Internet of Things and Human-performance-based Safety Management

This book reflects on a conducted study aimed at investigating the impact of the Internet of Things (IoT) on safe management operations in line with the views of the human-performance-based safety management theoretical perspective in the South African mining industry. The study used a descriptive correlational research design to respond to the research questions. Questionnaires were used to collect quantitative data based on the simple randomizing method. Seventy mine workers were selected and 55 responded from 5 selected mines in Gauteng. The findings indicate that if well adopted and implemented, IoT can have a positive impact on safe mining operations. This depends on the level of understanding and skills with which the IoT technological developments are applied. High levels of understanding and skill are required to implement IoT mining technology, thereby ensuring safety in mining operations. Low levels of the same understanding and skill result in more mining accidents. It is therefore recommended that the South African Department of Mineral Resources formulate and implement a policy to ensure optimum use of IoT safety systems, sensory devices & networking planning systems.