On 3 July 2024, Gary Friend from Extech Safety Systems captivated the audience with an eye-opening presentation on the hurdles to embracing new technologies. He painted a vivid picture of the divide between those stuck in the past and those ready to embrace innovation. He delved into the intricate process of integrating new technology, weighing the potential risks against the significant rewards. He argued passionately that outdated legislation and rigid specifications are not just roadblocks to progress, they pose serious safety risks. Highlighting real-world examples from the mining industry, he showed how clinging to outdated technology and regulations has led to critical safety issues. He called for clear, practical regulations, and warned against the dangers of over-specification, which can drive up costs and create unnecessary complications.
Bernard Sello, SAIMC Secunda, with presenter Gary Friend, Extech Safety Systems.
His presentation wrapped up with a powerful message: the need to modernise safety standards to keep pace with new technologies, and the importance of cooperation between industry experts and regulatory bodies to ensure safety and compliance. He advocated for a more proactive and flexible approach to legislation, essential for fostering innovation and improving safety practices.
The Secunda SAIMC committee would like to thank Gary for his time and presentation, and Proconics for hosting the monthly technology evenings.
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