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