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| Poster of NIOSH designed dragline workstation |
Background
Dragline operators work 8- to 12-hour shifts removing overburden and parting material to expose coal seams. The operators are continuously exposed throughout the shift to repetitive motions, static postures, and awkward postures as they manipulate the dragline bucket using two joysticks. Average cycle time is 60 seconds; for a typical 12-hour shift, the operator will complete 600 cycles. Dragline operators have reported discomfort in their wrists, shoulders, back, and legs, and have also experienced carpal tunnel syndrome. To address exposures to risk factors resulting in discomfort and musculoskeletal disorders, three activities associated with dragline workstations are being conducted.
Bridger Dragline Workstation: A field study was conducted to determine the effects of modifying a dragline workstation. The workstation in the 103 dragline was modified to include improved armrests (better support and adjustability) and a low-profile footrest. Operators were also given a brief orientation on how to adjust the armrests, operate the joysticks, and use good postures when operating the dragline. Discomfort survey data and videos of operators before and after the intervention were collected. In addition, operators were interviewed to obtain information about the modified workstations and their effects on how they used the joystick controls and their postures while operating the dragline.
Southern Illinois University Dragline Training Center: An adjustable workstation was developed and installed at the Center to collect data about the effectiveness of workstation adjustments in improving worker comfort. Because students attending this Center come from mines located throughout the United States, data will be obtained from a representative population of dragline operators who have a variety of experiences in operating draglines.
Falkirk Mine Dragline Workstations: The Falkirk Mining Co. operates several draglines equipped with adjustable workstations, including adjustable joysticks. Operators were surveyed to obtain user data on the effectiveness of the adjustments in improving comfort. Videos of the operators were obtained to evaluate postures and adjustments made prior to operating the dragline.
Potential Outcome
The objective of this intervention is to develop recommendations on how to improve workstations for draglines and other types of equipment where operators are required to work for long periods of time. By 2010, the improvements will allow workers to perform their jobs with less exposure to risk factors, result in fewer musculoskeletal disorders, and improve comfort and efficiency. Materials, such as videos and posters, will be developed to assist with the transfer of knowledge gained during these tasks. The prototype workstation will also continue to be available to the industry at Southern Illinois University for training purposes. Knowledge gained will be disseminated to the mining industry through trade association partnerships, industry-oriented publications, professional research journals, NIOSH publications, workshops, and conferences.