Engcon introduces the global safety campaign "Dig Smart. Dig Safe"

And goes for zero in fight against workplace accidents

Time and again, we're forced to face the facts when it comes to accidents at workplaces related to excavators. The number of accidents is still far too high. In the worst cases, the accidents are also fatal. Engcon wants to go for "zero" in the excavation industry - through thoughtful technology on all excavators. The Engcon campaign called "Dig Smart. Dig Safe" is part of the "Non Accident Generation" initiative.

Official statistics show that more than 3,000 people in Europe lose their lives every year due to workplace accidents. An alarmingly large number.

"Safety is unfortunately not a priority within the earthmoving and construction industry. This is despite the fact that this industry is often identified as the hardest hit.Accidents are regularly caused by falls from machinery, or equipment falling down. These are unnecessary accidents. This is unacceptable because they are often fatal accidents, or accidents after which individuals have to undergo long-term rehabilitation. Stig Engström, founder and owner of Engcon says:

- A machine operator often works with his machine in workplaces with limited space, or on construction sites with many people. Without proper safety equipment on the machine, you may inadvertently drop an item of equipment, or run over someone. Accidents due to falls and trips also occur when the operator climbs in and out of the cab," he says.

"A zero vision can give the industry a push in the right direction."

Engcon has been striving for quite a long time to reduce the number of accidents within the industry to zero. Stig Engström is one of the main initiators in this.

Engcon has developed the safest quick-hitch system available on the market, with flashing light and audible signals, whereby certain parts of the excavator are blocked as soon as an attachment is improperly coupled. In addition, the operator must rest the bucket on the ground before it can be disconnected. Automatic coupling of hydraulics, electrics and lubrication also means that the operator can remain safely in the cab during implement changes. A pivot attachment leads to a reduced number of moves. This reduces the risk of ground personnel being hit. The human factor is given no space thanks to Engcon's safety solutions. Thoughtful technology ensures that everything is done the right way," explains Stig Engström. "With our zero vision and our thoughtful technology, we are giving the industry a push in the right direction to make safety a higher priority!

Join the fight for change - safety must be at the top of the agenda

Engcon is at the forefront when it comes to safety, but much will have to be done before a zero vision is achieved. According to Stig Engström, a change in regulations is needed, and stakeholders need to take more responsibility.

"Suppliers should develop safer products, business owners should buy them, and larger companies should require their use when contracts are subcontracted to suppliers. Safety is close to our hearts. Engineering must prevent accidents even when the operator does something wrong. Every accident is one accident too many and the goal should be to avoid them altogether," says Stig Engström.

With the safety campaign "Dig smart. Dig Safe." Engcon wants to challenge this security issue.

"We are told that this is taboo and that we risk being criticized." Then I say, let's hear that criticism. We stand for more security. We always have and we will continue to do so. Now is the time to move from discussion to action. In 2020 I want all parties to take responsibility and I hope that our initiative is the starting shot," says Stig Engström.

Would you like to learn more about "Non Accident Generation" and "Dig Smart. Dig Safe."? Read more at https://engcon.com/nl_nl/een-engcon-als-eigendom/veiligheid.html