Fatigue detection software is a proposed solution to the fatalities and accidents related to fatigued workers and drivers. A number of companies are working to create a software solution to this avoidable danger, especially in industries where workers operate heavy machinery frequently such as mining.
Contents
The problem
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) in the United States have indicated the significant danger of fatigued drivers operating heavy vehicles. 52% of heavy truck single vehicle accidents were fatigue-related. Annually, it is estimated there are 40,000 injuries and 1,550 fatalities caused from fatigued persons at the wheel.
In Australia, 60-65% of truck haulage accidents are directly related to operator fatigue, and 30% of all crashes are related to fatigue.
Mining and fatigue
Mining work conditions are conducive for fatigue; long work hours, night shifts, repetitious work, commuting as well as increased exposure to other hazards all contribute to the risky implications of a sleepy miner. In 2011 Australian Coroner Annette Hennessy compared fatigue to drunk driving. Workers are simply less alert and more likely to exercise poor judgement.
It’s especially risky because often the tired operator is the worst judge of how fatigued he or she may be. David Edwards PhD, Global Mining Safety Solutions Manager at Caterpillar Inc. compares it to asking a drunk person if they believe they are too intoxicated to drive.
Software solutions have been created specifically for the mining industry to help promote a safer environment for workers.
Technology
Technology has been developed to analyze behavior and warning signs to determine the onset of fatigue. Eyelid tracking technology focuses on eye movement changes in fatigued drivers or workers, other breaks in normal behavior serve as indicators of fatigue as well. Other systems take advantage of neurotechnology that utilizes brainwave activity to transmit thoughts to a computer and monitor emotions are the basis for the fatigue detection software.
Volkswagen
VW has incorporated a system to assist drivers in the physical and mental well being when behind the wheel. The system monitors driver behavior closely, noting deviations that may be warning signs to driver fatigue.
Volvo
Volvo has developed Driver Alert Control, a system that detects fatigued drivers and warns them before they fall asleep behind the wheel. Driver Alert Control was the first fatigue detection system developed by a car manufacturer, and has been on the market since 2007.
Stanford Research
In 2009 Stanford University researched automatic fatigue detection systems, concluding that technology relying on eyelid movement can be effective in determining driver fatigue in automobiles, but more research needs to be completed to improve accuracy.