1. 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.

2. HOW FATIGUE AFFECTS HUMAN ERROR

3. HUMAN ERROR CAUSED BY FATIGUE:
Extreme tiredness and lack of mental alertness resulting from mental or physical exertion or illness

4. 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.

5. 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.

6. 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

7. 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.