FATIGUE MONITORING
detected in real time . It also provided a layered safety solution to ensure the operator fatigue is managed at the critical point of impairment through in cab alarm activation ; through third party intervention via positive communications ; and by conducting an on shift fitness assessment and long term when repeated events occur in an individual . It developed a safer mining environment through the reduction and near elimination of fatigue related incidents for heavy equipment in open cut environments . It also realised a shift in culture whereby the operator would previously " power through " impairment pre-system to a period where they were relying on the technology ( drive to the alarm ) to improving their proactive reporting of their fitness for work status . GCAA also developed a procedural avenue for individuals that have multiple reported fatigue events and provides post shift assistance through Health Intervention Plans . Finally , it provided capturing resources for incident investigations ( in cab and forward facing cameras ).
This major GCAA rollout in Australia for OAS- HV has also led to success at other coal mines in the country . In its recently published 2020 ESG Report , Australian coal mining major Yancoal , majority owned by China ’ s Yanzhou Coal Mining Company , says it undertook several occupational health pilot projects in 2020 across various operations . A key pilot project included the expansion of the use of Hexagon ’ s OAS- HV . Yancoal stated : “ OAS-HV is a non-intrusive fatigue and distraction solution that continuously monitors operators to proactively prevent accidents . Although procedures to reduce fatigue risk have previously been in place , OAS-HV enhances the effectiveness of Yancoal ’ s fatigue detection through features including in-cabin alarm and seat vibration that are linked to the system that alert the worker of unsafe events , as well as a review function that allows recorded video footage to be used to educate workers about fatigue and its implications .” The miner said broader implementation of this proven pilot project across other Yancoal operations was planned for 2021 . Yancoal ’ s surface coal mining operations include Mount Thorley Warkworth , Moolarben , Hunter Valley Operations ( HVO ), Cameby Downs & Middlemount ( 50 %).
Wenco advancing SmartCap into new markets
Wenco International Mining Systems Ltd in May 2021 announced its purchase of all assets and intellectual property of SmartCap Technologies . Based in Brisbane , Australia , SmartCap assesses real-time fatigue levels and monitors for oncoming microsleeps that create safety hazards . The SmartCap device has over 5,000 users globally in mining , trucking , and other industries . “ This purchase is an important step for the continued growth of the SmartCap fatigue technology ,” said SmartCap CEO Tim Ekert . “ We have made significant progress these past eight years and we are proud of every safety incident our technology has prevented . We believe joining Wenco will enable us to grow even further and increase the safety of even more industrial operations .”
This acquisition added a strategic , fatigue monitoring capability to Wenco ’ s safety solution portfolio . Safety is of paramount importance at mines and other industrial sites , where operators must perform long hours of repetitive work while paying close attention to their surrounding environment . SmartCap greatly enhances the ability of operators and other workers in proximity to the equipment to remain safe .
“ Wenco has long been observing SmartCap ’ s success in enhancing safety for their customers , and we have been in regular discussion on how we can integrate our technologies to provide a comprehensive , next-generation safety solution ,” said Andrew Pyne , President and CEO of Wenco . “ Ultimately , it was decided that bringing our technology , personnel , and business relationships together under Wenco offered the greatest opportunity for us to deliver on our mutual vision for mine safety .”
In recent years , Wenco and its parent , Hitachi Construction Machinery ( HCM ), have invested heavily in solutions to streamline and optimise the end-to-end mining enterprise , with safety as a foundation . SmartCap adds an advanced , fatigue monitoring layer for operator protection to this digital mining initiative . It is intended to be included as part of HCM ’ s Solution Linkage ® family , the ICT / IoT solution platform for global mining and construction customers created in response to increased demands for improved safety , life cycle cost , and productivity .
Wenco and SmartCap argue that EEG gives the earliest possible detection of fatigue through the measure of brain activity , eliciting the widest spectrum of data for actionable insights . “ Today , there are several ways that mines can go about mitigating there risk of fatigue related incidents , but none are more precise in their identificaton of an operators ability to resist sleep than EEG technologies .”
In market developments , iron ore major Fortescue Metals Group recently extended its use of SmartCap and during FY21 , 198 units were in operation across FMG ’ s sites . The company added : “ Reporting tools that identify team members working additional hours and a process to support Leaders making changes to reduce fatigue risks are also used across our sites . During FY21 , we purchased sleep apnoea equipment to allow our Perth and site-based employees and contractors to self-test for sleep apnoea risks . Together with additional support , team members can improve their sleep quality and reduce the fatigue risks associated with obstructive sleep apnoea .”
Another operator to rollout SmartCap recently is AngloGold Ashanti ’ s Iduapriem gold mine in Ghana which has eliminated driver fatiguerelated incidents using the technology . Iduapriem installed the system on its fleet of 35 Caterpillar 777 mine haul trucks . “ We have had fatigue incidents on the mine in the past . We tried some other technology before , and have now moved on to SmartCap ” – said Stephen Asante Yamoah , Senior Manager : Mining – AGA Iduapriem Mine . R . Deane Macpherson , Senior Manager Safety , Risk & Training at AGA Continental Africa Region states : " Since the commencing of this trial at the operation ... we have had zero injuries or property damage as a result of fatigue related incidents ... the technology itself has the ability to give you proactive , predictive data ."
In Chile , BHP has also used SmartCap safety technology devices at Escondida to read brainwaves , identify micro-sleeps , alert operators and identify the hours of greatest risk . Since the program ’ s inception in 2015 up to 2019 , 739 employees had been evaluated and 178 had received specialised treatment for associated sleep disorders . These employees now have their fatigue proactively managed so they can safely perform their work . This has led to better safety , health and productivity outcomes at the mine . Elsewhere , MMG Ltd says the SmartCap technology fatigue management program has yielded positive results at Las Bambas copper mine in Peru which resulted in it being extended to its Dugald River zinc operation in Australia . In the two years since deployment , all SmartCap users on both sites have enjoyed a zero fatigue incident record . The Australian site has adopted an ‘ every journey , every time ’ policy with regards to employees use of SmartCap . Wenco states : “ As a sophisticated and established SmartCap site , the management engage closely with the SmartCap operations team to test new releases and provide vital feedback .”
Anglo American has also deployed SmartCap at several of its operations , including at the Barro Alto nickel operation in Brazil and its Australian metallurgical coal mines including Capcoal .
Fatigue Science introduces ReadiWatch
Fatigue Science recently announced the release of ReadiWatch , a purpose-built smartwatch delivering predictive fatigue awareness and both real-time and predictive Fatigue Alerts to operators and the enterprise in safety-sensitive industrial environments . ReadiWatch expands
68 International Mining | JANUARY 2022