Enhancing Mining Safety: Brigade Showcases Innovations at 2025 Saskatchewan Forum
Brigade Showcases Expert Safety Solutions at Saskatchewan Mining Supply Chain Forum
Brigade Electronics, a frontrunner in vehicle safety, made a significant impact at the 2025 Saskatchewan Mining Supply Chain Forum held in Saskatoon from April 9 to 10. The event spotlighted the critical role safety plays in the mining and quarrying industries, where vehicles like excavators and tippers often operate in hazardous conditions. Brigade highlighted its commitment to enhancing operational safety through innovative commercial vehicle safety solutions.
During the two-day event, Brigade seized the opportunity to engage with attendees, addressing questions and discussing pertinent safety solutions tailored for mining operations. Their offerings included advanced technologies such as AI-powered cameras, radar systems, and front radar, all designed to augment operator awareness and prevent collisions.
Warren Di Marco, CEO of Brigade Canada, pointed out stark industry statistics, revealing that in 2021, mobile vehicles became the leading threat to miners, surpassing rock falls. The mining and quarrying sector grapples with a staggering 46.9 fatalities per 100,000 workers each year, making truck collisions a prominent concern. In 2022 alone, road-related incidents claimed the lives of 1,931 Canadians and injured another 8,851. This alarming loss of life equates to a financial burden of approximately $3.6 billion annually on the Canadian healthcare system.
In response to these concerns, Brigade has dedicated years to developing reliable safety technologies designed for both on-road and off-road vehicles, aiming to ensure smoother and safer operations. A highlight of their showcase was their latest innovation: an AI driver safety camera. This state-of-the-art device aims to mitigate incidents stemming from distractions or driver fatigue. Equipped with sensors near the steering wheel, it continuously monitors the driver's facial expressions and movements, detecting signs of distraction or drowsiness such as drooping eyelids or yawns.
The camera can also identify cellphone usage and failing to buckle a seatbelt, providing immediate alerts to the driver. Furthermore, if erratic steering is detected, the system can notify fleet managers, ensuring a swift response to potential safety hazards.
One of Brigade's standout products, the upgraded Backeye®360 camera system, has been instrumental in improving vehicle safety since its introduction in 2013. With cutting-edge AI, this 360-degree camera can detect individuals in the vehicle's blind spots, enhancing awareness during complex maneuvers in crowded or constricted job sites. The system synthesizes visuals from four cameras surrounding the vehicle to create a comprehensive bird's-eye view, crucial for preventing accidents in high-risk environments like mines and construction sites.
Di Marco emphasized that by integrating AI technology into their camera systems, Brigade enhances operator confidence in using the safest available solutions. The company’s offerings are designed for seamless integration with existing vehicle infrastructures and are compatible with all of Brigade's AI-powered devices, further solidifying their commitment to safety innovation.
Brigade is relentless in its pursuit to minimize collisions in the mine, quarry, and construction domains. Their recent partnership with Together for Safer Roads (TSR) further extends their safety initiatives. The presence at the Saskatchewan Mining Supply Chain Forum was a vital chance not only to showcase their products but also to elevate awareness about the myriad advantages that commercial vehicle safety solutions bring to the mining sector.
Overall, Brigade's participation underscored its ongoing mission to enhance safety for both workers and operations within the mining industry, advocating for innovative approaches to collision prevention and operator support. As their products continue to evolve, Brigade remains at the forefront of vehicle safety technology, committed to saving lives and reducing risks across various industries.