Ergonomics Downloadable Mining Publications

The purpose of this training is to provide the information necessary to develop an appreciation of the changes that occur with age and an understanding of methods that can be used to reduce the injury risk that may result. (PDF, 12587 KB, 2008-06)

This paper describes the use of four sources of data (injury records, the Nordic Standardized Musculoskeletal Questionnaire, supervisor interviews and management concerns) to prioritize jobs for ergonomic analysis. (PDF, 356 KB, 2001)

This article discusses research results of studies that shed light on possible mechanisms through which low back injuries may occur and how this knowledge can be leveraged to reduce the risk of low back pain. (PDF, 597 KB, 2007)

Twelve subjects participated in an investigation of the biomechanical stresses of asymmetric lifting in stooped and kneeling postures. Three factors were manipulated in this study: posture (stooped or kneeling), height of lift (35 or 70 cm), and weight of lift (15, 20 or 25 kg). (PDF, 258 KB, 1997)

This paper describes the development of a multi-body biomechanical model that can be used to assess the risk of low back disorders due to occupational exposure to jarring and jolting from operation of heavy mobile equipment (e.g., trucks, haulers, graders, tractors, etc.) (PDF, 246 KB, 2003-08)

An analysis of roof bolting tasks was conducted at a mine to identify early warning signs of cumulative trauma. Health and safety risk factors were identified and recommendations to reduce cumulative trauma exposure were provided. (PDF, 426 KB, 2001)

This article introduces a one-page checklist for evaluating cab design of construction equipment. The cab design evaluation checklist was developed, pilot-tested, and used to measure several characteristics of cab design. A case study is presented in which overall cab design scores were calculated for each type of equipment. (PDF, 45 KB, 2003)

Survival analysis techniques were used to compare the fatigue failure responses of elderly motion segments to a middle-aged sample. It was concluded that younger motion segments survive considerably longer when exposed to similar spine loading conditions that simulate repetitive lifting in neutral and flexed torso postures, primarily associated with the increased bone mineral content possessed by younger motion segments. (PDF, 239 KB, 2007-08)

This field study evaluated a newer and older dozer at a construction site. Jolting and jarring measurements were taken at the seat/operator interface and at the floor of the cab. The result of this field study indicates that the newer dozer was better than the older dozer. (PDF, 202 KB, 2003)

The purposes of this paper are to analyze the performance and dynamic response of driver/operator when subjected to different levels of vibration due to rough road conditions depicted in a mine field, and to quantify the energy transmission in the presence of seat padding with special characteristics and active suspension.  (PDF, 98 KB, 2008)

This report documents the code development of special features for a computer model, random virtual human motions and behaviors, which made it possible for researchers to study hazardous interactions, such as contacts between the operator and machine. (PDF, 1323 KB, 2004-03)

The purpose of this investigation was to analyze factors influencing struck-by accidents during tramming of a continuous mining machine using digital human model simulations driven by actual human motion analysis with a variety of subjects, postures, facing orientations, environmental constraints, and machine characteristics. (PDF, 1045 KB, 2007)

The purpose of this study was to examine the lifting capacity of low-seam coal miners in four restricted postures (roof heights of 36", 40", 44", and 48"), investigate the associated metabolic costs, and to examine electromyographic (EMG) data from eight trunk muscles during the lifting procedure. (PDF, 263 KB, 1997)

The Bureau of Mines performed a pilot study examining the effects of posture on back strength and Maximum Acceptable Weight of Lift on six healthy male subjects (M = 32 years + 4 SD). (PDF, 311 KB, 1997)

This study evaluated spinal loads associated with lifting and hanging heavy mining cable in a variety of postures. (PDF, 702 KB, 2002)
                                     

Coal miners often handle heavy electrical power cables, weighing up to 10 kg per meter. These cables are manually lifted and attached to the mine roof to prevent damage from mobile underground equipment. (PDF, 387 KB, 2001)

Hand scaling is a physically demanding job and is responsible for numerous overexertion injuries in mining. This experiment studied rib scaling from an elevated bucket to examine force generation capabilities and electromyographic responses to a prying subtask. It was concluded that miners should scale points on the rock face that are below their knees, and reposition the bucket as often as necessary to do so. Additional research is needed to fully understand the impact of bar type on the physical demands of an entire scaling task. (PDF, 159 KB, 2006)

