{"id":6303,"date":"2025-03-26T13:32:00","date_gmt":"2025-03-26T17:32:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blog.hexagonmining.com\/?p=6303"},"modified":"2025-09-24T16:07:03","modified_gmt":"2025-09-24T20:07:03","slug":"how-technology-is-combating-fatigue-in-underground-mining","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blog.hexagonmining.com\/en\/how-technology-is-combating-fatigue-in-underground-mining\/","title":{"rendered":"How technology is combating fatigue in underground mining"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">By Neville Judd<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">Long hours, repetitive tasks and heavy machinery are the norm in mining: so, too, are fatigue and distraction. Tackling both is not just important, it\u2019s essential for ensuring safety and productivity.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">Fatigue is a silent threat lurking in workplaces across the globe, contributing to at least 20% of all workplace incidents and costing employers $135 billion annually, according to the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH).<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">Given the complexities of mining underground, it\u2019s certainly plausible that the risks posed by fatigue and distraction are even greater. As mines push deeper beneath the surface for deposits, the need for better communication and collaboration increases.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">MMG, a globally recognized producer of base metals, is familiar with these realities. Operating in diverse and challenging environments, MMG is committed to protecting its workforce and ensuring that every employee returns home safely.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">A new video explains how MMG partners with Hexagon to address the critical safety challenge of operator fatigue at the Rosebery mine in Tasmania.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><iframe loading=\"lazy\" width=\"560\" height=\"315\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube-nocookie.com\/embed\/zac_C741JdU?si=Vd6BoDug-u0jAT5J\" title=\"YouTube video player\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"TextRun SCXW144582625 BCX8\" lang=\"EN-US\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"none\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW144582625 BCX8\">How <\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW144582625 BCX8\">OAS enhances operator safety at Rosebery mine<br \/>\n<\/span><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">The underground environment at Rosebery intensifies the risks associated with operator alertness. Acknowledging that fatigue and distraction could compromise safety, MMG sought innovative solutions to mitigate these hazards. Enter Hexagon&#8217;s Operator Alertness System (OAS), a solution designed to enhance operator safety.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u201cThe Hexagon OAS system has been so good for us,\u201d said Wendy Hodgetts, Manager-Safety, Training, Health, ER &amp; Security, MMG Rosebery. \u201cIt was really valuable in the early stages to bring an operator in, show them the system, show them what it actually looked like for them on the screen so they could view themselves and a lot of them actually realized that they weren\u2019t aware of their own fatigue.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u201cOur truck drivers are driving at very low speeds, loaded, up a decline and it gets very monotonous for the work they do.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">Hexagon&#8217;s OAS employs advanced sensor technology and machine-learning algorithms to monitor operators&#8217; alertness levels actively. When signs of distraction, drowsiness, or microsleeps are detected, operators receive real-time notifications, providing a crucial layer of protection during their demanding 12-hour shifts.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u201cI have been fatigued a fair few times, especially on night shift,\u201d said Matthew Puckridge<\/span> <span data-contrast=\"none\">Truck Operator, MMG Rosebery. \u201cIt [OAS] works really well, it\u2019s loud, it wakes you up if you do doze off, and the seat vibrates \u2026 I love the system. It works well.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u201cI\u2019ve got a wife and five kids at home, and I want to go home to them every single night and enjoy my family time.\u201d<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">Hodgetts added that open communication with Hexagon has been invaluable to the success of OAS.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u201cI think there\u2019s some real advantages with the relationship we\u2019ve had with Hexagon, it\u2019s been very open, and I think early support was critical to the successful implementation of this engineering control into our workforce and into our trucks.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u201cHexagon said \u2018You won\u2019t need many spares. We don\u2019t have a lot of equipment failures\u2019. So, we trusted Hexagon, and of course, we\u2019ve held one spare unit on our shelf for nearly three years now since we\u2019ve had this in operation, and we\u2019ve replaced one camera.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">The deployment of OAS on Rosebery&#8217;s underground haulage fleet has marked a significant advancement in MMG&#8217;s safety initiatives. The system&#8217;s adaptability to the mine&#8217;s challenging environment and the emphasis on change management ensured its successful integration.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">By fostering a culture of safety, MMG and Hexagon demonstrated that credible safety enhancements must be backed by proven methodologies to achieve lasting impact.