Using a combination of Xwatch Safety Solutions products along with Leica Geosystems has provided an extra level of safety for a South Australian excavations company.
In this day and age, it goes without saying that safety should be of paramount importance at all worksites, not the least of which are earthmoving projects where heavy machinery, uneven terrain, and human activity come together.
Ensuring safety in these settings is critical to preventing accidents, protecting workers, and maintaining efficiency.
Of course, may common sense protocols can be implemented, such as ensuring operators and workers receive training in safety practices, the wearing of personal protective apparel, and identifying hazards to spot potential dangers like unstable ground or blind spots.
The heavy equipment itself poses significant risks if not handled with caution. That’s why most new machines incorporate safety features like motion detectors, backup alarms, and automatic braking systems to ensure a safe work environment.
For a major business such as Adelaide-based Page Excavations, having such tools in its fleet is an absolute must and non-negotiable.
Director Daniel Page said the business has been involved with a significant number of Tier 1 and Tier 2 government projects over the years.
“We hold an extensive range of machinery, our operators are highly skilled with many years of experience, with a well-balanced and highly skilled workforce including female representation,” he said.“But as important, we have a strong reputation for quality, safety, production and reliability.
“Safety is paramount at Page Excavations. The company adheres to stringent safety protocols to ensure the well-being of all workers and the public.
“Comprehensive safety training is conducted regularly to keep the team informed about best practices.”Page Excavations specialises in a range of earthmoving services, including site preparation, trenching and large-scale excavation projects.
Over the years, it has been involved in numerous significant projects in South Australia, including the Gateway South– Darlington Upgrade, the Katarapko Floodplain Inundation, the Ovingham Level Crossing Grade Separation, the Fleurieu Connection Alliance, and Port Dock Railway Line.
“The company boasts a versatile fleet to handle diverse projects,” Daniel said.
“We have seven excavators, with capacities ranging from five to 30 tonnes. Kobelco excavators are renowned for their reliability, efficiency, and advanced technology, which is why we decided to purchase Kobelco excavators for our operations.”
Daniel said the business continuously updates its equipment to incorporate the latest technological advances.
And this meant keeping up to date with safety innovations. An example of this commitment to elevate standards and reduce worksite incidents was to implement the Xwatch Safety Solutions.
Together with the standard Kobelco safety features, all the excavators have been fitted with Leica Geosystems and Xwatch Safety Solutions XW5 product.
The XW5 offers a total safe working envelope around the machine and operator enabling the control of the machine's height, slew and rated capacity indication. This comprehensive system covers every eventually when considering both operator and machine safety, offering complete peace of mind..
The innovative combined solution allows users to create or import 3D avoidance zones above and below the surface area directly within the Leica MC1 machine control software.
“This allows for safe manoeuvring in sensitive areas by taking control of machine movements when approaching the zones,” Daniel said.
“The Xwatch advanced safety system is integrated into Page Excavations' equipment. It uses real-time monitoring and alerts to manage and mitigate risks.
“The system tracks machine movements, operator behaviour, and environmental conditions to ensure maximum safety.“It’s the missing link between safety and machine control for excavators.“Xwatch provides an additional layer of security, helping operators maintain awareness and react promptly to potential hazards.” Daniel said Xwatch is designed to be compatible with a wide range of equipment, seamlessly integrating with excavators, bulldozers, loaders, and other machinery, providing comprehensive safety coverage.
“We’ve been using it for a few months now, and the system has proven its effectiveness in enhancing safety and operational efficiency,” he said.
C.R. Kennedy for surveying and safety
Daniel said he first heard about the benefits of the Leica/Xwatch combination through geospatial solutions leader C.R. Kennedy in Adelaide.
The company distributes all Leica products as well as the Xwatch systems.“C.R. Kennedy’s innovative approach to worksite safety caught our attention, leading to a thorough evaluation of our practices and subsequent adoption of the solution,” he said.
“Throughout, the team has provided excellent support and service. We deal with SA C.R.Kennedy State Manager Matt Scholz.
“We’ve been dealing with Matt for 10 years. Our partnership with the business has been exceptional. Their expertise and responsiveness have been crucial in ensuring the smooth integration and operation of the Xwatch systems.“They provide comprehensive training, support, and maintenance services.”
Daniel said C.R. Kennedy’ parts and service solutions could not be faulted.“Their efficient supply chain and experienced technicians ensure minimal downtime and optimal performance of the equipment,” he said.
Daniel has fully accepted Xwatch, and can’t endorse it enough to those who may be in two minds.
“The implementation of Xwatch should be a standard across all earthmoving businesses. The safety benefits and operational improvements it brings are invaluable,” he said.
“It’s a proactive step towards creating safer work environments and enhancing the overall efficiency of projects.”
The Xwatch/Leica system in detail
Essentially, Xwatch is an intelligent height, slew, and load monitoring system that integrates with heavy machinery to prevent dangerous incidents. It is particularly useful for excavators, cranes, and other earthmoving equipment, offering real-time monitoring and control.
Critical avoidance areas include overhead obstructions such as powerlines, underground services, and operations in close proximity to pedestrian walkways, live carriageways and public roads. Xwatch offers the excavator operator an additional safeguard against these potential hazards.
Key features:
• Height control: Prevents machinery from exceeding preset height limits, reducing the risk of striking overhead hazards like power lines or bridges.
• Slew control: Restricts the swing range of machinery, ensuring safe operation in confined or restricted areas.
• Load control: Monitors and prevents overloading, reducing the risk of tipping accidents and structural damage.
• User-friendly interface: Provides clear onscreen alerts and easy-to-use controls for operators.
Xwatch is a perfect match for Leica MC1, the advanced 3D machine control system that enhances the accuracy and efficiency of earthmoving equipment.
It integrates with GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) and other positioning technologies to provide real-time guidance, ensuring precise excavation and grading work.
By combining Xwatch’s safety features with Leica MC1’s precision control, operators and site managers can achieve a safer and more productive workflow.
Setting up 3D avoidance zones within the Leica MC1 platform is easy, enables operators to focus on their tasks and provides construction professionals with more control and peace of mind that their job site is safe and productive.
• Accident prevention: Xwatch monitors and restricts machine movement based on pre-set safety parameters, while Leica MC1 ensures accurate operation within those limits.
• Seamless integration: The systems work together, allowing height, slew, and load restrictions to be incorporated into Leica MC1’s machine control interface.
• Improved operator awareness: Real-time alerts and automated safety controls reduce human error and enhance decision-making.
• Compliance with regulations: Helps meet workplace safety requirements by preventing machine-related incidents and enforcing restricted zones.
• Increased productivity: Operators can work confidently with both safety and accuracy, reducing downtime due to accidents or corrections.
As seen in Earthmoving Equipment Magazine
