As automation takes on a larger role in the longwall mining process, operators are moving farther from the face and its associated safety concerns. However, fewer operators means that those remaining on the longwail are not always visible to other mine personnel, effectively turning them into lone workers. This lack of visibility is of particular concern if an operator becomes incapacitated. Newer technologies, including powered roof supports (PRS) automation and advanced shearer automation (ASA), are designed to make mines more efficient while enhancing safety. Now personal proximity detection systems are also available to further enhance safety for these lone workers remaining on the face.
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