Review of the application of ergonomics design of trackless mining equipment (TME) - lessons and challenges

Abstract

Despite increasing levels of trackless mining automation in South African mines, there is a distinct lack of design focus specific to the human operator tasked with driving machines for prolonged periods of the working shift. In many instances the design of trackless mining equipment (TME) is poor, with improvised seating, poor cabin layouts and sub-standard display instrumentation. This paper will present the key findings of two studies assessing ergonomics risk factors associated with automated mining equipment currently in use in the South African platinum mining industry. The purpose of this review is to quantify the current levels of vehicle safety and ergonomics application specific to cabin-driven mining machinery used in narrow reef platinum mining operations. A summarised report on the detailed work observations and findings which have been conducted to determine the different types of TME currently in use in platinum mines will be provided. The specific problems focused on in this paper will include the design of machines with a view to providing basic guidelines to the manufacturers of units used extensively in platinum mines. Key lessons and future challenges will be addressed with a view to assessing the potential long-term viability of trackless mining in the platinum sector