title: Ergonomics in the arctic - a study and checklist for heavy machinery in open pit mining.
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.
authors: Finnish Institute of Occupational Health, Helsinki, Finland.|University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland.
authors: Arto
authors: A
authors: Reiman
authors: Finnish Institute of Occupational Health, Helsinki, Finland.
authors: Erja
authors: E
authors: Sormunen
authors: Finnish Institute of Occupational Health, Helsinki, Finland.|Clemson University, Department of Psychology, Clemson, SC, USA.
authors: Drew
authors: D
authors: Morris
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001110:Arctic Regions; D057189:Checklist; D006804:Ergonomics; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008906:Mining / Q000295:instrumentation*; D016272:Occupational Health; D012449:Safety
keywords: Design science; occupational health and safety; operator; participatory ergonomics; work system