Cutting-Edge Technology To Warn Of Approaching Drowsiness
Challenge
Optalert™ Sensor glasses.
Operator drowsiness or fatigue is a major factor in incidents involving haulage trucks at BHP Billiton’s operations. Between July 2004 and June 2007, drowsiness or fatigue contributed to many significant incidents, of which the majority of these involved surface mobile equipment, and, unfortunately, one resulting in a fatality. Addressing operator drowsiness or fatigue is an important element in BHP Billiton's Zero Harm policy.
One of our actions was to evaluate and trial leading technology solutions that detect the early onset of drowsiness, before it becomes a danger to the operator or other personnel. We committed time and resources to research the most appropriate and effective detection technology for use within our industry and operations.
Our research included extensive testing and operator input into the Australian developed Optalert™ technology. While looking like everyday sunglasses, they use built-in infrared technology to measure drowsiness by continuously monitoring the wearer’s eyelid and eye movement. When impending drowsiness is detected, often before a driver is aware, the system delivers audio alerts.
After testing at our Mt Keith mine, part of Nickel West operations in Western Australia, Optalert™ technology is being introduced into BHP Billiton Iron Ore's Mt Whaleback mine at Newman, Western Australia.
While not the solution to drowsiness or fatigue, Optalert™ provides another level of protection for our drivers. This system may also provide us the opportunity to assist drivers in addressing, before an incident happens, the underlying problems that are causing drowsiness or fatigue.
Action
Between February 2006 and June 2007, as part of the BHP Billiton/Caterpillar Fatigue and Alertness Technology Project, the Optalert™ glasses and processor were extensively tested and improved (with operator input). The testing took place at our Mt Keith Nickel operations in Western Australia.
Optalert™ is used in Australia's long-distance road-haul industry and was developed by Dr Murray Johns a world authority in sleep medicine and research. Data from the Optalert™ glasses is transmitted to a computer for processing and assessment. When impending drowsiness is detected a beeping noise and voice message alerts the driver.
Following external validation and as a result of the success of the testing at Mt Keith, we are implementing a change management program to introduce Optalert™ to drivers of six haul trucks, at our Mt Whaleback mine in Western Australia. Some 1000 employees and contractors work at Mt Whaleback – the world’s largest single-pit iron-ore mine – operated by the Mt Newman joint venture in which BHP Billiton has an 85 per cent holding.
Anita Burgess, project manager of the change management program for introducing the Optalert™ glasses at Mt Whaleback, observed that ‘BHP Billiton is going to great lengths to manage operator drowsiness and fatigue in the workplace and these glasses are providing us with another way of reducing the likelihood of a significant incident happening’.
Michael Farmer, Practice Leader Fatigue Management with BHP Billiton’s Health, Safety and Environment group, noted that while Optalert™ is important technology, it is not the solution to drowsiness or fatigue. ‘The only solution to reducing fatigue is getting enough sleep. There are many factors that contribute to the onset of drowsiness or fatigue. The glasses provide us with another level of protection for our drivers. They also may give us the opportunity to assist drivers in addressing, before an incident happens, the underlying problems that are causing drowsiness or fatigue.’
Future
BHP Billiton’s Base Metals' Spence and Escondida operations in Chile are looking to introduce the system through a similar program to drivers of their fleets during 2009. Other BHP Billiton operations are considering this technology and other mining companies are showing interest in the results of our research in relation to this technology.
