We have institutionalised scientific knowledge and expert implementation experience into system tools, which automate manpower planning, crew scheduling, alertness management and operating cost-efficiency tracking. These software tools have been optimised a) using our database of over 10,000 24-hour days of sleep/wake/alertness data from over 400 transportation operators in revenue service for over 14 days each, and b ) against operating data from transportation businesses. Measures such as microsleep seconds per hour of duty, which provide operationally realistic metrics of alertness impairment have been used to evaluate in real world operations the effectiveness of fatigue countermeasures, including scheduling strategies. They have also made possible the development of a set of software tools which managers can use to assess fatigue risk, analyse accidents/incidents, select alert crews and provide personal sleep planning/education. These technical advances would not be feasible without also addressing the implementation issues in labour/union environments. The discussion will focus on practical tools for managers, the lessons learned and the results of applying alertness management principles across transportation operations. (A)
Abstract