Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Mineworkers’ Perceptions of Mobile Proximity Detection Systems

  • Published:
Mining, Metallurgy & Exploration Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Accident data indicates that mobile haulage poses a significant pinning, crushing, and striking risk. Proximity detection systems (PDSs) have the potential to protect mineworkers from these risks. However, unintended consequences of mobile PDSs can undermine the safety benefit they provide. Soliciting iterative user input can improve the design process. Users help provide a critical understanding of how mobile PDSs may hinder normal operation and endanger mineworkers. Researchers explored users’ perspectives by conducting interviews with mineworkers from seven mines that have installed mobile PDSs on some of their haulage equipment. Mineworkers reported that mobile PDSs affect loading, tramming, section setup, maintenance, and general work on the section. Mineworkers discussed the operational effects and increased burden, exposure, and risk. Mineworkers also suggested that improved task compatibility, training, logistics, and PDS performance might help address some of these identified issues. This paper also gives additional insights into mobile PDS design and implementation.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Fig. 1
Fig. 2

Similar content being viewed by others

Notes

  1. Shumaker W. MSHA. Personal correspondence, January, 2017.

References

  1. Mine Safety and Health Administration (2015) Preliminary regulatory economic analysis for proximity detection systems for mobile machines in underground mines. Proposed Rule. Office of Standards, Regulations, and Variances

  2. Mine Safety and Health Administration (2015) Proximity detection systems for continuous mining machines in underground coal mines. 30 CFR 75.1732, vol 1219-AB65. Federal Register

  3. Mine Safety and Health Administration (2015) Proximity detection systems for mobile machines in underground mines. 30 CFR 75.1733, vol 1219-AB78. Federal Register

  4. Mine Safety and Health Administration (2015) Fact sheet: proposed rule on proximity detection systems for mobile machines in underground mines

  5. Ruff TM (2007) Recommendations for evaluating and implementing proximity warning systems on surface mining equipment. National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Spokane, WA

  6. Bissert PT, Carr JL, DuCarme JP (2016) Proximity detection zones: designs to prevent fatalities around continuous mining machines. Prof Saf 61(6):72–77

    Google Scholar 

  7. Haas EJ, Rost KA Integrating technology: Learning from mine worker perceptions of proximity detection systems. In: Proceedings of the 144th Annual Society for Mining, Metallurgy, & Exploration Conference, Boulder, CO, 2015. pp 15–18

  8. Kingsley Westerman CY (2010) Behavioral considerations for proximity warning implementation. Paper presented at the Proximity Warning Systems for Mining Equipment, Charleston, WV

  9. Lynas D, Horberry T (2011) Human factor issues with automated mining equipment. The Ergonomics Open Journal 4(1)

  10. Sarter NB, Woods DD, Billings CE (1997) Automation surprises. In: Handbook of human factors and ergonomics. 2 edn., pp 1926–1943

  11. Horberry T, Burgess-Limerick R, Steiner LJ Human-centered design for mining equipment and new technology. In: Proceedings 19th Triennial Congress of the IEA, Melbourne, 2015

  12. Horberry T, Burgess-Limerick R, Steiner LJ (2010) Human factors for the design, operation, and maintenance of mining equipment. CRC Press

  13. Peters RH, Vaught C, Hall EE, Volkwein JC (2007) Miners’ views about personal dust monitors. J Int Soc Respir Prot 24(3/4):74

    Google Scholar 

  14. Watson G (1971) Resistance to change. Am Behav Sci 14(5):745–776

    Article  Google Scholar 

  15. De Kock A, Oberholzer JW (1997) The development and application of electronic technology to increase health, safety, and productivity in the South African coal mining industry. IEEE Trans Ind Appl 33(1):100–105

    Article  Google Scholar 

  16. Steiner L, Cornelius K, Turin F (1999) Predicting system interactions in the design process. Am J Ind Med 36(S1):58–60

    Article  Google Scholar 

  17. Little C (1997) The intelligent vehicle initiative: advancing “human-centered” smart vehicles. Public Roads Mag 61(2):18–25

    Google Scholar 

  18. Schaudt WA, Bowman DS, Baker S, Hanowski RJ, Flanigan C (2013) Field evaluation of an enhanced rear signaling system for heavy trucks. IET Intell Transp Syst 7(3):345–350

    Article  Google Scholar 

  19. Breuer J, von Hugo C, Mücke S, Tattersall S (2015) User-oriented evaluation of driver assistance systems. In: Handbook of Driver Assistance Systems. pp 1–15

  20. Tijerina L (1999) Operational and behavioral issues in the comprehensive evaluation of lane change crash avoidance systems. Transp Hum Factors 1(2):159–175

    Article  Google Scholar 

  21. Xiong H, Boyle LN (2012) Drivers’ adaptation to adaptive cruise control: examination of automatic and manual braking. IEEE Trans Intell Transp Syst 13(3):1468–1473

    Article  Google Scholar 

  22. Dogan E, Rahal M-C, Deborne R, Delhomme P, Kemeny A, Perrin J (2017) Transition of control in a partially automated vehicle: effects of anticipation and non-driving-related task involvement. Transport Res F: Traffic Psychol Behav 46:205–215

    Article  Google Scholar 

  23. Tullis T, Albert B (2008) Measuring the user experience: collecting, analyzing, and presenting usability metrics. Morgan Kaufmann Publishers

  24. Office of Management and Budget (1995) Controlling Paperwork Burdens on the Public; Regulatory Changes Reflecting Recodification of the Paperwork Reduction Act. 5 CFR 1320, vol 60–167. Federal Register

  25. Cho JY, Lee E-H (2014) Reducing confusion about grounded theory and qualitative content analysis: similarities and differences. Qual Rep 19(32):1–20

    Google Scholar 

  26. De Kock A, Bennett A (2018) Collision awareness - capability of underground mine vehicle proximity detection systems. Australian Coal Association Research Program

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Pittsburgh Mining Research Division, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 626 Cochrans Mill Road, Pittsburgh, PA, 15236, USA

    Jennica L. Bellanca, LaTasha R. Swanson & Justin Helton

  2. Spokane Mining Research Division, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Spokane, WA, USA

    Michael McNinch

Authors
  1. Jennica L. Bellanca
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. LaTasha R. Swanson
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. Justin Helton
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  4. Michael McNinch
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Jennica L. Bellanca.

Ethics declarations

Conflict of Interest

The authors declare that they have no conflict of interest.

Disclaimer

The findings and conclusions in this paper are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent the official position of the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Mention of company names or products does not constitute endorsement by NIOSH.

Additional information

Publisher’s Note

Springer Nature remains neutral with regard to jurisdictional claims in published maps and institutional affiliations.

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Check for updates. Verify currency and authenticity via CrossMark

Cite this article

Bellanca, J.L., Swanson, L.R., Helton, J. et al. Mineworkers’ Perceptions of Mobile Proximity Detection Systems. Mining, Metallurgy & Exploration 36, 647–655 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1007/s42461-018-0045-3

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Accepted:

  • Published:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s42461-018-0045-3

Keywords

Search

Navigation