From a modest facility in Western Australia (WA), Protective Engineered Safety is quietly redefining how heavy equipment operators manage some of the most common and dangerous risks on construction and civil worksites.
Protective Engineered Safety’s line of proximity detection systems, including its flagship Protective Shield and GoUpSafely (GUS) devices, is gaining momentum for the way it’s reshaping conversations around workplace safety, machine longevity, and insurance risk.
“We’re proud to be building this tech in Western Australia,” said Karl Rosewarne, Managing Director of Protective. “Everything is developed and manufactured locally – and we’re doing it not just for WA, but with WA in mind. The conditions out here are harsh, and if it can work here, it can work anywhere.”
The commitment to local design and production has been deliberate. Karl believes that WA’s mix of metropolitan construction, remote mining operations, and infrastructure challenges makes it the perfect testing ground for any new safety solution.
The company’s Protective Shield system, designed specifically for elevated work platforms (EWPs), uses ultrasonic technology to detect physical obstacles in real-time, alerting operators to potential crush hazards and preventing costly equipment damage.
“SHIELD doesn’t just stop someone from being crushed,” explained Jason Jordan, Business Development Manager at Protective. “It also offers a level of protection for the machine itself – whether it’s avoiding overhead beams in a tunnel or preventing a boom from striking a roof. That’s a huge benefit for companies trying to minimise downtime and repair bills.”
Protective’s other widely deployed solution called GoUpSafely (GUS) is a system that detects electrical fields on high-voltage power lines. “GUS is about detecting electromagnetic fields and alerting operators when they’re getting too close,” said Karl. “We had a guy at an event come up to us and tell us he pulled a power line down last week running a drill rig. He asked what our system costs – I said they start around four grand. He said that single mistake cost him over 30. That’s the cost of about six systems right there.”
A world-first in DC detection
Beyond power line protection and object detection, Protective is now closing in on a world-first: a system capable of detecting high-voltage DC infrastructure, a hidden hazard in tram networks and emergency response scenarios.
“We’re furiously working on DC detection,” Karl said. “We’re now in the prototype stage and to our knowledge will be the only organisation in the world to have achieved this.”
High-voltage DC, found in tram systems across Victoria, New South Wales, and other parts of Australia, poses a lethal risk to emergency services and rail maintenance crews. Unlike standard AC systems, DC hazards are not commonly accounted for in most current safety protocols.
“We were approached by teams in Melbourne asking if we were doing anything in this space,” said Jason. “At the time, we weren’t ready to say yes. Now we are. Queensland Rail also showed early interest. We’re planning to re-engage once we have a deployable product.”
A Combined Approach
In a unique deployment during a Victorian tunnel project, Protective integrated both the SHIELD and GUS systems onto the same machine. The aim was to help operators navigate tight underground spaces with confidence, alerting them to both electrical fields and physical obstacles. “That was a real turning point,” said Karl. “Operators loved it. It gave them a complete sense of awareness, above and around. We haven’t advertised it much yet, but it’s proof we can combine the two technologies when needed.”
Changing Standards
The global safety landscape is shifting. Karl said that from 2027, the European Union will mandate powerline detection systems on any construction equipment that can reach overhead lines.
“Australia won’t be far behind. When that happens, we’ll already be there – we’ve done the groundwork.
“Despite initial skepticism and the ambiguity of regulations, we’ve demonstrated our innovative system internationally, and it has been recognised for its potential,” Jason said.
“We’ve reached out to international regulatory board members to present our system, and we believe that once they see it in action, they will understand its necessity and push for its adoption. We are optimistic about similar advancements being adopted in Australia soon.”
Opportunity for the insurance sector
For Karl, one of the most overlooked benefits of Protective’s systems is the potential to reduce insurance claims, both on equipment damage and personal injury.
“Besides safety, it’s about protecting assets and reducing incidents,” Karl said. “If you’re reducing the number of claims, you’re protecting the underwriters’ bottom line. It’s an obvious win for insurers.”
He sees a future where insurance companies could incentivise or subsidise the installation of such systems, much like how smoke alarms and dashcams are handled in domestic and auto sectors.
“Everyone benefits,” Karl added. “Operators are safer. Machines last longer. Insurers face fewer payouts.”
The cost remains a significant selling point. The SHIELD pricing begins at $1450, while the GUS system starts at $4300, depending on the sensor configuration.
“That price point is deliberate,” said Jason. “We want this to be attainable. It’s not about milking clients. It’s about keeping people and gear safe. Ultimately, it’s about saving lives.”
While the technology is gaining traction, Karl says the bigger challenge is shifting the culture from reactive to proactive, from luck to logic.