Safety is a number one concern for the Canadian Fossil Discovery Centre (CFDC,) and a new tech device is going to help improve the safety of its workers.

According to CFDC Executive Director, Peter Cantelon, the museum has around 32 dig sites, in many of those areas cell service is not an option.

"The concern we've always had is that if something was to occur in the field if somebody were to fall or injure themselves, or some other kind of emergency, it would be very difficult for folks to be able to communicate with us or emergency services."

As a not-for-profit, the CFDC is always trying to keep their costs down.

Satellite phones are incredibly expensive says Cantelon, and with the monthly subscription service the cost goes even higher, and for a while, that seemed to be their only option.

However, Cantelon says he came across a tech prototype during a tour of North Forge's Fabrication Lab.

Called the Solara Flare, Cantelon says it's the brainchild of the satellite phone with a much smaller footprint.

"So what you've got is a piece of technology that's about the size of a USB stick. It communicates with a satellite network, but it uses your mobile device via Bluetooth
to send and receive text messages."

This is a unique piece of technology says Cantelon, and an affordable option to improve safety. He adds, supporting a Manitoba made product is also a bonus.