Problem Statement

Work clothing that has sensors embedded in it to securely transmit data to managers about hazardous conditions and the workers’ physical conditions, improving  safety overall

The working conditions in the mining sector are notoriously dangerous and perilous. Concern for safety in this industry has increased as a result of technological development in extraction processes for expansion of output levels. The majority of events in this dangerous industry, according to safety research conducted thus far, are caused by human mistake, whose prevention would significantly raise workplace safety standards.

PS Number: PSIOT001

Domain Bucket: IOT
Category: Hardware
Dataset : NA

To provide a way to create smart work apparel with embedded sensors that securely convey information to managers about dangerous situations and the physical state of the workers, enhancing overall safety.

Background of the Problem

The mining industry is known worldwide for its highly risky and hazardous working environment.  Workers with physically demanding work may be at risk for injury, illness or other adverse health outcomes due to exposure to different occupational hazards, especially at higher age. Sensor technology applications may be useful in the workplace to unobtrusively measure and monitor work exposures and provide workers with real-time feedback or access to data on demand. Many aspects might impede the implementation of sensor technology applications in the workplace, which should be taken into consideration for a successful implementation.

Objective

To give a solution to design smart work clothing that has sensors embedded in it to securely transmit data to managers about hazardous conditions and the workers’ physical conditions, improving safety overall.

Summary

Mining workers are affected by many hazards – from ventilation problems, mine flooding, gas explosions, ceiling collapsing, mine haulage, sudden inrushes and mine inundation, spontaneous combustion, to un-optimized evacuation routes. And mine operators have been working for decades to ensure no fatal accident results in death, injury, or poor health of miners.