an afterthought are behind us. With increasingly stringent regulatory requirements and rising customer demand, safety is no longer a nicety – it’s a necessity. We’re proud to be leading the charge in this new era of safety, and we’re committed to continuing to innovate and push the boundaries of what’s possible.
Our machines are equipped with the latest safety features inbuilt. The list of features is long but to name a few are- ROPS /FOPS ergonomically designed cab, electronic and smart controls for operators, emergency stops, boom isolation, machine stop controls with human detection in the operation area, pedestrian alert, fatigue monitoring, 360-degree vision system, strata and operation parameters details, speed limiters, safety interlocks, tray warning systems, payload management, live work elimination systems, geofencing, etc.
How do you ensure compliance with national and international safety standards in your equipment?
The future of sustainable and profitable mining lies in full automation, supported by safety measures, operational excellence, and data-driven decision-making. Together with our customers, we are committed to making this transformation a reality. Our equipment solutions are designed to meet or exceed the most stringent industry standards worldwide, including those in India. We ensure compliance with:
- International standards such as ISO, IEC, EMESRT and EN
- Indian standards and statutory compliances, including those set by the Directorate General of Mines Safety (DGMS)
- Customer-specific requirements and industry best practices
How do your machines handle features like collision avoidance systems, operator presence detection, or fatigue monitoring?
We recognize the importance of safety in the mining industry. Our machines are designed with cutting-edge safety features to minimize risks and protect operators. One such innovation is our state-of-the-art “Mernok Titan Collision Avoidance System.” Our collision avoidance system adheres to the global standards set by EMESRT (Earth Moving Equipment Safety Round Table), offering levels 7, 8, and 9 of CAS. This OEM-agnostic solution provides a one-stop shop for entire mining fleets, ensuring seamless integration and maximum protection. Apart from safety, our solution offers other value-added features like license and traffic management supported with analytics tools. For older machines we have retrofittable Machine Interface Controllers (MIC) making them compliant to the new standards. We understand that every mine site is unique, which is why our safety solutions offer a high level of customization. By tailoring our solutions to meet the specific needs of each customer, we ensure a perfect fit that enhances safety and productivity. By integrating these advanced safety features into our machines, we demonstrate our commitment to protecting operators and optimizing equipment efficiency. Operator presence and alertness is detected by our fatigue monitoring systems which also records the events.
How does your company incorporate automation and digital technologies (such as telematics, AI, and IoT) to improve equipment safety? How does your company approach the ergonomics of operator cabins and control systems to enhance safety and reduce fatigue-related accidents?
At Epiroc, we’re committed to driving industry transformation through digitalization and automation. Our “Automate” portfolio offers state-of-the-art solutions from our acquired company RCT, providing various levels of automation to enhance safety and productivity. With over 1800 installations worldwide, we’ve helped major mining companies achieve their safety KPIs. Our automation solutions range from basic line-of-sight radio remote control to advanced multi-fleet autonomous operations. These solutions offer unique value propositions, including Improved safety and productivity, Enhanced utilization, Standard solutions compatible with Epiroc and non-Epiroc machines and Holistic, interoperable solutions rather than isolated fixes
We see a steep rise in such requirements in India too and we are proud to mention that some of the India’s first automation solutions are from Epiroc portfolio.
Our telematics solutions are in high demand, enabling customers and operators to make informed decisions. By leveraging data, we provide actionable insights to optimize operations. Ergonomically designed cabs with a well-informed operator brings on safety in the operations. With our Groundbreaking Intelligence overarching concept, we work at 3 different levels with our customers - Machine level, Fleet Level and Mine Level. All our solution offerings are aligned with this methodology. With Situational awareness offered by MiningTag and Mobilaris we help our customers manage their operations with precision and short interval control. By integrating automation, digitalization, and ergonomic design, we’re transforming the mining industry and setting new standards for safety and productivity
How do you ensure the safety of operators working in hazardous conditions (e.g., underground mining or high-risk infrastructure construction zones)?
Our automation solutions are designed to navigate complex and hazardous environments, allowing operators to focus on strategic tasks while minimizing their exposure to risk. By combining automation with our robust safety features, we provide a comprehensive solution for safeguarding operators in high-risk conditions.
Innovation has been our core strength and inbuilt into our DNA. We call ourselves a 152-year-old startup. Our innovative approach makes sure that we drive the industrial transformation. Epiroc has been consistently investing in the R& D projects. Apart from our organic growth, we have added many acquired company’s strengths to our portfolio adding to our inorganic growth.
We are proud to mention that In India we have our global R&D Centre – Epiroc Innovation and Technology Centre- in Bengaluru catering to R&D worldwide requirements.
What safety protocols and practices does your equipment manufacturing facility implement to ensure a secure working environment?
We have safety systems certified under ISO 45001. Key protocols and practices are visitor safety protocol, 8 commitments for safety, safety induction and training, risk assessments, Emergency response plans, SOPs, PtW, safety committee, safety observation tours, risk reporting, safety kaizens, etc.
