Ergonomic risks in mining companies: a study in Paraiba/Brazil

Area of Science:

• Occupational Health
• Ergonomics
• Industrial Safety

Background:

• Growing concern for worker welfare necessitates ergonomic integration across industries.
• Current corporate practices often neglect ergonomic principles, especially in material handling.
• Mining sector faces challenges aligning operations with ergonomic standards.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify specific ergonomic hazards present in mining environments.
• To propose actionable improvements for mining processes.
• To reduce the incidence of occupational diseases in the mining industry.

Main Methods:

• Conducted a series of on-site plant visits within mining facilities.
• Observed and documented worker interactions with materials and equipment.
• Analyzed identified risks to inform improvement strategies.

Main Results:

• Workers in mining are exposed to a variety of ergonomic risks.
• Existing practices are not fully aligned with ergonomic requirements.
• There is a clear need for implementing healthier workplace practices.

Conclusions:

• Ergonomic interventions are crucial for mitigating risks in mining.
• Implementing proposed improvements can prevent occupational diseases.
• Adopting new healthy practices is essential for worker welfare in mining.