This study examined musculoskeletal injury risk at four mining sites: underground coal, underground limestone, surface copper, and surface phosphate. (PDF, 2334 KB, 2004-08)

The objective of this study was to systematically characterize the ergonomic hazards associated with excavating operations. (PDF, 842 KB, 2001)
                            

In 2004, management at Unimin's Gleason, TN operation began implementing ergonomic interventions specifically targeted to reduce risk of musculoskeletal injuries (MSls). This paper discusses ergonomic interventions that were successfully implemented using a bottom-up approach to reducing the risk of injury.  (PDF, 953 KB, 2007-02)

Many mining companies apply ergonomic principles, but it is done either informally and/or reactively. This paper discusses how Vulcan Materials Company applied ergonomic principles and the interventions implemented to reduce risk factor exposures. (PDF, 430 KB, 2007-11)

This paper reports the results of a study performed to evaluate ergonomic exposures among operators of heavy construction equipment. It also provides recommendations for reducing ergonomic exposures such as vibration and postural stress. (PDF, 314 KB, 2002)

This paper describes the underground mine trials and the testing done to evaluate properties of the viscoelastic foams. The paper also discusses the development of an analytical model using the data from underground trials and the foam testing. (PDF, 157 KB, 1997-06)

This document describes how Bridger Coal Company implemented an ergonomics process at its Jim Bridger Mine from 2001 through 2004. The process developed by the Ergonomics Committee, the promotion of the process to management and employees, and the impacts of the process on working conditions at the mine are reviewed. Barriers overcome and lessons learned are also described. (PDF, 6094 KB, 2006)

The US Bureau of Mines conducted an evaluation of roof-bolting tasks performed at an underground coal mine concerned about early warning signs of cumulative trauma. (PDF, 620 KB, 2001)

This paper presents details of the process integration, and several examples of task-specific interventions that reduced exposure to risk factors as a result of a partnership between NIOSH and the Badger Mining Croporation. (PDF, 500 KB, 2008-03)

The health and financial costs of cumulative injuries are plaguing the mining industry. Many mines are realizing that the only way to tackle their most costly injuries, cumulative injuries, is to make the proactive choice to understand those injuries, their root causes and to make workplace changes to prevent them from occurring. The benefits of a formalized approach to reducing these injuries along with examples is presented.  (PDF, 139 KB, 2007-02)

NIOSH researchers assert that the use of a realistic scenario interview will result in frank and detailed responses from face crew members. This approach provides an effective means of acquiring worker perceptions of the types of hazards that exist, the relative magnitude of the hazards, and what could be done to reduce or eliminate hazards. (PDF, 770 KB, 1998-10)

Thirty-six human lumbar motion segments were fatigue tested using spinal compressive and shear loads that simulated lifting a 9 kg weight in three torso flexion angles. Results indicated that stellate endplate fractures were associated with increased posterior shear forces and less degenerated discs. The results suggest that prediction of failure modes (e.g., specific endplate fracture patterns) may be possible (at least for older specimens) given knowledge of the spinal loads along with certain characteristics of the lumbar spine. (PDF, 121 KB, 2006-03)

NIOSH researchers conducted a study to evaluate seat designs on low- and mid-coal-seam shuttle cars. The purpose was to gather additional data to support earlier findings that NIOSH seats, with unique viscoelastic foam padding, are improved designs for coal mine shuttle cars. This study included a larger sample of shuttle car operators than a prior investigation. Eight operators evaluated seat designs on the basis of perceived levels of vehicle jarring/jolting and discomfort. Researchers then compared the operators perceptions with field-measured levels of vehicle jarring/jolting. (PDF, 868 KB, 2006-11)

Since 1990 and the publication of the Ergonomics Program Management Guidelines for Meatpacking Plants by the US Occupational Safety and Health Administration, numerous reports of companies implementing ergonomics program have been published. In 2000, NIOSH initiated a long-term project to demonstrate the implementation of an ergonomics process designed to identify and reduce exposures to ergonomic risk factors found in mining. This paper discusses how a large, surface coal mine implemented an ergonomics program and the lessons learned while doing so. (PDF, 1848 KB, 2007-02)

