Summary
- Mining company, Peru
- 24-hour operations
- Deployment across MineOps, Exploration, and Engineering teams
- 160 operators trained in batches of 5 for more controlled employee communication
- 70% deployment goal for change management success
Background
A large-scale mining operation in Peru, one of the largest in the region, is deploying Fatigue Science's fatigue risk management system, Readi. It is being implemented alongside Hexagon's OAS driver-facing in-cab fatigue cameras to manage fatigue risk and improve safety across its MineOps, Exploration, and Engineering divisions. Hexagon's fatigue cameras will be used as the company's reactive or lagging indicator technology as a "last resort" to alert drivers to imminent fatigue events. Readi, on the other hand, is being used in conjunction with the cameras as a leading indicator of fatigue with predictive analytics to avoid the disruption caused by reactive camera alarms.
Readi is a predictive fatigue management system that indicates a complete ReadiScore ahead of the shift. A low ReadiScore tells supervisors in advance when the risk or probability of a fatigue event (camera alarm) is high. In fact, a study indicates that there is a 14.5x higher likelihood of a fatigue event when an operator's ReadiScore is below 70.
Challenge: Overcoming Operator Resistance and Ensuring Successful Deployment
The mining company faced challenges with implementing fatigue management technologies in the past, particularly with the SmartCap system, which caused physical discomfort and failed to gain operator trust. Additionally, there was no proper change management plan during SmartCap’s rollout, leaving operators hesitant to adopt new systems.
For this reason, the company realized the importance of structured change management in the implementation of fatigue management technology. They adopted the ADKAR change management methodology as the foundation of their strategy.
Facing internal union negotiations and historical resistance to fatigue management, the company needed to deploy the new fatigue management technology in a way that ensured widespread operator acceptance. Initially, they planned for a large-scale deployment of 160 operators per day, but this was adjusted to smaller groups of 5 operators at a time to foster better communication and understanding.
How Readi Helped the Mining Company Successfully Adopt Fatigue Management Technology
Learning from their past experience, the company used the ADKAR change management model to ensure a smooth rollout of Readi and Hexagon OAS. The change management team emphasized clear communication and engagement with operators, creating easy-to-understand pamphlets, videos, and presentations. The company also developed kits containing the ReadiWatch, charger, and instructional cards, which further helped in the transition.
The smaller, controlled deployment groups allowed the company to personalize their message about the importance of fatigue management, making it easier for operators to understand how Readi could enhance their safety.
Improved Worker Safety with a Comprehensive Fatigue Risk Management System
By integrating a change management strategy, the mining company successfully navigated operator resistance and union challenges in fatigue management adoption.
As the deployment continues, the combination of effective communication and personalized training has already shown promising results. The company expects the combination of Readi and Hexagon OAS to enhance both safety and productivity across its operations.
