ZOLEO Improves Safety for Remote Environmental Crews
Introduction
Simpcw Resource Group (SRG) drives economic growth for the Simpcw First Nation, balancing large-scale projects with environmental stewardship and cultural preservation. SRG operates throughout the Simpcw Territory, which covers five million hectares in British Columbia. The territory extends from south of McLure to north of Kakwa Park, west of Goat River and east of Jasper, including the entire North Thompson Valley. SRG’s pipeline, forestry and environmental divisions often work in remote, off-grid areas. While the pipeline division operates with larger teams supported by medical personnel, the forestry and environmental divisions deploy smaller, self-sufficient crews who often work in remote, rugged environments without access to cellular networks.
ZOLEO has eliminated the need to search for a signal and allows workers to focus on their tasks. There have been zero instances of messages not going through. It’s a major improvement, especially during emergencies.
Scott Eising
Health, Safety and Environment Advisor at SRG
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Connect with an ExpertChallenge
SRG’s remote operations required reliable communication to maintain worker safety and operational efficiency. However, legacy communication systems caused delays, frustration, and vulnerability — especially for crews working alone in rugged terrain.
Key Challenges:
- Teams worked in isolated areas without cellular coverage
- Workers often spent up to an hour searching for weak Globalstar satellite signals
- Crews used multiple devices for routine check-ins and safety updates
- Inconsistent tracking made it difficult to provide effective support
- Communication blackouts during emergencies created serious safety risks
These issues slowed operations significantly and posed serious safety risks. SRG urgently needed a streamlined, reliable solution using the Iridium satellite network.
Solutions
To address its communication gaps, SRG implemented ZOLEO satellite communicators in combination with the integrated OK Alone safety monitoring system. Together, the solutions allow crews to send check-ins and messages instantly, even in the most rugged and isolated regions. By using the Iridium satellite network, ZOLEO enables real-time tracking and eliminates the inefficiencies of managing multiple devices.
Key Benefits:
- Reliable connection through Iridium’s global satellite coverage
- Consistent check-ins across both cellular and satellite networks
- Tracking and safety monitoring via the integrated OK Alone app
- Zero failed messages, with reduced downtime and increased worker focus
Outcome
The combined ZOLEO and OK Alone solution has significantly improved response times, resource management and overall efficiency. Real-time tracking and simplified communications have provided peace of mind for both workers and management. “By streamlining our communications and check-in processes, we can respond quickly and manage resources more effectively. It’s a huge step forward for the safety of our teams and the future of our business,” says Eising. The reliable and user-friendly ZOLEO devices empower SRG to maintain strong communications and productivity even in the most remote areas. This advancement has laid the groundwork for SRG’s continued growth and success, regardless of location.
We can respond quickly and manage resources more effectively. It’s a huge step forward for the safety of our teams and the future of our business.
Scott Eising
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