Prevalence of Musculoskeletal Disorders and Assessment of Workplace Factors: A Case of Coal Mine in Pakistan

摘要

Mining is considered one of the dangerous and risk involving industries of the world. When considering the underground coal mining, it is unique in its health and safety issues. Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs) are one of the major rising issues in the mining industry. Many countries have developed their regulations and framework to overcome this risk but least development in the mining sector of Pakistan has put this issue at back. MSDs in coal miners have not been extensively studied in Pakistan. Thus, this cross-sectional study was conducted in order to find frequencies of musculoskeletal disorders and to assess workplace factors at the underground coal mine. The results open an avenue about the health and safety scenario in Pakistan's one of the crucial industries i.e. Mining. Results show that MSDs have been found in underground coal mine workers and an important issue emerging from these findings is inadequate working conditions and lack of awareness about ergonomics, which may be one of the root causes of health and safety problems.