Health, Physical Activity and Musculoskeletal Symptoms among Stone, Sand, and Gravel Mine Workers: Implications for Enhancing and Sustaining Worker Health and Safety

Associations between day and night-shifts, work-related musculoskeletal symptoms and absenteeism in the manufacturing industry

Objectives. Associations between shift-work, musculoskeletal symptoms and absenteeism are poorly investigated in the manufacturing industry. This study aimed to investigate associations between working schedule, musculoskeletal symptoms and days of absenteeism among pulp and paper industry workers. Methods. Musculoskeletal symptoms of 904 workers were assessed through the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire. χ2 tests assessed associations between being a day-worker or shift-worker, the prevalence of musculoskeletal symptoms and days of absenteeism. Results. A significant association was found between working schedule and symptoms in the lower back in the last 12 months, with shift-workers presenting higher prevalence than day-workers (p = 0.022). Significant associations were also found between days of absenteeism and symptoms in the shoulders (p = 0.002), which mostly led to absenteeism of 100-365 days; elbows (p < 0.001), wrists/hands (p = 0.045) and ankles/feet (p = 0.042), which produced absenteeism mostly of 25-99 days; and dorsal region (p = 0.001), which mainly led to absenteeism of 10-24 days. No associations were found between working schedule and days of absenteeism (p = 0.265). Conclusion. Shift-work is associated with increased prevalence of lower back symptoms, but seems not to influence days of absenteeism. Shoulders seem to be the region leading to higher days of absenteeism, followed by elbows, wrists/hands, ankles/feet and the dorsal region.

Reducing musculoskeletal disorders in iron ore mine operators: A fuzzy-based intervention approach

BACKGROUND

This study focuses on evaluating the exposure to whole-body vibration (WBV) and association of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) with various risk factors among dumper operators in the mining industry. Despite the issue's significance, prior research has been limited.

OBJECTIVE

The study introduces a novel fuzzy-based approach for identifying, selecting, and prioritizing safety measures to mitigate MSD risks.

METHODS

Data collection comprised face-to-face interviews, anthropometric measurements, Rapid Upper Limb Assessment (RULA) scoring for posture assessment, and the Nordic Musculoskeletal questionnaire for assessment of MSD prevalence. Multiple linear and logistic regression models were used to analyse the contributing risk factors to MSDs and WBV exposure. These risk factors formed the basis for a practical approach to select appropriate safety measures based on fuzzy based aggregation method of expert's judgment aimed at mitigating the risk of MSDs.

RESULTS

The results revealed that the risk factors such as poor work posture, WBV exposure and poor seat design were significantly associated with neck (adjusted odds ratio aOR = 4.81), upper limb and shoulder (aOR = 3.28), upper back (aOR = 5.09), and lower back pain (aOR = 3.67) at p < 0.05. Using these factors to formulate safety measures to reduce MSD risk, the minimization of sharp turns and abrupt changes in elevation in designing the haul roads, scheduled maintenance practices, and ergonomic seat design were found as important safety measures in this study.

CONCLUSION

Our unique methodological approach in occupational health research could be highly beneficial for tailoring safety measures at the unit level with minimal effort.

Assessing the impact of job demands and hazardous workload activities on musculoskeletal symptoms in stone, sand, and gravel mining operations

BACKGROUND

Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) and associated musculoskeletal symptoms (MSS) are problematic in stone, sand, and gravel mining. Research is needed to explore relationships between job demands, work-related hazards and MSS.

OBJECTIVE

An exploratory study was conducted in Indiana during 2019-2020 to examine associations between job demands, work-related hazards and MSS.

METHODS

Through convenience sampling, cross-sectional survey data from 459 workers were collected and analyzed using logistic multiple and binary logistic regression methods. Outcome variables were MSS to the low back, neck/shoulder, and wrist/hand. Predictor variables and MSS measures are based on the Dutch Musculoskeletal Questionnaire.

RESULTS

Increased odds of low back MSS were related to dynamic loads (OR = 2.14), pushing/pulling heavy loads (OR = 1.56), torso bending or twisting (OR = 2.36), bent, stooped, or twisted posture (OR = 2.04), uncomfortable postures (OR = 2.07), repetition (OR = 1.67) and vibrating tools (OR = 1.81). Increased odds of neck/shoulder MSS were related to dynamic loads (OR = 1.83), static loads (OR = 1.24), heavy lifting (OR = 1.50), pushing/pulling heavy loads (OR = 1.68), bending or twisting of the neck (OR = 1.82), twisted neck posture (OR = 1.77) and uncomfortable postures (OR = 1.81). Increased odds of wrist/hand MSS were related to dynamic loads (OR = 2.06), static loads (OR = 1.45), bending or twisting of the wrists/hands (OR = 10.52), extended reaching (OR = 3.05), repetition (OR = 5.25), awkward postures (OR = 4.47), working above shoulder level (OR = 2.47), and vibrating tools (OR = 1.78).

