Systematic literature review of Ergonomic evaluation methods in the mining sector (2015-2024)

Abstract

Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) in the mining sector are frequently associated with exposure to ergonomic risk factors, leading to decreased productivity and increased absenteeism. This study presents a systematic literature review of ergonomic evaluation methods, identified risk factors, and affected body regions, based on journal articles indexed in ScienceDirect, Emerald, Taylor & Francis, Wiley, Scopus, Sage, IEEE Xplore, and Web of Science. From an initial pool of 213 studies, 49 primary studies were selected, 82 % of which were published in Q1 or Q2 journals. The review identifies six individual ergonomic assessment methods (Nordic Questionnaire, ISO/IEC 2631–1, REBA, OWAS, NIOSH, and Risk Score) and two hybrid methods (Bayesian Network + REBA, and RULA + Nordic Questionnaire). Additionally, it categorizes 13 affected body parts (e.g., back, shoulders, neck, waist) and 11 ergonomic factors (e.g., heavy loads, repetitive tasks, vibration, static postures, and work schedules). The findings reveal that a majority of studies focus on underground mining operations, with the Nordic Questionnaire and ISO/IEC 2631–1 being the most frequently used methods. The back and shoulders are the most commonly studied body parts, while vibration and working hours emerge as the most prevalent risk factors. Finally, six challenges are proposed to address current research gaps, including the integration of deep learning techniques and the evaluation of less-studied joints such as the wrist and elbow. This review provides a valuable foundation for researchers and mine safety professionals seeking to advance ergonomic assessment in mining environments.