Prevalence of work related musculoskeletal disorders in underground mining operations and its impact on work performance

Work Related Musculoskeletal System Disorders (WRMSDs) are important health problems in miners. This study started as a descriptive study to determine the prevalence of WRMSDs in underground blue-collar operations department workers in an underground copper mine operating mechanized production in the province of Rize and was completed experimentally to investigate the biopsychosocial effect of ergonomics training and exercise practices in miners. In the first stage of the research, descriptive information was obtained on 109 people using the Personal Information Form, Expanded Nordic Musculoskeletal Scale (E-Nordic). In the second phase of the study, individuals who had musculoskeletal complaints in any part of their body in the last 12 months and provided participation criteria were included in the ergonomics training and exercise program (n=65). Data before and after ergonomics training and exercise practices were collected using E-Nordic Scale, Minnesota Job Satisfaction Scale, Quick Exposure Check Scale (QEC), BMI, Sit and Reach Test and Modified 'Biering Sorenson' Test. According to the results of the study, the prevalence of musculoskeletal complaints in the last 12 months is %78 (n=109). When ergonomics training and exercise program were compared before and after, a decrease in musculoskeletal complaints was found in nine body regions (p<0.005). Significant improvements were found on QEC scores in all selected tasks, Minnesota Job Satisfaction scores and physical fitness parameters (p<0.001). Ergonomics training and exercise program are effective in combating WRMSDs in miners.