Work-related musculoskeletal symptoms among small scale gold miners and extraction workers in the Philippines

Abstract

It is estimated that in about 30 countries, approximately 13 million people are directly engaged in small scale mining. Small scale mining activities centre on the production of gold in many countries, including the Philippines. These activities heavily rely on manual labour that include frequent or heavy lifting, pushing or pulling heavy objects, prolonged awkward postures, vibrations, and repetitive, forceful, or prolonged exertion of the hands. Thus, workers are exposed to risk factors associated with Work-related Musculoskeletal Disorder (WMSD). This study aims to estimate the prevalence of Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSD) in small scale gold mining and extraction in the Philippines through the occurrence of Work-related Musculoskeletal Symptoms (WMSS). A survey, using modified Nordic questionnaire, of 124 miners from different mining sites showed 95% of the interviewees perceived WMSS in at least one part of their bodies, with highest prevalence in lower back (65%), shoulders (60%), and neck (54%).