Optimizing situational awareness for operators of underground mining heavy equipment

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The mining industry continues to report high levels of fatalities on heavy equipment, and these incidents have frequently been linked to visibility issues. Enhancing visibility and hazard detection for the operators of heavy equipment remains a critical goal in mining, and several other industries with similar visibility concerns. Proximity detection systems that range in complexity from closed-circuit television screens to audio-visual hazard indicators and RFID tagged systems have been used on a variety of heavy equipment. Many light passenger vehicles now come equipped with back-up video monitors to aid the operator during revering procedures. The main goal of these systems is to improve the situational awareness of the operator and improve obstacle detection around the machine for the operator. Proximity detection systems have the potential to improve situational awareness for operators of mining machinery if implemented correctly. To date, the mining industry has not yet adopted a standard for proximity detection although several manufacturers are marketing systems with this aim. The proper ergonomic design for these systems is critical for reducing visibility-related incidents, without adding an additional hazard of distracted driving into the situation. There is currently insufficient research to confidently recommend any system to the mining industry. The proposed research program will determine the optimal method for improving hazard detection for the operators of heavy equipment in the mining industry. At the culmination of this research program, the researcher will be able to inform the industry on best practice for implementation of informational systems into the operator's work space in a way that improves obstacle detection capability and does not increase physical or cognitive workload. This work has the potential to improve safety for operators of underground heavy equipment, as well as for pedestrians in the mining atmosphere.