Comparative study of work-related musculoskeletal disorders among mechanized and manual stone miners

Abstract

Background: Workers in the mining industry are prone to multiple health problems including musculoskeletal disorder. Very few studies are available assessing the occurrence of work-related musculoskeletal disorder (WMSD) among manual and mechanized mine workers due to unergonomic working conditions. Aims: The aim of this study is to establish and compare the prevalence of WMSD due to unergonomic working conditions among the manual and mechanized miners with age and work exposure and also to identify the most commonly affected body region. Materials and Methods: A questionnaire-based survey of about 889 manual and mechanized miners was conducted in different states of India. Results: It was also observed that vibration exposure was relatively higher among manual miners (62%) as compared to mechanized workers (45%) and also manual lifting of heavy loads is common practice in manual miners with 73% miners engaged in it as compared to only 23% mechanized miners. WMSDs were significantly higher in manual miners (61%) as compared to mechanized miners (36%). Odds ratio of WMSDs in relation to the age group of 18–40, 41–50, and 51–60 years was 2.56, 2.25, and 2.76, respectively, and in relation to work exposure of 0–10, 11–20, and >20 years was 3.38, 2.17, and 2.59, respectively, indicating that manual workers are much more prone for WMSDs. Conclusion: Our study showed that due to unergonomic working conditions, manual mine workers are more prone for WMSDs as compare to mechanized mine workers and work exposure is more relevant factor than age to study WMSDs.