FATIGUE MONITORING
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Fatigue monitoring systems in mining are now being installed beyond large surface trucks to light vehicle and ancillary fleets as well as underground , reports Paul Moore
Dealing with fatigue in mines is no longer seen as optional – but there are still choices to made – primarily whether to use a reactive or a predictive approach , or indeed to put both in place . As evidenced in many ESG and sustainability reports , most large mining groups have deployed fatigue monitoring systems at their operations .
To take Yancoal , one of Australia ’ s leading coal producers , as an example , it has now rolled out Hexagon ’ s OAS-HV system across its operations . The company states in its 2022 ESG report that a key project , which has been running for the past three years , has been the expansion of its use of Hexagon ’ s Operator Alertness System - Heavy Vehicle ( OAS-HV ), which uses fatigue monitoring technology to reduce the risk of fatigue-related haul truck incidents .
Yancoal states : “ OAS-HV is a non- intrusive fatigue and distraction solution that continuously monitors operators to proactively prevent accidents . Using an infra-red camera , OAS-HV continuously monitors for eyelid closure , facial and head movements , and other unsafe behaviour while the vehicle is in motion .” The company adds : “ Although procedures to reduce fatigue risk have previously been in place , OAS- HV enhances the effectiveness of Yancoal ’ s fatigue detection through features including incabin 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 . In 2022 , we expanded the implementation of this pilot project to now include five Yancoal open cut mining operations .”
Hexagon is also having success with OAS underground . Global miner MMG recently faced the complex challenge of fatigue and distraction among truck operators at Rosebery in Tasmania . The mine ’ s complex underground environment intensified the risks associated with operator alertness . MMG recognised that long hours and repetitive tasks faced by operators could compromise attention and increase safety hazards .
Working in partnership with MMG , Hexagon deployed OAS on Rosebery ’ s underground haulage fleet . Hexagon states : “ The technology ’ s adaptability to the mine ’ s challenging underground environment made it an ideal choice for MMG . So , too , did a focus on change management . MMG and Hexagon understand that any credible safety enhancement initiative must be backed by
Haul truck driver at Torex ELG preparing to start their shift wearing a SmartCap LifeBand
a proven change management methodology to ensure a meaningful safety culture prevails .”
Hexagon says OAS transformed safety at Rosebery . “ By providing real-time alerts for fatigue and distraction , the solution empowered operators to respond proactively , significantly reducing the risk of accidents . Applying the profound insights uncovered by implementing OAS enabled management to enrich the safety culture at Rosebery .”
Steve Scott , General Manager , Rosebery commented : “ The deployment of Hexagon OAS is providing valuable data for our operation and making a difference in the safety of MMG ’ s workers . We recognise that with long shifts , fatigue can become a hazard and this technology
Chantelle Moretti , an Underground Truck Operator at MMG ' s Rosebery mine , holding the card to log onto Hexagon OAS
14 International Mining | JANUARY 2024