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"TextRun SCXW144582625 BCX8\" lang=\"EN-US\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"none\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW144582625 BCX8\"><span class=\"TextRun SCXW150606533 BCX8\" lang=\"EN-US\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"none\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW150606533 BCX8\">Operators empowered by real-time alerts for fatigue, distraction<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">The results at Rosebery have been transformative. Real-time alerts for fatigue and distraction have empowered operators to respond proactively, significantly reducing the risk of accidents. The data generated by OAS has provided valuable insights, enabling management to continuously assess and address fatigue risks objectively and in real time.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u201cThe deployment of Hexagon OAS is providing valuable data for our operation and making a difference in the safety of MMG\u2019s workers,\u201d said Steve Scott, General Manager at Rosebery, MMG. \u201cWe recognize that with long shifts, fatigue can become a hazard, and this technology enables us to continually assess and address the fatigue risk of our underground truck operators objectively, in real time.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u201cAny worker that comes to work should go home safely every day. Hexagon has a system that allowed us to \u2026 deliver on that promise to our employees that we will keep them safe at all times.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">The collaboration between Hexagon and MMG exemplifies a successful partnership that prioritises safety without compromising productivity. In fact, the Australian Mining Prospect Awards <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/hexagon.com\/company\/newsroom\/press-releases\/2023\/hexagon-receives-two-prestigious-awards-for-revolutionary-mine-safety-solution\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">recognised<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"none\"> Hexagon for Mine Project Success of the Year, an award reserved for a singular engineering or contract mining project that has delivered measurable improvement at a mining site.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">By integrating leading technology to address the challenges of fatigue and distraction, both companies have demonstrated their commitment to advancing safety standards and ensuring that everyone gets home safely. This partnership highlights the transformative potential of employing technology to revolutionise safety protocols and operational excellence in underground mining operations.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">We\u2019ll be sharing that story in more detail in a white paper to be presented at the AusIMM Underground Operators Conference 2025 (April 7-9).<\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\"><br \/>\n<\/span><\/p>\n<h2>MMG leading the way<\/h2>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">Addressing fatigue in the workplace is not just a safety measure; it&#8217;s an investment in the well-being of employees and the overall success of operations. As NIOSH statistics remind us, tackling fatigue is crucial in reducing workplace incidents and safeguarding the workforce. Through innovative solutions like Hexagon\u2019s OAS, companies like MMG are leading the way in creating safer, more productive work environments.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><i><span data-contrast=\"none\">Throughout 2025\u202fwe\u2019ll\u202fbe blogging about the challenges facing the mining industry. Drawing upon insights from thought leaders in our customer community and from within Hexagon,\u202fwe\u2019ll\u202fshare how trusted partnerships and proven technology are\u202faddressing those challenges,\u202fhelping to improve\u202fsafety\u202fand cut costs while balancing the demands of productivity and sustainability.\u202f<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>By Neville Judd\u00a0 Long hours, repetitive tasks and heavy machinery are the norm in mining: so, too, are fatigue and distraction. Tackling both is not just important, it\u2019s essential for ensuring safety and productivity. Fatigue is a silent threat lurking in workplaces across the globe, contributing to at least 20% of all workplace incidents and<\/p>\n<div class=\"read-more\"><a href=\"https:\/\/blog.hexagonmining.com\/en\/how-technology-is-combating-fatigue-in-underground-mining\/\" title=\"Read More\">Read More<\/a><\/div>\n","protected":false},"author":61,"featured_media":6304,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[378],"tags":[783,405,650,507],"class_list":{"0":"post-6303","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-in-the-field","8":"tag-fatigue-management","9":"tag-mine-safety","10":"tag-operator-alertness","11":"tag-underground-mining"},"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v21.3 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>How technology is combating fatigue in underground mining - Hexagon - Mining Blog<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/blog.hexagonmining.com\/en\/how-technology-is-combating-fatigue-in-underground-mining\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"How technology is combating fatigue in underground mining - Hexagon - Mining Blog\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"By Neville Judd\u00a0 Long hours, repetitive tasks and heavy machinery are the norm in mining: so, too, are fatigue and distraction. Tackling both is not just important, it\u2019s essential for ensuring safety and productivity. 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