Optix safety management solutions help to improve driver safety in the Australian mining industry, on and off site.
In an industry heavily governed by protocol, policies and procedures, the standard has been set to adopt in-vehicle monitoring or safety management systems to protect workers. However, these solutions may offer limited capabilities and can neglect to address issues of risk and risk exposure.
The importance of workforce safety means organisations need technology support that seeks to prevent incidents before they happen. The right solutions mean companies can reduce potential injuries, manage incidents and eliminate fatalities.
This is where Optix, a safety management solutions company that has established itself in transport and logistics industries over the past 25 years, can support a business.
Through product development and emerging technologies such as machine vision and artificial intelligence, Optix is bringing its range to the mining sector to provide solutions that align with industry-standard safety goals.
“The mining industry will benefit greatly from the solutions we provide because we’re passionate about saving lives and preventing catastrophic outcomes,” Optix chief commercial officer Craig Forbes told Safe to Work.
“We’re a solutions–capability business that prioritises duty to the customer rather than just the sale of the goods. We listen to our clients, look at what they can manage and how we can provide value to their business.”
While there are many safety initiatives on mine sites that focus on productivity and sustainability, Optix has found that the health and wellbeing of the workforce can be overlooked in areas such as transport and equipment, and general vehicle operations.
Optix fills this gap through its integrated technology combined with managed safety programs that provide the mining industry with insights and data into its operations.
In addition to its safety solutions and capabilities, Optix’s mantra, ‘Safely home’, aligns with its mission to deliver proactive road safety education.
“There are three big factors in what we do with our solution capabilities: driver safety, data-driven insights, and coaching and education,” Optix senior fleet safety consultant Michael Giess told Safe to Work.
“A lot of businesses focus on reacting to a fatigue event. Our solutions are preventive in nature, and our coaching and education is designed to ensure drivers are equipped to address the signs of fatigue, protecting the driver and other road users and neighbouring pedestrians.”
In preventing safety incidents, Giess said many mining operations are only looking at fatigue management, which means they’re trying to ensure someone doesn’t get drowsy or fall asleep.
“We’ve discovered many organisations, including mining operations, aren’t educated on the behaviours and early signs of fatigue,” Giess said.
“Fatigue is a buzzword; however, we’re specifically looking at driver behaviour and safety, and what’s happening with the driver inside the vehicle. When we look at driver behaviour, we are also assessing fatigue, general distraction, if the driver is on their phone, and if they’re being attentive to what’s ahead and around them.
“When we work hand-in-hand with our clients to look at all aspects of their operations, we can then align our capabilities with their business.
“By combining the latest safety systems to identify risks and empower people with the knowledge and resources, mining companies can achieve impressive results that improve safety.”
This feature also appears in the March-April issue of Safe to Work.