Affiliations: [a] Finnish Institute of Occupational Health, Helsinki, Finland
| [b] University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland
| [c] Clemson University, Department of Psychology, Clemson, SC, USA
Correspondence:
[*]
Address for correspondence: Arto Tapio Reiman, University of Oulu, Industrial Engineering and Management, PO Box 4610, 90014 University of Oulu, Finland. Tel.: +358405394987; E-mail: [email protected].
Note: [1] Note: Dr. Reiman’s research work was done at the Finnish Institute of Occupational Health 2012–2014. From the beginning of 2016 has been working at the University of Oulu.
Abstract: BACKGROUND: Heavy mining vehicle operators at arctic mines have a high risk of discomfort, musculoskeletal disorders and occupational accidents. There is a need for tailored approaches and safety management tools that take into account the specific characteristics of arctic work environments. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to develop a holistic evaluation tool for heavy mining vehicles and operator well-being in arctic mine environments. METHODS: Data collection was based on design science principles and included literature review, expert observations and participatory ergonomic sessions. RESULTS: As a result of this study, a systemic checklist was developed and tested by eight individuals in a 350-employee mining environment. CONCLUSIONS: The checklist includes sections for evaluating vehicle specific ergonomic and safety aspects from a technological point of view and for checking if the work has been arranged so that it can be performed safely and fluently from an employee’s point of view.
Keywords: Design science, occupational health and safety, operator, participatory ergonomics, work system
