Trial results highlight proactive hydration monitoring, behavioural change, and reduced fatigue as key outcomes in strengthening worker safety.
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.
The results of the trial were presented at the Queensland Mining Industry Health & Safety Conference (QMIHSC), where MX3 and Komatsu were recognised with the People’s Choice Health Innovation Award, underscoring the industry-wide significance of this collaboration.
Michael Slater, National EHS Manager, Komatsu, said the trial marked a step change in the company’s approach to hydration monitoring:
“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. With MX3, awareness was raised immediately—workers began to realise they needed to hydrate before they even arrived at work.”
Stan Skafidas, Chief Technology Officer and Managing Director, MX3 Australia, highlighted the behavioural change and reduced fatigue observed during the trial:
“There are a couple of things that really stood out. The first was the change in behaviour—workers came to their shifts already hydrated, rather than arriving dehydrated and at risk. The second was the impact of hydration on cognitive state and fatigue. When workers hydrated appropriately, they showed fewer symptoms of fatigue, which is critical for both safety and performance.”
Trevor Kilpatrick, Chief Medical Officer, MX3 Australia, added that the response from the workforce reinforced the trial’s significance:
“The workers’ testimonials were all very positive. They appreciated the importance of the innovation and saw it as a positive step for their own welfare. That kind of engagement from the workforce is invaluable.”
Slater agreed, noting both the feedback and the data supported the system’s value:
“The feedback from workers was very positive, and it was supported by the data. Early on we saw high levels of dehydration, but over time those came down markedly. When workers can see their own results and connect hydration to feeling less fatigued, it speaks volumes—and that gets people on board.”
He also emphasised that the trial has laid the foundation for a longer-term partnership between Komatsu and MX3:
“I don’t see this as a one-off. We’ve built a strong relationship with the MX3 team, and I believe this collaboration will continue for years to come. We’ve achieved what we set out to do—understand the capabilities of the system, the impact on hydration and fatigue, and most importantly, the positive uptake from the workforce.”
The trial demonstrated that proactive hydration monitoring and digital data integration can significantly enhance both safety and operational resilience. 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.
How MX3 and Komatsu Improve Heat Stress Management on Site
Press release at: https://www.australianmining.com.au/komatsu-and-mx3-clinch-safety-award-for-heat-stress-management-trial/
About MX3
MX3 Diagnostics is an Australian biotechnology company pioneering portable, saliva-based diagnostics. Its hydration testing platform and digital toolkit support industries such as mining, construction, oil and gas, and elite sport to manage heat stress, improve safety outcomes, and enhance workforce wellbeing.
About Komatsu
Komatsu is a global leader in mining and construction equipment and services, with a strong commitment to workforce health, safety, and sustainable innovation.