A Human-Centered Approach to the Redesign of a Bitumen Trailer

An electric heat-in-transit tanker (bitumen trailer) revolutionized the operation and design of bituminous tankers. It was developed using human-centered approaches and design philosophy, concepts, methods, and tools previously used in the mining industry. Task-based analysis was useful to contextualize opportunities and hazards. The new tanker improved efficiency in transit, reduced risk for exposure to hot bituminous product, improved access, reduced on-road travel time and risk for fatigue, optimized work performance, and challenged regulators to redefine safe transit requirements. The design process was opportunity based and highlighted the need to shift philosophy to consider performance-based needs of operators, not just equipment.