Covia Tests Innovative Safety Technologies

Rhea-AI Summary

Covia, a leading mining company, is testing innovative safety technologies to enhance worker safety and efficiency. The company has partnered with a fatigue intelligence provider to predict the effects of sleep disruption on team members' reaction time and cognitive effectiveness. This technology helps identify high-risk moments during shifts, allowing for strategic task planning.

Additionally, Covia is collaborating with the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) to evaluate passive exoskeleton technology in the mining industry. A successful pilot test was conducted at their Elco, Illinois plant, with plans for extended trials. The exoskeleton aims to reduce strain on workers performing manual tasks, potentially improving safety and efficiency in mining operations.

Positive

• Partnership with leading fatigue intelligence provider to enhance worker safety
• Implementation of technology to predict effects of sleep disruption on worker performance
• Collaboration with NIOSH for ergonomics research in mining industry
• Successful pilot test of passive exoskeleton technology at Elco plant

Negative

• None.

NORTHAMPTON, MA / ACCESSWIRE / August 8, 2024 / Fatigue can be a complex issue to address in our industry, which is why Covia has partnered with the leading provider of fatigue intelligence and analytics to leverage cutting-edge technology that allows us to predict the effects of sleep disruption on the reaction time and cognitive effectiveness of our Team Members. By implementing this technology, we are:

• Proactively identifying high-risk moments during a shift and throughout the week for each individual Team Member.

• Using this information strategically to plan and prioritize lower-risk tasks during these critical moments, ensuring a safer and more efficient work environment.

Covia teamed up with the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) to conduct an ergonomics research project. Through this research, NIOSH is evaluating the use of passive exoskeleton technology to enhance the safety and efficiency of workers performing manual tasks in the mining industry. In a month-long pilot test at our plant in Elco, Illinois, Travis Ross, a Covia bulk operator, wore the exoskeleton during his shift every day. Following a successful test run, Travis agreed to participate in an extended trial of the device, providing valuable input to improve project outcomes. "Even after just a brief try-out, I felt that the exoskeleton reduced the strain on my shoulders while I was reaching up, and I am excited to contribute to this important trial." - Travis Ross, Elco Team Member

We plan to conduct further testing of the device, engaging additional Team Members to provide valuable feedback.

Learn more about Covia's approach to Safety, Health, & Security.

View additional multimedia and more ESG storytelling from Covia on 3blmedia.com.

Contact Info:
Spokesperson: Covia
Website: https://www.3blmedia.com/profiles/covia
Email: info@3blmedia.com

SOURCE: Covia

View the original press release on accesswire.com

FAQ

What innovative safety technologies is Covia testing?

Covia is testing fatigue intelligence technology to predict sleep disruption effects on workers and passive exoskeleton technology to enhance safety and efficiency in manual tasks.

How is Covia addressing worker fatigue issues?

Covia has partnered with a fatigue intelligence provider to predict sleep disruption effects on reaction time and cognitive effectiveness, helping identify high-risk moments during shifts for better task planning.

What is the purpose of Covia's collaboration with NIOSH?

Covia is collaborating with NIOSH to evaluate the use of passive exoskeleton technology in the mining industry, aiming to enhance worker safety and efficiency in manual tasks.

Where did Covia conduct the pilot test for the exoskeleton technology?

Covia conducted a month-long pilot test of the exoskeleton technology at their plant in Elco, Illinois.