Factors influencing load–haul–dump operator line of sight in underground mining

Eger, Tammy; Salmoni, Alan; Whissell, Robert

Affiliations

¹School of Human Kinetics, Laurentian University, 935 Ramsey Lake Road, Sudbury, Ont., Canada P3E 2C6

²School of Kinesiology, University of Western Ontario, London, Ont., Canada N6A 3K7

³Department of Psychology, Laurentian University, Sudbury, Ont., Canada P3E 2C6

Abstract and keywords

The inability of load–haul–dump (LHD) equipment operators to see people, objects or hazards around the LHD machine they drive is a causal factor in a number of serious accidents. Line of sight evaluations were conducted on 11 different LHD models. Results indicated blind spots were caused by cab posts, and vehicles lights and light brackets. Line of sight impairments were caused by wheel well covers, buckets, fire extinguisher, light posts, radiator covers, booms, radio remote boxes, elevated engine profiles and air intake cylinders. These results were supported by questionnaires completed by 130 LHD operators. The operators indicated the bucket, lights and light brackets, boom and cab impaired line of sight. Line of sight testing and LHD operator feedback indicated line of sight to the right front corner and back right corner were typically worse than line of sight to the front left side of the vehicle. Results of this study have been used to conduct awareness campaigns within the Ontario mining industry and to suggest vehicle design modifications to LHD manufacturers.

Keywords: Line of sight; Visibility; Mobile mining equipment; Load–haul–dump vehicles

Links

DOI: 10.1016/j.apergo.2003.12.002

PubMed: 15105070

WoS: 000221364100003

History

Received: 2003-05-5

Accepted: 2003-12-17

Online: 2004-03-5

Cited By (9)

Year	Entry
2008	Godwin AA, Eger TR, Salmoni AW, Dunn PG. Virtual design modifications yield line-of-sight improvements for LHD operators. Int J Ind Ergon. February 2008;38(2):202-210.
2008	Eger T, Stevenson J, Callaghan JP, Grenier S; VibRG. Predictions of health risks associated with the operation of load-haul-dump mining vehicles, II: evaluation of operator driving postures and associated postural loading. Int J Ind Ergon. 2008;38(9-10):801-815.
2009	Godwin A, Eger T. Using virtual computer analysis to evaluate the potential use of a camera intervention on industrial machines with line-of-sight impairments. Int J Ind Ergon. January 2009;39(1):146-151.
2020	Schwabe N, Godwin A. Use of a computer simulation program to quantify the influence of masking calculation methods on ISO 5006-1 visibility results. Int J Ind Ergon. January 2020;75:102875.
2017	Schwabe N, Godwin A. Implications of articulating machinery on operator line of sight and efficacy of camera based proximity detection systems. Safety. September 2017;3(3):17.
2004	Godwin AA. Postural and Line-of-Sight Investigation for Load-Haul-Dump Operators [Master's thesis]. Sudbury, ON: Laurentian University; 2004.
2018	Knight CEJ. The Mediating Role of Mindfulness, Attention and Situational Awareness on Driving Performance in a Virtual Reality Underground Mine [Master's thesis]. Sudbury, ON: Laurentian University; 2018.
2020	Brunton A. Measuring Differences in Eye Glance Behaviour for Heavy Equipment Operators While Driving in Naturalistic Worksite Environments [Master's thesis]. Sudbury, ON: Laurentian University; 2020.
2014	Jun Y. Evaluating the Similarity in Postures Between Forklift Operators in Virtual Reality and the Workplace [Master's thesis]. University of Western Ontario; 2014.