The Health and Safety Benefits of New Technologies in Mining: A Review and Strategy for Designing and Deploying Effective User-Centred Systems

Abstract

Abstract:Mining is currently experiencing a rapid growth in the development and uptake of automation and other new technologies (such as collision detection systems); however, they are often developed from a technology-centred perspective that does not explicitly consider the end-user. This paper first presents a review of the technologies currently available (or near-market) and the likely human factors issues associated with them. The second part of the paper presents a potential long term strategy for research and development that aims to maximise the safety and health benefits for operators of such new technologies. The strategy includes a four stage research and development process, this covers: better understanding the needs for technology, user requirements and risk/cost analysis; human element design, procurement and deployment processes; evaluation and verification of the strategy; and dissemination of it to relevant stakeholders (including equipment manufacturers, mine site purchasers and regulators). The paper concludes by stressing the importance of considering the human element with respect to new mining technologies and the likely benefits of adopting the type of strategy proposed here. The overall vision is for mining to become safer and healthier through effective user-centred design and deployment of new technologies that serve both operator needs and the demands of the workplace.

Using a case study fatality to depict the limits of proximity detection systems for articulating, underground machinery

“…Thus, the mining industry has debated the appropriateness of collision avoidance versus proximity detection systems (Horberry, 2012). Collision avoidance systems remove the control from the operator with a machine shut-down function when the machine travels within a given distance from a known and identified hazard.…”

Research Using Virtual Reality: Mobile Machinery Safety in the 21st Century

“…The effects of alternative cab arrangements, different vehicle controls or displays and different seating systems can be readily investigated. This approach provides a robust and flexible platform for many studies related to the health and injury risks of current and future mining operations including crucial issues such as training for machinery operators [62][63][64], and assessing the rapidly evolving human factors issues related to new technologies such as automated mining equipment [98][99][100][101].…”

The role of human factors and ergonomics in mining emergency management: three case studies

“…Although mining automation, in theory, promises to reduce the number of mining personnel working underground, for the next 5-10 years, it is likely that only components of the mining system would be automated (e.g., blasting), so operational and maintenance staff would still be required underground (Horberry, 2012). As seen in other industries where automation has been more widely introduced, new technologies are likely to alter the actual work done underground, so emergency management would need to reflect these changes.…”