Association between Whole-Body Vibration exposure and musculoskeletal disorders among dumper operators: A case-control study in Indian iron ore mines

BACKGROUND: Dumper operators in mines worldwide are subjected to Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs) due to whole-body vibration exposure. This study evaluated the working-life-Whole-Body Vibration (WBV)-exposure and their association with various MSDs among dumper operators in mines which remains poorly addressed. METHODS: This case-control study in Indian iron ore mines was conducted to compare randomly selected 65 dumper operators and 65 office workers. Data were collected through face-to-face interviews using the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire (NMQ) and were analysed using logistic regression models. RESULTS: The study revealed that majority of the dumper operators were exposed to WBV exceeding the ISO-2631 limits. Compared with controls, the dumper operators had a much higher risk of upper back pain (age-overweight-adjusted odds ratio ORao = 5.37, 95% CI= 1.78-16.20), lower back pain (ORao = 2.72, 95% CI =1.25-5.94), knee and leg pain (ORao = 3.68, 95% CI = 1.22-11.11), and having 2+ MSDs (ORao = 5.05, 95% CI = 1.88-13.51, vs. no MSDs). Working-life-WBV-exposure was higher among dumper operators having upper back pain (mean (SD) = 7.1 (1.91) vs. 5.7 (1.91), p < 0.01) and lower back pain (mean (SD) = 6.63 (2.10) vs. 5.55 (1.71), p < 0.01) compared to those without these MSDs. Older age was associated with higher risk of MSD pains. CONCLUSION: Dumper operators have excess MSDs due to high working-life-WB V-exposure. Their MSDs and working-life-WB V-exposure should be regularly evaluated and reduced.

Automated summary

The study found that dumper operators in mines are exposed to high levels of vibration which adversely affects their musculoskeletal system, especially leading to issues such as upper back pain, lower back pain, knee and leg pain. Dumper operators of older age have a higher risk of MSD pains.