FATIGUE MONITORING
Hexagon ' s OP Operator Alertness System helps operators of heavy and light vehicles to maintain the level of attention necessary for long hours
provides the platform for coaching and continual improvement , helping to create effective policies
to govern areas that contribute to these types of events .
This data is enhanced by the oversight of Hexagon ’ s Remote Monitoring Center , which provides 24 / 7 monitoring of driver fatigue and distraction , immediately validating an event once the OAS server receives it . Type and severity of the event are identified , adding context and criticality to the information generated .
Looking at examples of OAS rollouts , Hexagon in 2023 successfully deployed a fatigue management implementation project with
Grange Resources at the Savage River iron ore mine in Tasmania , Australia . The Hexagon Operator Alertness System ( OAS ) is addressing operator fatigue and significantly improving safety measures at Savage River , further enhancing operator well-being and productivity at the mine .
Matthew Anderson , Mine Manager , Grange Resources , underlined the importance of safety as a paramount objective : “ As Mine Manager , one of my key objectives is to have a safe workplace ,” he stated . “ Hexagon ’ s OAS has enabled proactive fatigue monitoring , fostering a no-blame culture that supports operators and endeavours to improve their well-being .”
John Crockett , Mine Operations Superintendent , Savage River Mine : added : “ We ’ ve always had a fairly good safety culture – we ’ ve always been adaptive enough to take on new safety systems . Currently we run 31 OAS systems – when we go to phase 2 we ’ ll look at installing the full systems into the light vehicle fleet and all the ancillary equipment onsite . This technology is here now , there is no excuse not to have it . We have seen a change in our culture , our people are ready – mining needs to take this step forward . it is the new normal to have this .” Ella Knezevic , Operator , Savage River Mine said : “ The company does have your best interest – they do want to look after you and keep you here as long as possible – keep you working and keep you safe and get you back home to your families . When you ’ re working , your full attention needs to be on what you ’ re doing … even little things like reaching over for a drink bottle or changing the music , it is a split section but it could cost in the long run .”
Anderson adds : “ We are just looking to support our operators to understand their fatigue and what causes their fatigue – go on that journey as to improving the outcomes for them … having moved to a system like this is much more objective as it gives us the data that we need to have targeted conversations with people to allow them to be safer at work , more fit for work and ultimately improve the safety and reduce the risk on site . The OAS system allows us to monitor fatigue and ensure that our operators are alert ; and we also believe that alert operators are also more productive so even if that means that we need to take some time our to deal with fatigue , ultimately we think that that ’ s absolutely safer but potentially also more productive .”
Paul Marshall , Savage River Mine Operator summed up the benefits : “ By far and away its a positive – its preventing accidents with a monitor or a critical alarm . You don ’ t have to panic that you ’ ve done something irretrievable , its just we ’ re all trying to learn to get better , check on each other . The Hexagon system is really
working .”
IM
38 International Mining | JANUARY 2025