When you think about safety in mining and construction, what comes to mind? Hard hats? High-vis vests? Toolbox talks? It’s all important, sure – but is it enough? Or are we just scratching the surface of what a real safety culture could look like?
That’s the question Safe to Work put to the team at Torqn, a platform designed to connect workers in high-risk industries. They believe the key to safety lies in something often overlooked: connection. Not just between workers on-site, but across sites, countries, and even continents.
Here’s what Safe to Work learned from a deep dive into how Torqn is reshaping the way mining and construction approach safety – and why it might just be the wake-up call this industry needs.
“Safety is about people, not just protocols”
“Let’s be honest,” Torqn founder Troy McDonald told Safe to Work. “Most safety frameworks are built to tick boxes. They’re about compliance, not connection.
“But real safety happens when people feel they’re part of something bigger – when they’re willing to share, collaborate, and care.”
Torqn’s platform is all about breaking down silos. If a mechanic in Western Australia finds a fix for a recurring equipment issue, that insight doesn’t have to stay buried in the Outback. It can be shared globally, saving someone in South Africa – or South America – time, frustration, and risk.
“Knowledge is power,” McDonald said. “But only if it’s shared.”
Building trust in a tough industry
Mining and construction aren’t exactly known for their kumbaya moments. The work is hard, the hours are long, and the stakes are high. So how do you build trust and camaraderie in an industry where people barely have time to take a lunch break?
“Stories,” Torqn co-founder Brett Baker told Safe to Work. “It sounds simple, but when people share their experiences – the good, the bad, and the downright ridiculous – it creates a connection.
“It’s not just about solving problems; it’s about showing you’re not alone.”
One Torqn user from a remote site in Queensland shared a video of his day-to-day life, from the dusty roads to the machinery he works on. The post sparked a flood of comments from workers in similar situations, offering tips, empathy, and a sense of community.
The future of safety is collaborative
“Safety doesn’t happen in isolation,” McDonald said. “It’s about creating an environment where workers feel supported, where they know their voice matters.”
Torqn’s tools make it easy for workers to report issues, ask for help, or connect with suppliers directly through the platform. And it’s not just about fixing equipment – it’s about fixing the culture.
“When workers feel heard, they’re more likely to speak up,” McDonald said. “And that’s how you prevent accidents before they happen.”
What’s next for the industry?
One thing is clear: Torqn isn’t just a platform. It’s a mindset shift. It’s a challenge to an industry that’s long been resistant to change.
“Mining and construction are tough industries,” McDonald said. “But that doesn’t mean we can’t do better.”
“It’s time to move beyond compliance and start building real connections – because that’s where safety truly starts.”
The question now is: will the industry rise to the challenge?
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