Glencore Sudbury mine death puts spotlight on mining equipment

The death of a worker in a Sudbury mine last week has put the spotlight onthe safety of mining machinery.

Richard Pigeau, 54, was killed at Glencore's Nickel Rim South mine after being struck by a piece of equipment.

Laurentian University's Alison Godwin, who researches ways to improve underground technology, says work is underway to developdevices that can help machine operators become more aware of their surroundings.

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"There are some additional levels of detection technology out there that give the operator not only some awareness of what is there, but maybe an alarm or signal," she said.

Researchers are developing simple exercises to improve the safety of miners, she said.

For instance,: "You just put a light bulb in the operator's seat about the eye height of that operator and you have people walk around the scoop. And in the areas where you can't see that light bulb that basically means they're blind to the operator. So simple, but powerful."

Devoted grandfather

Godwin saidresearchers are also working on a project that will look back at mining fatalities over the last 20 years.

An investigation into Pigeau'sdeath continues.

According to his obituary, the father of two was a devoted grandfather who loved spending time on his boat and reading.

Pigeau's funeral will take place at the Cooperative Funeral Home on Wednesday at 8 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, the family is requestingdonations to the Canadian Mental Health Association, something Pigeau felt strongly about.