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.
