Workplace ergonomics risk assessment in the mining industry

The ergonomics and environment factors have been the main issue for the mining industry for many years, and their profiles are increasing. To ensure an ergonomics work environment, it is possible to require a particular attention especially in this industry sector. Due to lack of ergonomics knowledge and low awareness among engineers in the mining industry, this may lead to become the central issue in Malaysia. The aim of this study is to investigate the physical risk factor associated with work-related musculoskeletal disorder (WMSDs) by using workplace ergonomics assessment (WERA) among workers in the mining industry. Based on the investigation, the action level of the WERA is medium that stated that the tasks need to be investigated further and it requires changes. All physical risk factors involved the five top body regions such as shoulder, wrist, back, neck and leg. These have been identified to have an association WMSDs by previous researchers. There were eighteen subjects selected in this investigation study. Those subjects were chosen according to their job tasks. The results of the analysis were used to improve the process of work, design of the workstation and also improving the work posture to enhance the comfort level of operators. This study is crucial for the mining industry because there is a lack of information and research about the ergonomics issues in the industry. The overall finding indicated that the whole process of selected job tasks will contribute to musculoskeletal disorder either for a short or long time exposure.