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.

Employee turnover has been linked to negative business performance outcomes, increased costs, and disruptions to operations. Research to explore predictors of turnover intention is important to the mining industry, including the stone, sand, and gravel mining (SSGM) industry. Safety climate has been linked to job satisfaction and reductions in turnover intention in other fields, but investigation within SSGM has virtually been non-existent, creating a knowledge gap. This research seeks to address this dearth of information. Cross-sectional data from 452 workers in the SSGM industry were analyzed to assess the influence of safety climate on turnover intention through job satisfaction. Mediation analyses showed that job satisfaction significantly mediated the relationship between safety climate and turnover intention. The implications of these novel findings are important for SSGM administrators. It suggests that bolstering safety programs and increasing safety climate perceptions will help increase job satisfaction and reduce turnover intention among workers in the SSGM industry.

There is little data delineating relationships between health and worker musculoskeletal symptoms (MSS), particularly among stone, sand, and gravel mine (SSGM) workers. There is also little data detailing the relationships between physical activity and MSS among these workers. A cross-sectional study using data from 459 SSGM workers was completed. Logistic regression analyses assessed relationships between health factors, physical activity, and low back, neck, shoulder, and knee MSS. Those who reported their health as very good/excellent were less likely to suffer low back and knee MSS. Those who indicated their health was poor/fair were more likely to suffer shoulder, neck, and knee MSS. Obese workers were more likely to experience knee MSS and those who smoked in the past had higher odds of neck MSS. Vigorous physical activity was mostly protective, but those performing more than 5 h of moderate physical activity each week had greater odds of shoulder and neck MSS. Given these results, workers in SSGM may benefit from targeted interventions that bolster vigorous physical activity and improve health. Further, health protection efforts need to be initiated by SSGM operations to address work issues and to sustain health as job roles and work hours impacted MSS as well.

Background: Research has shown that long work hours and overtime are associated with health impairment, including stress, burnout, and overall health. However, this has not been thoroughly assessed among stone, sand, and gravel mine workers. As such, this study examined whether significant differences in stress, burnout, and overall health existed among workers that worked different hours each week. Methods: ANOVA analyses were completed for the outcome variables (stress, burnout, and health status). Each analysis included three categorical independent variables: age, sex, and work hours. Age and sex were control variables. BMI was added to the health status analysis as an additional control variable. Results: There were significant differences between work hour groups for all three outcomes. Post hoc analyses determined that workers working >60 h/week had more stress, more burnout, and lower health. Differences were not found between age or sex. There were no differences in health status for different BMI groups, but the interaction of BMI and work hours was significant. Conclusions: Working more than 60 h per week was problematic. Mine and safety administrators should enact programs to protect and promote worker health, particularly among those working long hours, especially if more than 60 h per week.

Background: Musculoskeletal disorders (MSD) are problematic in many industries, including stone, sand, and gravel mining (SSGM). This research aimed to delineate MSD risk factors and to identify protective safety resources that reduce MSD within these operations. Methods: A deductive content analysis of recorded transcripts from a focus group, which included professionals working in SSGM organizations, was completed. Findings: Results suggested demographic and personal factors associated with MSD included age, lack of experience, low levels of physical fitness, and attitudes toward risks. Work factors and job demands included excessive lifting, performing additional job duties, production-focused operations, lack of resources, and work related to maintenance and equipment operation. Suggested safety resources included a focus on worker fitness, resource adequacy, pay and benefits, the SLAM (Stop, Look, Analyze, and Manage) process and positive safety culture. Conclusion: This qualitative research project utilized mine experts to identify demographic, personal, work, and job demand factors they perceive or know to be associated with MSD. Safety programs suggested by these same experts to reduce MSD were also presented. Application to Practice: Occupational health and safety practitioners and mine administrators should focus on the identified factors in their work to prevent MSD within SSGM operations. Safety efforts need to include integrated programs that promote health and fitness as well. These efforts should be implemented along with recommended programs such as SLAM and the provision of appropriate safety resources to minimize risks. These efforts should promote the importance of safety and will help with bolstering a positive safety culture.

BACKGROUND: Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) and associated musculoskeletal symptoms (MSS) are problematic in stone, sand, and gravel mining. Research is needed to explore relationships between job demands, work-related hazards and MSS. OBJECTIVE: An exploratory study was conducted in Indiana during 2019–2020 to examine associations between job demands, work-related hazards and MSS. METHODS: Through convenience sampling, cross-sectional survey data from 459 workers were collected and analyzed using logistic multiple and binary logistic regression methods. Outcome variables were MSS to the low back, neck/shoulder, and wrist/hand. Predictor variables and MSS measures are based on the Dutch Musculoskeletal Questionnaire. RESULTS: Increased odds of low back MSS were related to dynamic loads (OR = 2.14), pushing/pulling heavy loads (OR = 1.56), torso bending or twisting (OR = 2.36), bent, stooped, or twisted posture (OR = 2.04), uncomfortable postures (OR = 2.07), repetition (OR = 1.67) and vibrating tools (OR = 1.81). Increased odds of neck/shoulder MSS were related to dynamic loads (OR = 1.83), static loads (OR = 1.24), heavy lifting (OR = 1.50), pushing/pulling heavy loads (OR = 1.68), bending or twisting of the neck (OR = 1.82), twisted neck posture (OR = 1.77) and uncomfortable postures (OR = 1.81). Increased odds of wrist/hand MSS were related to dynamic loads (OR = 2.06), static loads (OR = 1.45), bending or twisting of the wrists/hands (OR = 10.52), extended reaching (OR = 3.05), repetition (OR = 5.25), awkward postures (OR = 4.47), working above shoulder level (OR = 2.47), and vibrating tools (OR = 1.78). CONCLUSION: Hazards that increased the likelihood of MSS were identified. These hazards should be abated or controlled to prevent MSDs in stone, sand, and gravel mining. More applied research, including ergonomic assessments to further identify hazards that can be controlled or abated, is warranted.