Nearly one-third of the equipment operators in underground coal mines experience adverse levels of exposure to whole-body vibration, (WBV). With input from underground shuttle-car operators, this study addressed a component of WBV that is germane to underground mining - high-energy impacts or shocks. (PDF, 693 KB, 1999-12)

Australian compensation statistics suggest that 22% of all lost time claims in the mining industry are associated with mobile plant and transport. A previous analysis of injury data obtained over 10 years from six mines suggested that the equipment most commonly involved in these injuries were continuous miners, shuttle cars, load-haul-dump vehicles and personnel transport. This paper reports an analysis of the narrative text fields accompanying all reports of injuries associated with these equipment types in New South Wales underground coal mines in the three years to June 2005. (PDF, 265 KB, 2006)

The objectives of this study by NIOSH were to assess driver whole-body vibration (WBV) exposures and recommend interventions to reduce the risk of back-related injuries, particularly relative to vehicle jarring/jolting. (PDF, 1064 KB, 2008-09)

This paper discusses methods for reducing musculoskeletal injuries in mines. It covers the implementation of ergonomics committees, identifying hazards, formulating and implementing solutions, and followup analysis to ensure the effectiveness of changes and to guard against the introduction of new ergonomic or safety hazards. (PDF, 8693 KB, 1994)

Realizing the increased awareness and simple changes are the first steps to reducing knee injuries, NIOSH researchers, along with industry and academia, have developed a training package to educate the mining community about some possible interventions beyond kneepads that may be used to help decrease knee injury rates. This document is an overview of how this training was developed, including a glossary of terms. (PDF, 1010 KB, 2008-05)

Results of this Bureau of Mines study indicate that it may be advisable to reduce the weight of materials that are handled repetitively in the kneeling posture. (PDF, 495 KB, 1988)

Discusses a methodology to evaluate the causes of mishaps to develop recommendations to enhance safety. A specific case involves implementation of remotely controlled equipment in extended cut mining. (PDF, 214 KB, 1997)

The first part of this paper is a review of several new techniques developed to facilitate the manipulation, noise reduction, storage and reuse of captured data, which have a potential to reduce the overall cost of motion simulation and improve its realism. The second part considers the real life problem of reducing a worker's risk from being hit by underground mining machinery in a confined space. (PDF, 63 KB, 2002-04)

Roof screen is often bolted to the mine ceiling to help control hazardous rock falls in coal mines. While the screen prevents rock fall injuries, its installation may expose the miner to musculoskeletal stress. The purpose of this study was to evaluate methods of handling roof screen. Overall, this study showed that musculoskeletal stressors during screen installation were reduced by the proposed intervention. (PDF, 107 KB, 2006)

This review paper describes the current state of knowledge regarding low back pain (LBP) - the causes, risk factors for LBP, effectiveness of treatments, recovery from back pain, and methods that can be used to help control the problem. (PDF, 8693 KB, 1994)

This document presents an integrative review of the methods and findings from 52 studies that were published between 1995 and 2002 and examined the relationship between long work hours and selected health outcomes. The review indicates that the influence of long working hours on health and safety involves a complex interaction of a number of factors. The authors recommend issues and priorities to consider in future research. (PDF, 2300 KB, 2004-04)

The vast majority of ergonomics research has addressed the demands of work in standing or sitting postures. However, many workers are often required to adopt postures such as kneeling, stooping, squatting, or lying down for significant periods of the workday. (PDF, 109 KB, 2005-01)

This publication concerns human physical strength testing. Its purpose is not to recommend any particular type of testing, but rather to describe the types of testing available and their uses. (PDF, 459 KB, 1998)

Eight men participated in a pilot study to evaluate the effects of shock and whole-body vibration (WBV) on heart rate (HR), blood pressure (BP), and subjective discomfort. Results indicated the vibration significantly increased the HR, systolic BP, mean BP, the number of times subjects reported discomfort, and overall subjective discomfort rating. When seated in the steel seat, the overall discomfort rating and the number of times discomfort was reported increased significantly. Seatback angle had no significant effect on any of the dependent measures. (PDF, 2333 KB, 1988)

