Concurrent Ergonomics Intervention and Implementation of Engineering and Administrative Techniques to Reduce Musculoskeletal Disorders in a Lead Mine

Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs) are one of the most important factors for occupational injuries and disabilities with the back injuries being the most common work-related injuries in different industries. The aim of the present study was to assess risk factors related to MSDs and Ergonomics intervention to reduce these disorders. This interventional study (descriptive-analytical) was conducted on 40 workers in a lead mine. The Nordic Musculoskeletal Disorders Questionnaire and QEC method were used to collect data before and after the interventions. The interventional program included reducing weight of the load، changing height of the unloading surface، job rotation، and workers'' training. Data obtained from this study were analyzed by Mcnemar and Cochran tests using SPSS v16 software. The results showed that the highest prevalence of MSDs in the past year was related to lower back (57. 5%) followed by knees (50%). Significant reduction in MSDs in different body regions was observed after intervention. Based on Cochran test، significant differences were found between prevalence rates of reported MSDs in lower back and knee regions before intervention and 4 and 9 months after intervention (p=0. 002، p<0. 001). Our findings showed significant reduction in MSDs 9 months after the intervention. Therefore، it can be concluded that applying concurrent engineering and administrative interventions as a simple، practical، and inexpensive method aw well as constant monitoring to ensure proper implementation of these interventions in prolonged periods of time may effectively reduce musculoskeletal disorders in small-scale and poor industries.