Mining in focus
Organisational factors that commonly contribute to fatigue include temperature extremities and increased humidity.
One of the systems on the market is offered by Predictive Safety, which has introduced a system( known as PRISM, or predictive risk intelligent safety module) that uses leading indicators, real-time inputs, and predictive analytics to provide advanced warning when employees are entering high-risk behaviour zones.
According to Predictive Safety’ s Marcus Wichmann, PRISM improves site safety and compliance by providing a powerful, non-intrusive monitoring platform to predict and prevent the fatigue risk of each and every employee, before an accident can occur. Using a proprietary algorithm base to predict when fatigue will occur, the system alerts the worker as to when he or she will become fatigued. It then offers countermeasures to mitigate the effects of fatigue. In the case of unexpected events outside of the work environment, PRISM gives the employee the option to‘ test out’ with an alertness evaluation so that their fatigue level reflects a more accurate assessment. Studies the company has undertaken show that PRISM is accurate in calculating and predicting real-time episodes of fatigue up to four hours in advance.
Change the mindset
While the technology originated in the United States, the development of the PRISM product has been matured in the South Africa mining industry. Currently, PRISM is covering 4 500 mining personnel in some of the largest mining operations in South Africa, including Kumba Iron Ore-owned Kolomela iron ore mine. The company projects that this will expand to over 10 000 mining personnel by the end of 2018.
Karin van Huysteen, occupational health and wellness manager with Kolomela Anglo American, says,“ It is important to realise that the mindset of‘ It’ s never going to happen to me’ needs to change, and it is difficult to do that. But by getting people used to this system, where it actually predicts that something might happen, it makes them realise there are silent symptoms that they should be looking out for.”
PRISM provides a dashboard for supervisors showing the fatigue status of their entire workforce. The system constantly updates the status of each employee. PRISM even notifies supervisors of the employees who may soon be entering a more significant state of fatigue. The alert goes to the individual and / or supervisor through the work environment’ s existing communication system, either as a text message or via dispatch.
Another system available on the market is the SmartCap fatigue management system by Ramjack Technology Solutions. The system assists fleet managers and direct supervisors better manage the performance and safety of their personnel by providing the tools for real-time driver fatigue monitoring. In addition, SmartCap gives operators the tools to proactively self-manage fatigue, leading to a greater sense of control, empowerment, and overall job satisfaction. The system can be used in both surface and underground mining.
[ 24 ] MINING MIRROR JUNE 2018