PURPOSE:  To demonstrate ergonomics processes can effectively lower worker exposure to musculoskeletal disorder (MSD) risk factors and reduce MSD incident rates in mining environments.

RESEARCH SUMMARY:  An analysis of National Occupational Health Survey of Mining (NOHSM) data showed that exposures to ergonomic risk factors for mine workers were high compared to those in non-mining occupations. Another study utilizing NOHSM data reported that at least 35% of mine workers were potentially exposed to musculoskeletal overload conditions. There have also been many studies providing evidence that well-designed ergonomics processes can improve working conditions and worker health and safety. A recently completed NIOSH project demonstrated the benefits of implementing an ergonomics process at a surface coal mine. Unlike other studies, this project established that an ergonomics process could be implemented in harsh and dynamic environments found in mining.

During this study, researchers will continue to partner with mining companies to implement and evaluate ergonomics processes. Through communication and demonstration, partnerships with trade associations will promote the implementation of effective ergonomics processes to their members. How organizations implement ergonomics can vary widely, depending in part on organizational size, work culture, and mining methods. Similarly, relevant measures for evaluating process effectiveness also vary widely. A key element to this study will be to create a metric to assess the developmental stage of a process as well as its effectiveness. Additionally, researchers plan to (1) initiate and evaluate ergonomics processes at two or more mine sites, (2) compile recommendations for effectively applying ergonomic principles to mining work methods and equipment designs, and (3) develop and evaluate training modules that are necessary to establish, maintain, and grow an effective process. To date, PRL researchers have assisted a surface sandstone mine with integrating an ergonomics process with their existing safety and health program, have partnered with the Industrial Minerals Association - North America to raise the awareness level of its members on how ergonomics can be used to reduce MSD incident rates, and have developed task-specific interventions for dragline workstations.

The long-term goal of this study will be to reduce MSD incident rates in mining work environments. Demonstration of effective ways to proactively apply ergonomic principles to mining work activities will promote their use by the mining community.