Evaluation of physical and environmental working conditions of underground coal mines within the framework of ergonomics. (7th September 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Jiskani, Izhar Mithal; Han, Shuai; Shahani, Niaz Muhammad; Ali, Mohammad; Dianat, Iman; Chalgri, Saleem Raza
• Is Part Of: International journal of mining and mineral engineering. Volume 11:Number 3(2020)
• Page Start: 240
• Page End: 256
• Publication Date: 2020-09-07
• Subjects: mine health and safety -- mining -- coal miner -- mine conditions -- ergonomics; Mining engineering -- Periodicals; Mines and mineral resources -- Periodicals; 622.05
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1754-890X

Abstract

This study evaluated the physical and environmental working conditions of underground coal mines and the occurrence of musculoskeletal symptoms (MSS). The data from 236 miners were collected and analysed by using the chi-squared test, Fisher's exact test, and the Mann-Whitney U test. Results showed that mine design was inappropriate (e.g., lack of appropriate tools and inadequate working conditions, etc.). Miners had to deal with excessive job demands (e.g., inappropriate work pace, high manual material handling (MMH), and repetitive tasks). Most miners (85.5%) experienced pain/discomfort in at least five body regions. Low back (82.6%), upper back (80.9%), shoulder (77.5%), knee (67.8%), and ankle/foot (62.3%) complaints were the most frequently reported symptoms. The low back symptoms were associated with MMH tasks, shoulder symptoms were associated with poor lighting conditions, and ankle/foot symptoms were associated with inappropriate work pace, inadequate space, pushing/pulling/dragging tasks, and bending/twisting activities. The findings help to understand the working conditions of miners and highlight the need for multifaceted interventions to improve the workstation design and work organisation.