Remote dozer operation enhances operator safety

Where bulldozers work on ore stockpiles, operators can be exposed to major safety challenges. Poor visibility, unstable ground and material falling from conveyors have led to numerous injuries and fatalities among dozer operators. At BHP Billiton’s Escondida mine in Chile this safety challenge has been addressed by implementing technology to allow dozers to be operated remotely. This protects personnel from the dangers involved in operating dozers within stockpiles, while continuing to provide the benefits to mine operation of using such machinery. Remote Control Technologies (RCT) supplied and fitted five full remote control systems to Cat D11R & D10R dozers and trained the operators. (more…)