Sand shovelling and related injuries among sand mine workers in Nigeria

Abstract

This study evaluated work-related injuries among workers manually shovelling sand in Nigeria sand mines locations. The goal was to identify the type, prevalence, and risk factors of injuries. A non-probabilistic sampling technique was used to select 215 workers. Scooping rate, scooping length, shovel weight, throw height, throwing distance, break time among others, were measured and compared with the literature standards. .A modified version of Nordic Questionnaire was used to measure job-related discomforts. The Intensity of shovelling-related injuries was assessed using Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS). SPSS was used for statistical analysis of data. More than 72% of all task variables deviated from the recommended. The measured shovel handles average height (0.98 ± 0.18 m) was shorter than the users’ average chest height (1.21 ± 0.14 m). The sand shovelling task was characterised with lengthy scoping period without break, high speed throwing motion, awkward lifting and use of inappropriate shovels. Shoulder and Low Back Pains (LBP) are the commonest injuries forming 43% of the total reported pains. Pain prevalence decreased with increased age. The study noted the absence of information on, the significance of the right use of shovel and, proper shovelling techniques. The authors, however, recommended the need for the relevant ergonomics training, redesign shovels for sand shovelling and the introduction of new technologies that will reduce manual handling of shovelling task in the developing world.

Keywords

• Injury
• Sand
• Severity
• Shovelling
• Workers