03 Jul 25
Xwatch Safety Solutions, a UK-based leader in machine-control safety systems, has joined TRACCS – the Transit Rail Association for Canadian Contractors, Maintainers, Operators and Standards – as part of its ongoing commitment to improving safety across civil infrastructure and adjacent line open (ALO) environments in Canada.
Founded in the UK, Xwatch Safety Solutions designs and manufactures intuitive, robust safety systems that support safer operations in construction, civil engineering and infrastructure. With almost 6,000 systems installed worldwide, Xwatch is known for its engineering expertise, strong aftercare, and straightforward technology that delivers in the real world.
TRACCS is a not-for-profit organisation working to raise safety standards, promote consistent training across union and non-union contractors, and improve collaboration across Canada’s rail and transit-linked infrastructure sector. While the association is rooted in rail, much of the real work takes place in civils – earthworks, bridges, drainage, piling, utility upgrades and electrification – where plant and people must operate safely near live environments.
This is where Xwatch excels. Its Civil XW4 (height and slew control) and XW5 (height, slew and rated capacity indicator) systems are already approved in the UK for use in ALO conditions, and this expertise is now being brought to the Canadian market. With the recent launch of the XW5-R – a rail-adapted version of the company’s flagship system – Xwatch offers a fully configurable solution that supports electric-over-hydraulic compatibility and seamless integration with 3D machine control.
The system includes proportional control as standard, facilitating clearly defined green and red working zones. Human form recognition (HFR) camera technology and 3D machine control can also be added as optional features, all of which work in conjunction with motion control.
All Xwatch systems can connect to XW-Insite – a live platform that provides real-time access to machine safety parameters, allowing contractors and fleet managers to remotely monitor safe working limits, event data, and system performance. A real-world example of Hexagon’s safety technology in use can be seen on the GO Expansion Programme in Ontario. This major infrastructure project involves extensive civil engineering activities, including bridge works, embankments, electrification, and line-side civil works.
Leica Geosystems, part of Hexagon, alongside Xwatch, has supplied 3D collision avoidance systems to support safe plant operations on-site. These technologies help manage machine movement, protect nearby workers, and support compliance in complex adjacent line open (ALO) conditions.
“Membership of TRACCS reinforces Xwatch’s commitment to advancing infrastructure safety in Canada,” said Dan Leaney, Sales Director at Xwatch. “We look forward to collaborating with industry stakeholders to integrate our proven machine-control solutions, share best practices and support the delivery of major civil and infrastructure projects.” With a growing presence in Canada and a clear track record in civil construction and rail-adjacent works, Xwatch is well placed to support contractors operating in some of the country’s most challenging and high-risk environments.