CONCLUSION

Hazards that increased the likelihood of MSS were identified. These hazards should be abated or controlled to prevent MSDs in stone, sand, and gravel mining. More applied research, including ergonomic assessments to further identify hazards that can be controlled or abated, is warranted.

Long Work Hours, Overtime, and Worker Health Impairment: A Cross-Sectional Study among Stone, Sand, and Gravel Mine Workers

Background: Research has shown that long work hours and overtime are associated with health impairment, including stress, burnout, and overall health. However, this has not been thoroughly assessed among stone, sand, and gravel mine workers. As such, this study examined whether significant differences in stress, burnout, and overall health existed among workers that worked different hours each week. Methods: ANOVA analyses were completed for the outcome variables (stress, burnout, and health status). Each analysis included three categorical independent variables: age, sex, and work hours. Age and sex were control variables. BMI was added to the health status analysis as an additional control variable. Results: There were significant differences between work hour groups for all three outcomes. Post hoc analyses determined that workers working >60 h/week had more stress, more burnout, and lower health. Differences were not found between age or sex. There were no differences in health status for different BMI groups, but the interaction of BMI and work hours was significant. Conclusions: Working more than 60 h per week was problematic. Mine and safety administrators should enact programs to protect and promote worker health, particularly among those working long hours, especially if more than 60 h per week.

Ergonomic Design of Apron Bus with Consideration for Passengers with Mobility Constraints

Passengers in an apron bus are usually subjected to a standing position because of its limited seats and capacity. Due to this, passengers, especially those with mobility constraints, may expose themselves to musculoskeletal disorder (MSD) risks such as body pain, discomfort, and non-collision injuries. The purpose of this study is to design an ergonomic apron bus to aid the musculoskeletal discomfort experienced by passengers with mobility constraints, specifically the elderly, pregnant women, mothers carrying infants, and persons needing wheelchair assistance. A total of 149 participants are involved in the study. Corlett’s and Bishop’s body discomfort questionnaires and Rapid Entire Body Assessment (REBA) are utilized to evaluate the respondent’s experience of discomfort in different regions of their body. The results show that passengers with mobility constraints experience body discomfort during the apron bus ride. The prevalence of body discomfort is evident in the lower back, knee, thigh, arm, shoulder, and middle back. Finally, principles of anthropometry are used in the study along with quality function deployment (QFD), failure mode and effects analysis (FMEA), and cost-benefit analysis to evaluate the feasibility of the recommended ergonomic design of the apron bus. To meet the requirements of people with disabilities, the ergonomic design of an apron bus is created to minimize the risk of exposure of passengers to certain musculoskeletal discomfort, maximize the space, minimize the delay time of the airlines, and be able to prioritize passengers who require mobility assistance.

Management Perspectives on Musculoskeletal Disorder Risk Factors and Protective Safety Resources within the Stone, Sand, and Gravel Mining Industry

BACKGROUND

Musculoskeletal disorders (MSD) are problematic in many industries, including stone, sand, and gravel mining (SSGM). This research aimed to delineate MSD risk factors and to identify protective safety resources that reduce MSD within these operations.

METHODS

A deductive content analysis of recorded transcripts from a focus group, which included professionals working in SSGM organizations, was completed.

FINDINGS

Results suggested demographic and personal factors associated with MSD included age, lack of experience, low levels of physical fitness, and attitudes toward risks. Work factors and job demands included excessive lifting, performing additional job duties, production-focused operations, lack of resources, and work related to maintenance and equipment operation. Suggested safety resources included a focus on worker fitness, resource adequacy, pay and benefits, the SLAM (Stop, Look, Analyze, and Manage) process and positive safety culture.

CONCLUSION

This qualitative research project utilized mine experts to identify demographic, personal, work, and job demand factors they perceive or know to be associated with MSD. Safety programs suggested by these same experts to reduce MSD were also presented.

APPLICATION TO PRACTICE

Occupational health and safety practitioners and mine administrators should focus on the identified factors in their work to prevent MSD within SSGM operations. Safety efforts need to include integrated programs that promote health and fitness as well. These efforts should be implemented along with recommended programs such as SLAM and the provision of appropriate safety resources to minimize risks. These efforts should promote the importance of safety and will help with bolstering a positive safety culture.

A Review of Relevant Regulations, Requirements and Assessment Methods Concerning Physical Load in Workplaces in the Slovak Republic

This review brings an overview of the Slovak regulations concerning occupational safety and health at work (OSH) primarily considering the parameter of physical load. In addition to regulations, this article focuses on particular requirements at workplaces with an increased physical load and describes the permissible values of the physical load (see tables). Attention is given to assessing the working posture and handling of loads. The main purpose of the evaluation is to determine the parameters of physical load, which is the first important step in the process of health risk assessment. Based on the physical load assessment and the categorization of tasks for the physical load factor in the Slovak Republic, further steps and measures should be taken to improve working conditions, to reduce the workload, number of health problems, fatigue, and ultimately to prevent accidents at work and work-related musculoskeletal diseases.