Abstract
Stone, sand and gravel mining (SSGM) constitutes the vast majority of mining operations in the United States. Despite musculoskeletal disorders being one of the most common occupational health problems across several industries, limited research has examined the extent of reported musculoskeletal symptoms or disorders among actively employed SSGM workers. To address this knowledge gap, cross sectional data were collected from 459 SSGM workers in the Midwestern United States to determine the prevalence of musculoskeletal symptoms. Sociodemographic and job-related factors were examined to identify possible risk factors in SSGM. Musculoskeletal symptoms of the low back (57%), neck (38%), shoulder (38%) and knee (39%) were highly prevalent among SSGM employees. The results, among other findings, showed that working more than 60 h a week increased the likelihood of musculoskeletal symptoms at the low back (OR: 4.7 95% CI: 1.9–11.5), neck (OR: 5.1, 95% CI: 2.2–11.8) and knee (OR: 4.5, 95% CI: 2.0–10.3). Working as a mechanic/maintenance worker increased the likelihood of low back (OR: 2.1, 95% CI: 1.1–4.2) and knee (OR: 2.2, 95% CI: 1.1–4.6) musculoskeletal symptoms. Intervention measures aimed at improving ergonomic hazard identification for various job tasks as well as administrative controls limiting hours worked may help reduce the burden of musculoskeletal problems in the SSGM industry.
Highlights
Musculoskeletal disorders (MSD) are some of the most common occupational health issues present in several industries
Intervention measures aimed at improving ergonomic hazard identification for various job tasks as well as administrative controls limiting hours worked may help reduce the burden of musculoskeletal problems in the SSGM industry
Several studies on musculoskeletal symptoms (MSS) and MSD have revealed a high prevalence of back pain in mineworkers [4,5,6], which has been positively associated with whole-body vibration [7,8] commonly experienced by heavy equipment vehicle operators [9]
Summary
Musculoskeletal disorders (MSD) are some of the most common occupational health issues present in several industries. Risk factors associated with MSD and associated musculoskeletal symptoms (MSS) include repetitive work, working with hands above shoulder height or below knee height, carrying heavy loads and operating vibrating tools [1,2]. All of these factors, as well as others, are present in the mining industry. Several studies on MSS and MSD have revealed a high prevalence of back pain in mineworkers [4,5,6], which has been positively associated with whole-body vibration [7,8] commonly experienced by heavy equipment vehicle operators [9]. Job tenure has been linked to experience and hazard familiarity [11], which can aid in better risk perception and hazard identification [12]
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