Almost every process has a predecessor, and studying the predecessor helps to define needs and shortcomings to be addressed in the design. This paper illustrates how such an approach was used to assess remote machine operation in underground coal mines. (PDF, 52 KB, 1999-09)

This paper describes a study to evaluate the prevalence of cumulative injuries before and after the implementation of technological advances in underground coal mining and to make a general cost estimate for these injuries. (PDF, 139 KB, 2008-01)

The five top priority hazards associated with underground coal mining equipment have been identified and information about potential contributing factors and controls collated. (PDF, 1393 KB, 2007-10)

This report seeks to provide managers, supervisors, and safety and health professionals with a greater understanding of LBP and low back disability (work time lost due to LBP). It also attempts to improve the understanding of the many factors that influence LBP, provide the latest research information related to its causes, and describe methods that have proven to be effective in preventing LBP and disability. (PDF, 2652 KB, 2008-09)

This article describes some of the solutions developed to reduce the risk of musculoskeletal injuries in rail yards based on 1) reducing the force (or muscular effort) needed to perform tasks; 2) improving the posture of the body; and 3) reducing the duration and/or repetition of physical exertions. (PDF, 1177 KB, 2008-01)

Musculoskeletal injury is a term used to describe a wide range of soft tissue disorders which affect the nerves, tendons, and muscles. The terms repetitive strain injuries or cumulative trauma disorders (CIDs) have been commonly used to work related activities. (PDF, 1382 KB, 1997-01)

This paper describes a study that assessed the repeatability of a cab design checklist developed to evaluate various design characteristics that can influence exposure to risk factors for musculoskeletal discomfort. (PDF, 288 KB, 2007-12)

The U.S. Bureau of Mines reviewed literature relating to the effectiveness of back belts in the workplace. (PDF, 8693 KB, 1994)
                                             

This study assessed the adequacy of cab design and determined the percentage of musculoskeletal symptoms among operators of heavy construction equipment. Workers through a questionnaire adminstered to 189 operators. The results indicate that these workers are at risk for developing musculoskeletal disorders, the need to perform a larger survey to further substantiate the outcome, and the need to quantify risk factors (i.e., whole-body vibration and static sitting postures). (PDF, 118 KB, 2003-08)

Based upon the perturbed performance, increased or more serious accidents, lowered production, higher absenteeism, health problems, familial problems, low morale, and job dissatisfaction due to working nights and shiftwork, the U.S. Bureau of Mines analyzed shiftwork schedule design at mining operations. This paper discusses what mining companies can do if they are considering changes in their shiftwork practices. (PDF, 8693 KB, 1994)

The prolonged exposure of equipment operators to shock and whole-body vibration (WBV) is linked to cumulative back, neck, and abdominal disorders. Researchers at NIOSH, Pittsburgh Research Laboratory, are responding to these issues by investigating viscoelastic foams. (PDF, 327 KB, 1998-03)

This paper describes three mechanical methods - the mobile manipulator, the in-mine hoist, and a cable-handling system - being developed and tested at NIOSH SRL to reduce "handling supplies or material, load and unload" and "moving power cables" injuries. (PDF, 381 KB, 2007-02)

A data analysis of fatal and non-fatal injuries in the sand and gravel industry for the period 1994-2003. (PDF, 874 KB, 2006)
                                              

If we consider ergonomics to be an exercise in matching job demands to worker capabilities, one of the principal capabilities we must be concerned with is that of human strength. The purpose of this chapter is to discuss some of the fundamental principles of strength assessment in ergonomics, so that these procedures can be better applied to control the risk of musculoskeletal disorders in the workplace. (PDF, 449 KB, 2001)

A field study was conducted to evaluate four seat designs on shuttle cars, including two NIOSH-designed seats. Eight operators participated in evaluating seat designs on the basis of perceived levels of vehicle jarring/jolting and discomfort. Results from measured levels of jarring/jolting showed that the NIOSH seat L2A smoothed out bumps better than any other seats. Questionnaire responses showed that operators rated NIOSH seat designs as more comfortable. (PDF, 192 KB, 2003)

