In the dynamic and often high-risk environment of mining, safety remains a top priority. Traffic awareness in surface mines represents a critical safety challenge for both equipment operators and pedestrians. Factors such as poor visibility, fatigue, blind spots, slope instability, and distractions highlight the need for a robust safety approach. Mitigating these hazards requires a combination of advanced technology and a strong commitment to fostering a zero-harm culture.

The Role of EMESRT

Significant progress has been made in recent years in setting standards to minimise hazards associated with earth-moving equipment. EMESRT (Earth Moving Equipment Safety Round Table) guides CAS manufacturers with clear user requirements and provides structured guidelines to support mining companies and technology implementers adopt best practices for collision prevention.
The EMESRT model defines multiple levels of incident control, guiding the industry in implementing effective safety measures:

www.emesrt.org

To effectively implement Level 8 and 9 controls, it is crucial to first evaluate the effectiveness of Level 1-7 measures. Defining these initial seven levels has helped ensure that the technology relied upon in Levels 8 and 9 – Collision Awareness Systems (CAS) – does not generate unnecessary alerts or alarms. As sites progress to Level 9, minimising false-positive alarms is essential to prevent unnecessary equipment stoppages, which can impact production and reduce operator confidence in safety technology.
CAS comes into play at Level 8 and has proven to be a game-changing technology for enhancing safety in mining operations. Acting as an early-warning system, CAS alerts equipment operators to potential collisions with other CAS-equipped vehicles, improving situational awareness and reducing incidents. These systems leverage advanced sensors, radar, GPS, and real-time communication to continuously analyse the location, speed, and trajectory of vehicles in relation to one another.
At Level 8, the Collision Awareness System generates warnings, prompting operators to take corrective action when hazardous or potentially hazardous conditions arise. At Level 9, the system takes control of the machine, actively preventing collisions.

Preparing for Change: Implementing a Collision Awareness System

Implementing a Collision Awareness System successfully into existing operations involves more than just installing equipment or software. It’s a significant cultural and operational shift that impacts how teams work, communicate, and prioritise safety. Without effective change management, even the best collision avoidance solutions can fail to deliver their full potential.
Effective change management transforms the implementation process from a technical upgrade into a strategic initiative that enhances safety, productivity, and return on investment. It requires a staged and structured approach with KPIs and steady states achieved prior to progressing to the next phase to help align the organisation, its processes, and its people with the change.

Key aspects of successful Change Management include:

• Addressing Resistance to Change: People naturally resist change, especially when new systems alter their day-to-day routines. A well-designed Change Management program focuses on educating all staff on the benefits of CAS, addressing concerns, and fostering buy-in at all organizational levels.
• Aligning Processes and Technology: Integrating a collision awareness system into existing workflows requires a thorough review and potential adjustment of operational processes. Change management helps align these processes to maximise the system’s effectiveness while minimising disruptions.
• Sustaining Long-Term Adoption: Initial enthusiasm can fade without a structured approach to embedding the system into the company culture. Change management ensures that the system becomes a standard part of operations through continuous monitoring, feedback, and improvement.
• Ensuring ROI: The implementation of a collision avoidance system involves significant investment. Change management ensures that this investment translates into tangible safety and productivity benefits, maximizing the return on investment.

Change management ensures that the workforce not only accepts but actively supports the adoption of the new technology. By addressing resistance, building confidence, and fostering a culture of safety, organisations can maximise the return on investment in their safety systems.

Haultrax: Your Partner in Collision Awareness System Implementation

Change management is a complex process, and it’s important to develop a detailed plan before beginning the implementation. Choosing the appropriate technology and reliable deployment partner is critical to the success of the transition.
With over a decade of experience in deploying mining-industry-standard Collision Awareness Systems (CAS), in line with EMESRT guidelines, Haultrax has been at the forefront of the transition to GPS-based platforms—now the industry standard. Our proven methodology, honed through numerous CAS projects and over 2,000 vehicle deployments across Australia, focuses on integrating technology seamlessly into operations by prioritising People, Process, and Culture.
From Operational readiness, Vendor Selection, Stakeholder Engagement & Communication to Installation, Training, System Configuration and Change Management, Haultrax provides end-to-end support, ensuring a high-quality and consistent CAS deployment. Following the EMERST model, our specialised teams of 2-3 dedicated experts work closely with clients to navigate the complexities of change management, ensuring smooth adoption and long- term integration of CAS technology into existing operations.

Need expert guidance on implementing a Collision Awareness System? Contact Haultrax today to learn how we can help you improve mining safety.