G4S boosts safety and security at Cerro Matoso mine in Columbia, through a range of systems including the use of video monitoring, drones and access control.
This feat is more impressive, G4S said, considering the size of the site – it runs to 4,000 hectares, with a workforce that can be as high as 2,000 people, once contractors are factored in.
As well as securing the mine, G4S is responsible for health and safety on site. Much of this is carried out from a control room at the mine which is said to be staffed by three G4S operators: one looks after the perimeter, another focuses on the internal area (operations), and a third monitors the citadel area where employees and their families live.
Improving response times to emergencies
Juan Daza, Managing Director MSS & Risk at G4S Colombia, says: “We’ve held this contract for 13 years now which is testament to the successful working relationship we have with the client. Over time we’ve shown flexibility and have adapted as their needs have changed – for example, we’ve trained G4S staff to drive fire engines on site in order to improve response times to any emergencies.”
From the control room, G4S monitors equipment and general working conditions through a range of electronic systems, including video monitoring, access control, alarms and drones to intervene if they spot something that looks unsafe.
For example, the firm said, if explosions are going to be used to explore new areas within the site they are able to confirm the area is clear first, as well as pay close attention to any restrictive areas, such as where the explosives are stored, or the furnace where materials are processed.
Rigorous health and safety training
If an operator does spot a situation which raises a concern in the control room, they are said to communicate with the area supervisor via radio so that an intervention can be made. Before taking up their post, staff have to undergo rigorous health and safety training developed by the operator, G4S said.
Juan continues: “This project demonstrates how we are able to deliver a large scale operation with limited access to staff resources – the site is a two-hour drive away from the nearest city which means we’ve had to recruit and train people from the surrounding area, some of whom are still with the company 13 years later.”
Adding to this, Ana says: “Since I joined G4S 10 years ago, I have enjoyed seeing how our employees grow professionally – and how G4S has contributed significantly to the development of the region and the surrounding communities.”
Listen to the IFSEC Insider podcast!
Each month, the IFSEC Insider (formerly IFSEC Global) Security in Focus podcast brings you conversations with leading figures in the physical security industry. Covering everything from risk management principles and building a security culture, to the key trends ahead in tech and initiatives on diversity and inclusivity, the podcast keeps security professionals up to date with the latest hot topics in the sector.
Available online, and on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and Google Podcasts, tune in for an easy way to remain up to date on the issues affecting your role.