Komatsu and MX3 Diagnostics have successfully concluded their collaborative trial of the MX3 Heat Stress Management Toolkit, an innovative system designed to equip mining operators with the tools, training, and real-time insights needed to manage workforce heat risk more effectively.
The initiative was launched in response to growing concerns around climate change, deeper mining conditions, and rising workplace heat stress incidents.
Over the course of the trial, Komatsu safety teams and frontline workers tested the system in real-world conditions, providing valuable feedback on its ability to support both prevention and productivity.
“It completely takes the guesswork out of what we’ve been doing traditionally. In the past we relied on colour charts and subjective checks, but by the time dehydration was identified, it was already too late,” Komatsu national EHS manager Michael Slater said in a statement.
“With MX3, awareness was raised immediately—workers began to realise they needed to hydrate before they even arrived at work.”
Early results showed workers arrived to shifts in better hydration states, frontline supervisors gained greater visibility, and safety managers had actionable data to support their “zero harm” goals.
Building on the success of this initiative, MX3 and Komatsu are now exploring opportunities to expand the deployment of the Heat Stress Management Toolkit across broader operations.