Smart Helmet for Coal Miners: Enhancing Safety and Efficiency with Advanced IoT and Sensor Integration

Abstract

Coal mining continues to be one of the most dangerous occupations around the globe, and miners are exposed to numerous risks from the surrounding environment; toxic gases, adverse temperatures, dust, and more, and physical hazards. Conventional helmets are unable to monitor and assimilate crucial environmental and individual health information in real time, as modern protective apparel does. Accordingly, this research outlines the creation of an improved smart helmet by incorporating varieties of sensors such as the following; gas sensors, thermal imaging; temperature and humidity sensors; particulate matter sensors; biosensors; The camera that is built within the helmet, and the GPS-based geofencing. Integrated with the helmet, the system measures the health condition of miners and the climate of the working space in real time and reacts promptly to hazardous occurrences. Constructed from lightweight, fire-retardant polycarbonate material, the helmet features a specially designed climate control system for the miners and has been fully adjustable for both comfort and size. This sensor in the helmet constantly monitors the environmental and physiological conditions and triggers the detection of any probable events such as leaking of hazardous gases, an increased level of temperature, dust, and indications of inadequate health, fatigue among others thus improving safety measures. Also, the helmet can allow for wireless transmission to and from the central monitoring systems for quick decision-making. The proposed solution guarantees the safety of workers and at the same time makes a valuable contribution towards the principles of sustainable development due to the conservation of materials without creating unnecessary waste, energy saving by choosing more efficient materials, and the development of long-term safety standards. This helmet acts as a template of future innovation, showing how the safety of miners will be enhanced through the functionality provided by mines’ integration of new hi-tech aspects, which are in harmony with the want for green mining across the world. If such solutions could be developed through further consistent advancements, risks could be cut significantly and the physical environment of miners internationally could be rendered considerably healthier for coal mining, demonstrating the way to a safer and more efficient future.