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Mining Publication: Evaluation of Work Positions used by Continuous Miner Operators in Underground Coal Mines
Keywords: Continuous miners Equipment operation Fixed or awkward postures
This page is archived for historical purposes and is no longer being maintained or updated.
Original creation date: October 2009
Authors: JR Bartels, CC Jobes, JP DuCarme, TJ Lutz
Conference Paper - October 2009
Download PDF Document (0.19 MB)
NIOSHTIC2 Number: 20036014
Proc Hum Fact Erg Soc 53rd Ann Meeting, October 19-23, 2009, San Antonio, Texas. Santa Monica, CA: Human Factors and Ergonomics Society, 2009 Oct; 53:1622-1626
Operation of underground coal mine mobile equipment is usually done in a restricted workspace with reduced visibility. This work environment puts machine operators in awkward postures for tasks that require awareness of their surroundings and fast reactions to avoid hazardous situations. Using experienced equipment operators as a source, researchers conducted an investigation that developed a method to gather data on the needs and practices of machine operators while controlling the machine and the reasons for needing particular operational cues. The method used was an interview technique including a survey questionnaire and visual aids. The data gathered defined operator cues and work positions for the cutting and tramming phases of remote controlled continuous mining machines used in underground coal mines. Analysis techniques to determine which cues an operator sees from a variety of positions utilizing a computer simulation is shown to be potentially useful to the mining industry for design of work practices and workplace layout and could impact equipment design and selection for improved worker safety. Conclusions indicate that the survey was a good research tool to collect data and helped investigators understand important visual cues. Using this information, researchers were able to analyze the visual cues an operator can see from a given work position and posture.
Image of publication Evaluation of Work Positions used by Continuous Miner Operators in Underground Coal MinesConference Paper - October 2009
Download PDF Document (0.19 MB)
NIOSHTIC2 Number: 20036014
Proc Hum Fact Erg Soc 53rd Ann Meeting, October 19-23, 2009, San Antonio, Texas. Santa Monica, CA: Human Factors and Ergonomics Society, 2009 Oct; 53:1622-1626
See Also
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Characteristics of Gait in Restricted Vertical Space Versus Unrestricted Walking
Effects of Lifting in Four Restricted Postures
An Ergonomic Evaluation of Excavating Operations: A Pilot Study
NIOSH Hazard ID 1 - Exposure to Silica Dust on Continuous Mining Operations Using Flooded-Bed Scrubbers
Programmable Electronic Mining Systems: Best Practice Recommendations (In Nine Parts): Part 2: 2.1 System Safety
Programmable Electronic Mining Systems: Best Practice Recommendations (In Nine Parts): Part 8: 6.0 Safety File Guidance
Technology News 539 - Identifying The Benefits Of Engineering Noise Controls Through A Business Case
Underground Test Results of a Laser-Based Tram Control System for a Continuous Miner
Using Coal Miners' Experience To Identify Effective Operating Cues
Page last reviewed: April 1, 2015
Page last updated: April 1, 2015
Content source: National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Mining Program
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