Abstract: Prevalence and Ergonomic Risk Factors of Work-related Musculoskeletal Injuries amongst Underground Mine Workers in Zambia: Richard

Mining has been characterized by most researchers as one of the most hazardous occupations amongst major industrial activities. Despite regulations, automation and increased attention towards reducing risks through safety campaigns, the mining industry is still associated with higher rates of injuries compared with other industries. Mine workers must deal with a number of subtly harmful risks to safety and health, such as a high concentration of mechanical equipment in a confined space. As a result, mine workers are often exposed to a high risk of WMSIs . Occupational risk in underground mining is much higher than in surface mining .Underground mining involves drilling, charging and blasting to access and recover ore and mine workers are required to perform labor-intensive tasks that can often not be avoided due to limited work space. Since the establishment of Zambia as a nation, copper has been the single largest contributor to the Zambian economy. At independence in 1964, copper accounted for 91% of the total export earnings. This commodity still remains critically important for the Zambian economy. An area of great concern in considering increased copper production and utilization is the health and safety of workers who mine or process the product. According to the Zambia Congress of Trade unions (ZCTU), most employers in Zambia do not pay attention to the health and safety of their employees, as they consider this to be costly. The excesses in WMSIs associated with copper mining in Zambia, indicate the need for more comprehensive surveillance of copper mines. Given the rising number of work-related accidents, there is an urgent need for the development and Abstract: Prevalence and Ergonomic Risk Factors of Work-related Musculoskeletal Injuries amongst Underground Mine Workers in Zambia: Richard KUNDA, et al. Physiotherapy Department, University of the Western Cape, South Africa—Work-related musculoskeletal injuries (WMSIs) are common in both developed and third world countries. Most researchers agree that exposure to ergonomic risk factors is a major contributor to these injuries. Objective: The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of and ergonomic risk factors associated with WMSIs amongst underground mine workers in Kitwe, Zambia. Methods: A cross-sectional quantitative study was conducted using a sample size of 500 workers. A stratified random sampling method according to mining work activity type was used to obtain the sample. Data was collected by means of a structured questionnaire, and the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) was used to analyze data using descriptive and inferential statistical methods. Results were significant at 5%. Results: A response rate of 40.4% (202) was obtained. The 12month prevalence of WMSIs was 42.6%. The mean age of the workers was 40.31 years (SD +/− 8.57 years). Electricians and mechanics reported the highest injury frequencies. The back was the most affected body part. Ergonomic risk factors consistently reported by workers included poor postures and heavy lifting. There were significant (p=0.020) associations between working with the back bent and sustaining a back injury. Significant (p=0.049) associations were also found between injuries of the wrists/hands and grasping an unsupported object(s). Conclusions: This study revealed significant associations between WMSIs and ergonomic risk factors like working with the back bent and grasping Prevalence and Ergonomic Risk Factors of Work-related Musculoskeletal Injuries amongst Underground Mine Workers in Zambia