Site visits, task analyses, and interviews suggest that the majority of the risk exposure associated with materials handling in mining operations results from the lack of properly designed and easily accessible materials handling tools, devices, and vehicles. Mine personnel traditionally rely on a "couple of extra hands" or on crowbars, come-alongs, and other makeshift tools to handle even the largest components of mining machinery. Similarly, lacking appropriate tools, carts, and other handling devices, mine personnel manually move timbers, posts, beams, and other heavy materials on a continual basis. In most instances, tools are simply not available for these heavy lifting, transporting, and positioning tasks. The work in this topic area is supported by the NIOSH Mining Ergonomics program. See the NIOSH Mining Products page for software, guides, training materials or other items related to this topic. |
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Manual Materials Handling Spotlights
Electromyography of the Thigh Muscles during Lifting Tasks in Kneeling and Squatting Postures (PDF, 1584 KB, 2011) Practical Demonstrations of Ergonomic Principles (PDF, 3326 KB, 2011) |
Overviews
Reducing Low Back Pain and Disability in Mining (PDF, 2652 KB, 2008-09)
This report seeks to provide managers, supervisors, and safety and health professionals with a greater understanding of LBP and low back disability (work time lost due to LBP). It also attempts to improve the understanding of the many factors that influence LBP, provide the latest research information related to its causes, and describe methods that have proven to be effective in preventing LBP and disability.
Diseases, injuries & disorders
Electromyography of the Thigh Muscles during Lifting Tasks in Kneeling and Squatting Postures (PDF, 1584 KB, 2011)
This paper examines the EMG responses of knee extensors/flexors to lifting in kneeling or squatting postures and discusses the impact of posture and kneepads on muscle recruitment and explores the implications for work in such postures.
Engineering controls
Ideas to Reduce WMSDs (HTM, 1997)
A range of ideas to deal with Work Related Musculoskeletal Disorders (WMSDs) from miners, mining safety professionals, and NIOSH research.
Inexpensive, Easy to Construct Materials-handling Devices for Underground Mines (PDF, 8693 KB, 1994)
The U.S. Bureau of Mines developed and tested designs for six materials-handling devices for use in underground mines to reduce materials-handling injuries. Particular attention was focused on making the designs practical, low cost, and easily fabricated. The devices include scoop-mounted lift boom, swing-arm boom, heavy component lift-transport, mine mud cart, container-work station cart, and timber car.
Technology News 521 - Development of a Mobile Manipulator to Reduce Lifting Accidents (PDF, 102 KB, 2006-12)
Discusses a first-generation mobile manipulator that one person can use to lift and maneuver 50- to 600-pound loads. It can be used in maintenance shops and mines to reduce lifting accidents.
Mobile Manipulator: A device for lifting and maneuvering loads up to 600 pounds
NIOSH has developed a prototype device designed for one person to safely and effectively lift and maneuver loads up to 600 pounds for a variety of materials handling tasks in maintenance shops.
Training exercises
Practical Demonstrations of Ergonomic Principles (PDF, 3326 KB, 2011)
This document consists of a series of demonstrations designed to complement training on ergonomic principles.
Information gateways
| Equipment design | |
| Ergonomics | |
| Haulage | |
| Musculoskeletal diseases and disorders |