Engcon founder Stig Engstrom has set his sights on reducing excavation accidents to zero, announcing a safety initiative based on smart technology.
“Dig Smart. Dig Safe.” is a part of Engcon’s “Non Accident Generation” initiative that focuses on setting a new product safety standard and is designed to create a safer workplace.
“Safety is often seen as a low priority in the contracting and construction sector,” said Engstrom in a prepared statement. “Unfortunately, no matter what market we are looking at these same industries are often identified as having the most workplace injuries. Some of the most common causes of accidents are due to machinery but also from tools that drop off equipment. This is unacceptable since the accidents can lead to absence from work through personal injury or in the worst cases a fatality, all of which could have been avoided.
“An excavator often operates in a tight space or on construction sites with many people,” he said. “Without the proper safety equipment employed on the machine, you can inadvertently drop gear or back over someone. Slipping and tripping accidents are also common when the driver steps out of or into the excavator.”
Engcon said the safety campaign should raise awareness and intensify the discussion around safety in the workplace. Its own product, it said, increases safety of excavator attachments. Its automatic quick-mounting system has both sound and light alerts that prevent an excavator from functioning in the event of an incorrectly coupled bucket or other tools, according to the company.
In the event of a coupling problem, the operator must set the bucket down on the ground in order to release it at a given pressure. The automatic coupling of oil, electricity, and central lubrication also means that the driver can safely remain in the cab and change tools.
“Engcon has technology that can assume parts of the operator’s responsibility when it comes to connecting tools to an excavator correctly,” said Engstrom. “This smart technology makes sure it is done right. With a zero vision in combination with Engcon's smart technology, we can help drive the industry in the right direction so that the safety issue is prioritized.”
Engstrom said regulatory change is required along with all parties taking responsibility for safety in the workplace.
“Suppliers must develop safer products, dealers must buy them and customers must demand that they are installed and offer contracts to those that use them. We want to ensure workplace safety. The technology should prevent accidents even if the driver makes a mistake. Every accident is one too many and the goal must be to eliminate them completely.”
Source: Engcon
