Musculoskeletal Symptoms among Stone, Sand and Gravel Mine Workers and Associations with Sociodemographic and Job-Related Factors

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.

Health, Physical Activity and Musculoskeletal Symptoms among Stone, Sand, and Gravel Mine Workers: Implications for Enhancing and Sustaining Worker Health and Safety

“…Identifying these factors will provide empirical evidence that could influence programs, policies, and initiatives, which could be implemented to curtail MSS and associated MSD and foster and sustain worker health within SSGM operations. The present study expands the recent work by Balogun and Smith [4], who are members of the research team for the present study. Health-related factors not previously examined, including overall health status, BMI, and personal smoking status, including smoking behavior and past smoking experience, are examined in the present study.…”

“…In 2018, MSD accounted for approximately 273,000 nonfatal occupational injuries in the United States [1]. Musculoskeletal problems are problematic across many industrial sectors, including mining [2][3][4]. In a recent study within the mining industry, Balogun and Smith determined MSS were problematic in stone, sand, and gravel mining (SSGM) operations [4].…”

“…Musculoskeletal problems are problematic across many industrial sectors, including mining [2][3][4]. In a recent study within the mining industry, Balogun and Smith determined MSS were problematic in stone, sand, and gravel mining (SSGM) operations [4]. In fact, they determined multiple anatomical body parts and regions are impacted, as many workers reported MSS to the low back, shoulders, neck, and knees [4].…”

“…In a recent study within the mining industry, Balogun and Smith determined MSS were problematic in stone, sand, and gravel mining (SSGM) operations [4]. In fact, they determined multiple anatomical body parts and regions are impacted, as many workers reported MSS to the low back, shoulders, neck, and knees [4]. Because of these problems and given that SSGM constitutes the vast majority (over 80%) of mining operations in the United States, with more than 101,000 employees working at nearly 11,000 SSGM sites [5], more attention needs to be paid to identifying risk factors and curtailing musculoskeletal problems to protect workers, to enhance and sustain health, and to ensure the efficiency of SSGM operations.…”

“…Further, the present study examines whether physical activity, outside the workplace or during times of leisure, are associated with increased or decreased odds of MSS among the workers sampled. Variables of importance from an initial prevalence study by Balogun and Smith [4] were included as control variables.…”