CASE STUDY: A survey conducted in an open cast iron ore mine indicated that first-line truck drivers and crane operators showed increasing signs of fatigue, absenteeism and a general increase in a negative mind-set. Absenteeism was at an all time high. The ratio of incidents and accidents was also on the increase. Neuro-Link consulted as neuroscience of workplace learning specialists to assist the mine in reducing human errors caused by fatigue.
HOW FATIGUE AFFECTS HUMAN ERROR
HUMAN ERROR CAUSED BY FATIGUE: Extreme tiredness and lack of mental alertness resulting from mental or physical exertion or illness
ACTIONS TAKEN 1. Brain ergonomics assessment of cabins 2. NAP™ assessments of operators & drivers 3. Leadership trained to understand how fatigue & stress impact brain performance & risk for error 4. Personal fatigue management training 5. Fatigue management training for first-line management and leadership 6. Brain Ergonomics interventions to humanize the environments & cabins 7. Specific sequences of brain integration techniques and activities for operators and drivers to reduce potential risk for error and optimize brain performance.
FATIGUE MANAGEMENT MODEL Wellness Intrapersonal Interpersonal Personal Strength Social Spiritual Mental Physical Exercise, Sleep & Relaxation Water & Diet Supplementation Medical Condition Emotional Brain Re - patterning Formulate Purpose Find Meaning Create Vision Awareness Cohesion Conflict Resolution FATIGUE Influencing Factors: *Brain Ergonomics *Leadership *Safe Environment *Organizational Climate *Structure Communication Iron Ore Mine Results: At this Iron Ore Mine a significant increase in the tons iron ore that was excavated and increased productivity was experienced after all first line workers where exposed to Neuro-Link’s holistic fatigue management intervention.
FATIGUE MANAGEMENT STRATEGY ASSESSMENTS NAP™ Brain profile Risk profile Medical evaluation Absenteeism & accidents & incidents SUPERVISORY & MANAGEMENT TRAINING Brain training to equip supervisors with knowledge and understanding about fatigue management, potential risk for error and how to support staff INDIVIDUAL DEVELOPMENT Holistic approach – equipping workers with fatigue management skills ORGANIZATIONAL SUPPORT Brain ergonomics assessment Leadership training Create & ensure safe environment Organizational climate Structure Organizational communication POST ASSESSMENTS NAP™ Brain profile Risk profile Medical evaluation Absenteeism & accidents
RESULTS ACHIEVED: More than a million accident free hours for the first time. Decrease in fatigue related incidents and accidents, which directly impacts on saving lives and preventing injuries. Decrease in absenteeism which has a direct impact on productivity and performance. Behaviour changes in mind-sets of operators and truck drivers changed from a pessimistic to an optimistic mind- set which will directly impact interpersonal relationships, performance and health in the medium to long term. Performance incentives – 14th Bonus cheques = 4,5 times monthly salary based on increased tons of iron ore that was excavated.