Capital Equipment News April-May 2020

SAFETY

PROTECTING AGGREGATES AND

Aggregates and mining companies are looking at ways to protect their businesses during the Covid-19 pandemic. Glen Webster, sales manager of Loadtech, says a range of new workflows enabled by technology can help aggregates producers and mining companies protect their businesses during the continuing Covid-19 pandemic. MINING BUSINESSES DURING COVID-19 OUTBREAK

A ggregates and mining degree. But how do we deal with adversity and find workable solutions that will dictate a positive outcome in the future? Whereas we may have looked to the flexibility of our teams to help us through, we now have a range of new workflows enabled by technology to help us cope. Now is a great time to learn more about the options available and talk with technology partners about your unique challenges, your goals and how technology can work for you. Managers can help restore calm, mitigate companies and contractors are facing unprecedented challenges, as is every other industry to a greater or lesser

your workforce. It was tough to find skilled operators before, and you often can’t just hire someone with no experience, especially if you expect a rebound. Before taking drastic measures of reducing staff, consider how to cut costs caused by waste and improve efficiency. Take preventive measures Embed good hygiene practices into your toolbox talks and walk-around inspections. The toolbox talk is a good time to discuss health and safety with your crew, including reminder advice to practice good hygiene, including frequent handwashing, covering your mouth with an arm during coughs and avoiding touching your face. Regular maintenance of the machine is well understood, so leverage the walk-around inspection as a time to also disinfect the cab, especially when multiple operators share a machine. Listen to fears and concerns There is plenty of misinformation and confusion around the pandemic, so listen carefully to concerns to help identify staff anxiety. Laying out a strategy for how your team will respond to the pandemic is a good start, but proving to your team

spread and equip staff with tools to look after themselves and others. After any immediate isolation or quarantine strategies, how can smart aggregates operations protect staff and customers, and reduce costs from their operations to weather the pandemic? Take a breath Every day, the news media confronts us with updates of the spread. It can seem overwhelming for managers and teams alike. Take a breath, pause and think through your response. As more time passes, we understand the situation better, and a better understanding leads to more predictable outcomes. Wait to make decisions on reducing

“By playing a long game, managers can endure the short-term and be ready for what 2021 will bring. Producers that are sufficiently prepared can prosper even during difficult economic times.”

Glen Webster, sales manager of Loadtech

TALKING POINT

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CAPITAL EQUIPMENT NEWS APRIL-MAY 2020