Fatigue Risk Management in Fast Moving Coal Mining Units: A Narrative Review of Operational Risks and Control Strategies

Abstract

Introduction: Fatigue in coal mining operations has become important operational safety issue because prolonged shift systems, monotonous tasks, environmental exposure, and high-risk heavy equipment activities increase the risk of human error and fatal accidents. Objective: This study aimed to examine fatigue as a systemic operational hazard in fast moving coal mining units and to synthesize evidence-based fatigue risk management strategies. Method: This study employed a narrative review approach by analyzing 13 references from scientific databases, government regulations, and international safety guidelines using thematic synthesis based on Fatigue Risk Management System concepts, the Swiss Cheese Model, and the Context, Input, Process, and Product evaluation framework. Result and Discussion: The review identified physiological, occupational, environmental, and individual factors as the major contributors to fatigue, while also revealing that most previous studies focused mainly on individual determinants without integrating operational risk management approaches. Fatigue Risk Management Systems were identified as the most comprehensive strategy because they combine fatigue monitoring, roster management, worker training, reporting systems, and organizational safety culture. Conclusions: Fatigue should be viewed as a systemic operational hazard rather than solely an individual health issue, therefore, integrated fatigue management strategies are essential to improve safety performance and prevent fatigue-related incidents in coal mining operations