Guardvant’s OpGuard Operator Fatigue and Alertness Monitoring System has been credited with helping Goldcorp’s Los Filos mine eliminate fatigue-related accidents. During the first six months of operation OpGuard recorded nearly 20,000 fatigue events in more than 150,000 operating hours.
Through the use of OpGuard’s in-cab monitoring and audio alerts, none of these events resulted in an accident.
Fatigue and distracted driving is a leading cause of accidents in open pit mining. OpGuard demonstrates that these accidents are preventable. The system is activated as soon as the operator sits behind the wheel, then uses infrared cameras to monitor the operator for signs of fatigue and distracted driving.
"In a short period of time we are seeing the results we wanted from this technology. At Los Filos we already employ a number of methods to help our operators recognise fatigue symptoms and offer opportunities for them to get out of cab on regular intervals to help combat fatigue. OpGuard not only helps us keep our employees safe at the time of the fatigue event, but the data generated can help us implement even more changes that reduce fatigue events," said Homero Esparza, Los Filos Operations Superintendent.
In addition to the use of OpGuard, Los Filos uses awareness programmes, encourages operators to take breaks, provides sports drinks to keep operators hydrated and has radio systems in the cab to provide safety messages and entertainment. The mine’s paramedic staff also monitors vital signs of operators working night shifts. All of the measures coupled with OpGuard’s proactive monitoring help ensure operators’ safety at Los Filos.
Fatigue event data captured by OpGuard provides mine managers with verifiable information to be used as part of their fatigue risk management programme. Instead of relying on anecdotal evidence, OpGuard collects data that can help mines implement effective fatigue awareness programmes, adjust shift times and duration and create a work environment that promotes healthy activities that reduce the effects of fatigue.
Suite of mining technology solutions
Guardvant’s suite of products improves safety in the mining environment while increasing productivity of operators through on-board applications for fatigue monitoring and collision avoidance. When combined, OpGuard and ProxGuard, which are installed on heavy equipment and light vehicle fleets, provide fatigue monitoring and improve the equipment operator’s situational awareness. The Guardvant Mobile Server on-board computer and Guardvant Mobile Router communications platform provide flexible options to streamline installation and use of multiple on-board applications regardless of the application brand.