In South Africa, the adoption of Proximity Detection Systems (PDS) in quarries and surface mines is in line with the move towards heightened safety and adherence to regulatory requirements. With over 18 years at the forefront of PDS innovation, Booyco Electronics champions the integration of PDS systems and emphasises the importance of involving the people on site to realise the systems’ full value in safeguarding workers.
Booyco Electronics emphasises that people play a crucial role in ensuring the successful use of PDS technologies.
Technology can play a key role in enhancing safety and ensuring compliance with statutory regulations. However, as the pioneer of PDS in South Africa Booyco Electronics has witnessed how important it is to engage the people who will use the technology to ensure its successful deployment.
Anton Lourens, CEO of Booyco Electronics, says that beyond the technical installation, the acceptance and willingness of employees to embrace the tools and adopt them in their daily operations are fundamental to their effectiveness. He advocates a comprehensive approach to change management that involves all organisational levels, from front-line workers to top executives, to ensure 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, it 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 the company's experience, Lourens highlights the setbacks in safety and productivity that can arise from inadequate change management, reinforcing the need for employee involvement in the process to ensure understanding and foster a sense of ownership.
In Booyco Electronics’ approach, the change management strategy begins with a technical readiness assessment to tailor the PDS technology to the specific conditions of each site. It encompasses educating stakeholders about the technology's capabilities and limitations in particular applications, managing expectations and providing training that explains the rationale behind the investment and the operational mechanics of the technology.
Lourens also emphasises the importance of ongoing training and system optimisation based on user feedback, to ensure continuing success and inform potential improvements to the PDS technology. Additionally, he cautions against the unintended consequences of technology dependence, advocating for proactive management and continuous education to maintain the safety benefits of PDS implementations.
For more information visit: www.booyco-electronics.co.za
