Managing equipment innovations in mining: A review

BACKGROUND: Technological innovations in mining equipment have led to increased productivity and occupational health and safety (OHS) performance, but their introduction also brings new risks for workers. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to provide support for mining industry managers who are required to reconcile equipment choices with OHS and productivity. METHODS: Examination of the literature through interdisciplinary digital databases. Databases were searched using specific combinations of keywords and limited to studies dating back no farther than 1992. The "snowball" technique was also used to examining the references listed in research articles initially identified with the databases. RESULTS: A total of 19 contextual factors were identified as having the potential to influence the OHS and productivity leverage of equipment innovations. The most often cited among these factors are the level of training provided to the equipment operators, operator experience and age, supervisor leadership abilities, and maintaining good relations within work crews. CONCLUSIONS: Interactions between these factors are not discussed in mining innovation literature. It would be helpful to use a systems thinking approach which incorporates interaction between relevant actors and factors to define properly the most sensitive aspects of innovation management as it applies to mining equipment.