The mining sector recognises the value of a diverse workforce. Attracting a wider range of workers helps to address the labour shortage, provides a varied range of skills and innovative thinking, and is proven to improve performance and profits.
The traditionally-male-dominated mining industry has a culture that must change if it is to attract and retain a more balanced workforce. As part of that drive, companies are setting themselves ambitious targets to achieve better gender balance in their workforce.
The Western Australian Government’s ‘Enough is Enough’ report on sexual harassment and sexual assault, for example, called out “a failure of the industry to protect its workers”.
However, that change is happening, with initiatives such as Rio Tinto’s ‘Everyday Respect’ program starting to show positive results, gender pay gaps being reduced, and a focus on creating safe and welcoming workspaces.
In a Harvard Business Review case study of one mine’s success in attracting women, investment in fostering a welcoming and safe mining camp was identified as one of the five factors for success.
One such investment is in technology. Technology can play an important part in providing a safe environment through access control systems.
Access control technology is transforming workplace safety and convenience, particularly on remote FIFO (fly in, fly out) sites. Using smart keycards and integrated software, site accommodation and facilities can be managed seamlessly and securely.
Access control systems consist of electronic locks, opened with a programmable access ‘credential’, a keycard, fob, or the user’s mobile phone. The system is managed from a central console to provide tightly controlled access, high security and a fully visible audit trail.
Each worker is assigned a room with an electronic lock, accessible only through their individual keycard.
When their FIFO stint ends, the system automatically revokes access and transfers it to the next occupant. Personal belongings can be safely stored in lockable compartments that only the cardholder can access.
When a worker returns to site, access is reinstated automatically through the transport booking system, allowing them to go directly to their room without needing to check in. Inside the room, a privacy function ensures no one, including cleaning or maintenance staff, can enter uninvited.
The same keycard also grants access to shared spaces like the gym and laundry, with time settings that can allow access only to female employees during certain hours. If a keycard is lost, it is immediately deactivated and replaced. All access attempts are tracked and linked to CCTV to support any investigations.
Salto Systems will be demonstrating this functionality and explaining how its access control solutions drive worker safety in mine sites at Asia-Pacific’s International Mining Exhibition (AIMEX) in September and the WA Mining Conference and Exhibition in October.
Come and visit Salto’s booth, and start a conversation about how you can provide a safe mining environment and attract a vibrant and diverse workforce.