The Canadian Diamond Drilling Association wanted to issue a safety alert to remind CDDA members of the dangers of fatigue while driving.
Travel to and from remote drill sites is a significant part of diamond drilling and exploration operations. Motor Vehicle Incidents was identified as one of the top risks identified by workers, supervisors, and employers in the surface diamond drilling industry through a risk assessment workshop facilitated by Workplace Safety North, with participation and support of Canadian Diamond Drilling Association members.
Fatigue can reduce concentration, impair judgment, slow reaction time and make it difficult to remain awake while driving or operating equipment. It may result from insufficient sleep, extended shifts, physically demanding work, stress, repetitive tasks or long periods of travel.
Know the Warning Signs
Stop and reassess your fitness to drive if you experience:
- Difficulty keeping your eyes open
- Frequent yawning or blinking
- Wandering thoughts or difficulty concentrating
- Trouble remembering the last portion of the drive
- Drifting within or outside your lane
- Missing turns, signs or exits
- Slower reactions or poor decision-making
- Irritability, restlessness or reduced alertness
These signs may indicate that you are no longer able to drive safely.
Before Driving
- Complete an honest fitness-for-duty assessment.
- Do not drive when you are too tired to remain fully alert.
- Consider the length of your shift and the time required to travel home or to the next location.
- Plan the route and identify safe locations where you can stop.
- Check weather, road and site-access conditions.
- Inspect the vehicle and ensure equipment and materials are properly secured.
- Arrange suitable accommodations or another qualified driver when adequate rest is not possible.
- Report fatigue concerns to your supervisor immediately. Supervisors should be mindful of the rest required following a job and provide necessary sleeping/rest arrangements for their workers to ensure they are not forced to travel while tired.
Remember to always make safety a priority on and off the job site.
