Overview
Key words: Occupational health and safety, musculoskeletal injury prevention, research framework, intervention study
Timeline: December 2017 - present
Researchers: Tammy Eger (Principal Investigator, Laurentian University), Alison Godwin (Laurentian University), Sandra Dorman (Laurentian University), Kelsey Whelan (Laurentian University)
Funder: CRE-MSD
Project type: Seed grant
Partners: Kirkland Lake Gold (Macassa Operations)
Sector/Workplace type: Mining
Themes:
Theme 3 Hazard identification and risk assessment
Theme 4 Interventions
Theme 5 Implementation
Background/rationale
Considering the high prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders within the mining sector, an increase in MSD prevention and education research is critical for the improvement of worker health and safety. This study seeks to determine the effectiveness of targeted ergonomic interventions in conjunction with a participatory MSD Prevention Program in the reduction of MSD risk factors within a targeted mining population. This project will provide a comprehensive approach to MSD risk factor identification and prevention strategies that can be disseminated across industries. Lastly, the amalgamation of workplace interventions and a MSD Prevention Program will increase communication and decision latitude within the workplace.
Research question/objectives/methods
A participatory ergonomics approach guided by a research framework will be used to implement an MSD Prevention Program for core shack workers at a northern Ontario mine site. The program will be designed to quantify MSD hazards, identify potential MSD risk reduction interventions through group discussion, use evidence based research to quantify risk reduction benefits of the proposed interventions, and ultimately use objective and subjective measures to evaluate MSD risk reduction post implementation of the selected intervention strategies.
Key findings
In progress
Implications for the prevention of MSD
In progress
Knowledge dissemination
In progress
Contact
For more information please contact Tammy Eger at teger@laurentian.ca.