FEATURE
Driver fatigue monitoring systems for mining
Operator fatigue is one of the most
common causes of accidents in the mining industry today . In openpit mining alone , around 65 % of truck haulage accidents are directly related to drivers feeling tired or exhausted , according to data released by Caterpillar Global Mining and Equipment .
The sector is all too aware of these dangers and has long been looking for systems and solutions to manage the situation . Enter companies that supply technology that senses if a driver is distracted or falling asleep at the wheel . The Fatigue Monitoring System has been used across the automotive , transport and aviation industries for some time .
Fatigue Monitoring System The solution features a unit the size of a laptop , which is placed on the dashboard of a mining vehicle and linked up to cameras which measure operator eyelid behaviour to determine the onset of fatigue and micro-sleeps .
This enables warnings to be given through seat vibrations , or an alarm that alerts site management for direct intervention . By tracking eye and head movements , mining firms can build health profiles on each driver it employs and suggests lifestyle changes , based on these profiles , such as sleeping more , eating well and drinking less alcohol .
Using personal monitoring systems for your business and employees puts the responsibility in their hands and yours . That shared understanding of safety will pay off when there is a decrease in accidents , problems , or emergencies due to human error or fatigue . In some packages , wearable tracking devices are available that can receive calls and dialup to three preset phone numbers .
In such instances , the device all supports G-Sensor for fall detection and a panic button . This is ideal for mine workers , drivers in an emergency , or loved ones . Whether your drivers are showing signs of fatigue or you need personal tracking for another reason , you ’ ll feel safe knowing there is always an extra eye on them while they are working hard .
Typical Fleet Management programs utilise many hardware and software applications to help minimise their onroad risk exposure , but unless all of these tools are applied in a coordinated manner , the results will remain less than optimal .
DriveRisk is a solutions company offering fleet owners and operators an extensive range of technically advanced products , dedicated human back-up teams and the most sophisticated predictive analytics to enable them to develop strategies to mitigate their on-road risk , protect their capital and human investment and improve their bottom line . And no other company in Africa can do this for you like DriveRisk can – seamlessly , automatically , turning recorded data into easy-to-implement actions needed to reduce fleet risks and operating costs .
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