TRAINING AND WORKFORCE: Increasing employee retention with robotic demolition machines

Many industries, including mining, struggle to attract and retain employees in the aftermath of the 2020 “great resignation” and mass retirements. Part of this has to do with the health risks workers take every day. From dust exposure to nerve damage to hand-arm vibration syndrome, younger individuals entering the workforce have seen the outcome of working in these industries long term. They are looking for safer alternatives that protect them and allow them to use the most up-to-date technology.

Successful companies think outside the box and supplement their crews with technologically advanced equipment capable of supporting zero-carbon mining initiatives. Modern robotic demolition machines help boost employee recruitment efforts and increase long-term employee retention by offering a safer, more sustainable way to get the job done.

Employee recruitment

Cutting-edge technology can be a powerful recruitment tool. When it comes to safety, for example, manual labour workforces are well-aware that quality of life and length of career can be significantly affected by injuries and silica dust exposure. They look for employers who show care for their employees and keep to the highest safety standards to protect their futures.

Companies who invest in mechanization reduce the amount of dangerous and hard manual labour workers must perform, which is a powerful benefit. A young employee may consequently see mining as a long-term profession with a realistic way to remain in the industry for the duration of their career.

Technologically advanced equipment also attracts younger workers. For one company, including advanced robotic equipment in their fleet reduced the median age of their 300-strong workforce to just 25 years old. The machines allowed them to do more work with fewer people and increased productivity 17% over three years.

Employee retention

Another thing mining operations need to consider is the general age of their workforce and how long those workers will stay in the industry. In 2023, the median worker age was 42.1 years with 40% of miners being 45 years old and older. Many have worked in the industry their whole lives and are looking for ways to remain in their positions for the rest of their careers. However, long-term use of handheld breakers, jacklegs, stopers, and ad-hoc bar and arms have been linked to several chronic injuries. These injuries can hold employees back and even take them out of their positions for good.

Remote-controlled machines physically distance employees up to 300 metres away from strong vibrations as well as harmful silica dust. They also help prevent one of the most common causes of serious work-related injury and death — falling debris. A remote-controlled unit allows operators to remain a safe distance from the rock face and other hazards. This provides peace of mind for workers and project managers and allows employees to extend their careers. The same company that lowered the median age of their workforce also saw a cut in turnover by 10%.

The advantages of demolition robots

Recruitment and retention changes as time goes on and can become a challenge if companies are not keeping up with the newest equipment options. Being able to support workers throughout their working career helps attract new employees and keep current employees longer. Modern mining has many exciting challenges in store for the new generation of technologists who will need creative solutions to supply the world’s ever-growing demand of metals in support of green technologies and more. By investing in robotic demolition machines, mining companies can thrive in today’s competitive environment while preparing for the future, staying ahead of the competition. 

Jeff Keeling is the vice-president of sales and marketing at Brokk Inc. He works closely with regional sales managers to develop and grow the Brokk brand in key segments across the U.S. and Canada.

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