Assessing the impact of job demands and hazardous workload activities on musculoskeletal symptoms in stone, sand, and gravel mining operations.

This article focuses on an exploratory study examining associations between job demands, work-related hazards, and musculoskeletal symptoms (MSS) among stone, sand, and gravel mine workers in Indiana. Using survey data from 459 workers and measures adapted from the Dutch Musculoskeletal Questionnaire (DMQ), the study found that dynamic and static loads—such as bending, twisting, awkward postures, pushing/pulling heavy loads, repetitive movements, and use of vibrating tools—significantly increased the likelihood of MSS in the low back, neck/shoulder, and wrist/hand regions. The findings suggest that these workload factors should be controlled or abated through ergonomic interventions, engineering controls, and administrative measures to reduce musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) in this mining sector. The study highlights the need for further applied ergonomic research and evaluation of potential technologies, such as exoskeletons, to protect worker health and safety.