The lack of sufficient vertical clearance in some underground mines is an impediment to providing adequate shock isolation systems on mine equipment seats. (PDF, 422 KB, 1997-05)

Discusses a first-generation mobile manipulator that one person can use to lift and maneuver 50- to 600-pound loads. It can be used in maintenance shops and mines to reduce lifting accidents. (PDF, 97 KB, 2006)

The study was conducted to determine whether the kneeling posture alters extension torque capabilities in isometric and isokinetic exercises as compared with standing. A split-pilot experimental design was used to evaluate the influence of posture, trunk angle, and rotational velocity on peak torque output and myoelectric activity during maximal trunk extension maneuvers. (PDF, 679 KB, 1997-08)

Accelerometers and pressure transducers mounted in suspension components can be used to monitor the ride of haulage trucks. When information from a Global Positioning System is recorded at the same time as shock pressures or acceleration date, then the exact location of an event can be determined. (PDF, 447 KB, 1999)

This paper discusses the application of digital human models (DHM) to examine computer-generated forces necessary to move specific joysticks by using roof bolter virtual operators to predict the forces experienced on the operator's upper extremities. Using DHM and simulations of static movements, investigators analyzed predictions of joint moment and joint force effects on virtual operator's right wrist, elbow and shoulder and compared them to different body dimensions and work postures. (PDF, 318 KB, 2007-06)

Like many experienced workers, remote control continuous miner operators perform their everyday jobs making choices and decisions that they may not consciously think about. To better understand what potential cues and feedback help to guide the operators, a questionnaire was developed to learn what factors affect decisions. (PDF, 763 KB, 1998-10)

This article reports the findings of a two phase study to first determine whether or not a sincerity of effort during dynamic trunk motion performance measure correctly identified those giving a sincere effort in a blinded randomized control trial and second to quantify inter-rater and test-retest reliability. (PDF, 143 KB, 2003-02)

This report analyzed MSHA accident statistics for 2002 to explore the relationship between the age of injured workers and their job titles, the severity of their injuries, and the types of accident they had. (PDF, 622 KB, 2005-05)

This report analyzed MSHA accident statistics for 2002 in the U.S. metal ore mining to explore the relationship between the age of injured workers and their job titles, severity of the accident, the types of accident they had, total mining experience, and experience at the mine where they were working when the accident occurred. (PDF, 4423 KB, 2006)

This is a brief description of human factors research in mining. (PDF, 51 KB, 1996-12)
                                                                                      

When the Bureau of Mines started an ergonomics research program in the early 1980s, some quarters of the industry expressed a great deal of skepticism and pessimism that ergonomic approaches could be applied successfully in underground mining. A number of fundamental ergonomics techniques for reducing injuries appeared to be impractical and unusable in many mining locations. This article will examine what the characteristics of successful programs are and what kinds of ergonomic interventions help reduce the risk of injuries in underground mining. (PDF, 3728 KB, 1999-11)

It has been suggested that operating engineers (OEs) are exposed to two important risk factors for the development of musculoskeletal disorders: whole-body vibration and non-neutral body postures. This review evaluates selected papers that have studied exposure to whole-body vibration and awkward posture among operators of mobile equipment. (PDF, 133 KB, 2004)

Growing concern from labor unions, regulatory agencies, and industry about the safety of a prevalent underground coal mining method which utilizes remote control has prompted human factors field evaluation of mining activities. To determine work methods employed by machine operators before and after implementation of the new method, work sampling techniques have been used to provide data about positioning of face crew members at different points in the mining cycle. (PDF, 1075 KB, 1998)

Experience has shown that many ergonomic techniques used to analyze or design standing or sitting work stations often do not adapt well to situations where a restricted posture is adopted. However, recent years have seen an increase in research examining the musculoskeletal risks and physical limitations associated with working in these postures. This chapter summarizes current knowledge in this area and establishes principles for ergonomic design of jobs when working in unusual or restricted postures.  (PDF, 2991 KB, 2006)