Worker Operations
Worker operational lifecycle management for protected worksites, covering sign-on, lock-on/off, role management, and safety verification.
Purpose
Worker operations manages the complete operational lifecycle of workers on protected worksites, from arrival to departure. This domain ensures worker safety, proper verification procedures, role-based visibility, and accurate tracking of worker status for Site Protectors.
Primary Users: Site Protectors, Workers
Business Value: Safe and controlled worker operations with complete operational visibility, proper competency verification, and fatigue management
Core Concepts & Context
Operational Scope
Worker operations covers the active work phase of worker lifecycle:
- Sign-on & Lock-on: Worker arrival, verification, and protection activation
- Role Management: Dynamic role assignment and updates during shifts
- Lock-off States: Temporary (breaks) and permanent (end of shift) lock-off
- Safety Verification: Competency checks, PPE verification, fatigue monitoring
Note: Worker creation and administrative setup are handled in the System Administration domain.
Worker Verification Process
During sign-on, Site Protectors must verify:
- Identity: QR code scanning or manual identification
- Competencies: Manual confirmation of required qualifications for planned tasks
- PPE: Visual verification of appropriate personal protective equipment
- Authorisation: Confirmation worker is authorised for the specific worksite
Worker States & Transitions
- Signed Off: Worker not currently on site
- Locked On: Worker actively working under protection
- Locked Off (Returning): Temporary lock-off for breaks or track clearance
- Signed Out: End of shift, worker leaving site
Offline Operation Requirements
CRITICAL: The vast majority of worker operations must function while offline to ensure field operability under poor network conditions.
Jobs to be Done (JTBD)
| Actor | JTBD | Success Metric |
|---|---|---|
| Site Protector | Safely sign workers onto protected worksite | Workers properly verified, locked-on, and tracked in system |
| Site Protector | Monitor worker status and manage fatigue | Real-time visibility of worker locations, roles, and shift durations |
| Site Protector | Safely lock workers off when needed | Workers properly removed from protection with appropriate state tracking |
| Worker | Get onto protected worksite efficiently | Quick sign-on process with minimal delays while maintaining safety |
| Worker | Update role during shift as responsibilities change | Role changes reflected immediately for Site Protector visibility |
Key Interactions & Dependencies
- Depends On: System Administration for worker creation and competency records
- Depends On: Access Control for Site Protector authentication and permissions
- Integrates With: Protection Management for worksite protection status
- Integrates With: Plant Operations for plant operator verification before lock-off
Assumptions & Out of Scope
Assumptions
- Site Protectors are properly trained and authorised to manage worker operations
- QR codes are physically available and readable under worksite conditions
- Workers understand their own competency requirements and role responsibilities
- Network connectivity may be intermittent or unavailable
Out of Scope
- Worker employment, training, and competency management (handled in external HR systems)
- Detailed fatigue assessment and medical fitness determination
- Train Control communication and voice procedures
- Physical lock-on frame and equipment management
Requirements Index
- REQ-WORK-001: Worker Sign-on and Lock-on
- REQ-WORK-002: Worker Roles
- REQ-WORK-003: Viewing Workers on Site
- REQ-WORK-004: Manual Sign-on
- REQ-WORK-005: On-the-fly Onboarding
- REQ-WORK-006: Manually Lock Worker Off
- REQ-WORK-007: Forcefully Lock Worker Off
Domain-Specific Decisions
No domain-specific ADRs currently documented
Performance Considerations
Given field usage on mobile devices with intermittent connectivity:
- Optimised Data Loading: Load only data relevant to current worksite and active workers
- Efficient Operations: Sign-on/off processes optimised for speed and responsiveness
- Offline Capability: Core worker operations must function without network connectivity
- Data Synchronisation: Robust sync mechanisms for when connectivity is restored
Fatigue Management
The system provides visual cues and warnings for extended shifts:
- 10+ hours: Warning displayed, Site Protector awareness required
- 11+ hours: Escalated warning, active management needed
- 12+ hours: High-level warning, prompt workers to sign off
These are guidance tools - ultimate fatigue management responsibility rests with the Site Protector.