Factors affecting driver alertness during the operation of haul trucks in the South African mining industry

Abstract

In view of the seriousness of haul trucks accidents, SIMRAC initiated research to identify factors affecting haul truck driver alertness during mining operations. The information obtained during the risk analysis was used to identify possible countermeasures and detection devices to reduce the identified risks. Risk analyses of the tasks of haul truck drivers were carried out at four mines, with the focus on factors that influence operator-equipment interface, physical stressors, work organisational factors, and a number of life-style issues that could influence sleep susceptibility. Subjects were also required to rate their subjective sleepiness at work at different times during the shift by means of the Wits SleepWake Scale