Article by Lisa Korycki courtesy of the Waste Management Review.
Advanced driver assisted technology will be installed in all of the City of Perth’s waste trucks following a successful four-week trial.
The collision mitigation system was provided by Perth-based company APS Lighting & Safety, which worked collaboratively with Roy Hill engineers, including William Wright, a graduate Roy Hill employee completing a Master of Engineering thesis on safety culture, to install, test and troubleshoot the system.
Over the past four weeks the system has proved to be a success within Perth’s inner-city environment. The technology gives the driver visual and audible warnings and sensors on the side and rear of the truck to avoid accidents.
Basil Zempilas, City of Perth Lord Mayor said he was thrilled the City could be a part of the ground-breaking trial and see the technology rolled out to create a safer environment for staff and the wider community.
“Our waste teams work tirelessly to keep our City clean, 22 hours a day, seven days a week. Now thanks to Roy Hill, this technology gives our drivers the assurance that they can get the job done safely and efficiently.”
Gina Rinehart AO, Hancock Prospecting and Roy Hill Executive Chairman, instigated the approach to the City of Perth, recognising an opportunity to leverage Roy Hill’s skills and expertise in vehicle automation to enhance safety outcomes in Perth.
Rinehart has a strong commitment to the wellbeing of people at Roy Hill, as well as many other groups. Following the passing of a friend’s brother from an accident with a sanitation vehicle on the east coast, Rinehart has led from the front to avoid further tragedy.
“I had no doubt that through the determination and commitment of our people at Roy a solution could be developed which will have a lasting and significant safety legacy in Perth,” Rinehart said.
“Having felt the pain of a dear friend mourning the tragic loss of his much-loved brother, I certainly hope that this new solution will play an important part in others not having to go through similar tragic circumstances.”
The City expects the roll out of the new technology will take place in the coming months following a procurement process.
