Submit your papers Submit Now
International Peer-Reviewed Journal
For Enquiries: editor@iiardjournals.org
📄 Download Paper

Examining Worker Fatigue and Labor Shortages in the U.S. Mining Industry: Implications for Safety and Productivity

Ishmael Kwadwo Afful, Gideon Olugbenga Toriola, David Coleman, Olugbenga, Olayinka Taiwo

Abstract

Briefly summarize the paper in about 150–250 words. The abstract should introduce the U.S. mining industry, highlight evidence that round?the?clock operations, dim lighting, heavy noise and long commutes cause worker fatigue (Cunningham & Guerin, 2022), and note that fatigue is associated with increased injury risk and productivity losses (Dembe et al., 2005; Cunningham & Guerin, 2022). It should also explain that the industry’s workforce is aging—baby?boom workers make up roughly one?third of the workforce and are poised to retire, leaving too few younger workers to replace them (National Research Council, 2013)—and that mining engineering programs and faculty are insufficient to meet future needs (National Research Council, 2013). Clearly state the objectives (to examine relations between extended work hours, fatigue, labor shortages, safety outcomes and productivity) and outline the methodology (mixed?methods analysis of injury records, workforce statistics and survey data). Summarize the main findings and end with key recommendations for fatigue?risk management, workforce development and policy.

Keywords

Mining industry; fatigue; shift work; labor shortage; safety; productivity; workforce development

References

Banks, S. M., Delbos, R. G., Dembe, A. E., & Erickson, J. B. (2005). The impact of overtime and long work hours on occupational injuries and illnesses: new evidence from the United States. Occupational and Environmental Medicine, 62(9), 588–597. Cunningham, T. R., & Guerin, R. J. (2022). Work-related fatigue: A hazard for workers experiencing disproportionate occupational risks. American Journal of Industrial Medicine, 65(11), 913–925. Dawson, D., & McCulloch, K. (2005). Managing fatigue: It’s about sleep. Sleep Medicine Reviews, 9(5), 365–380. Friedman, L. S., Cooper, S. P., & Brooks, D. E. (2019). Injuries associated with long working hours among employees in the US mining industry: Risk factors and adverse outcomes. Occupational and Environmental Medicine, 76(6), 389–395. Lind, T. (2012, January 5). Inland Northwest mining jobs increase; miners are in demand. Spokane Journal of Business. (Skilled workforce shrinks amid global job pressure as industry enjoys uptick). Lombardi, D. A., Folkard, S., Willetts, J. L., & Smith, G. S. (2010). Daily sleep, weekly working hours, and risk of work-related injury: US National Health Interview Survey (2004–2008). Chronobiology International, 27(5), 1013–1030. Minerals Make Life. (2021, September 17). Minerals mining careers help build our economy for the future (Blog post). National Mining Association. [Data on mining engineering degrees]. Muzaffar, S., Cummings, K., Hobbs, G., Allison, P., & Kreiss, K. (2013). Factors associated with fatal mining injuries among contractors and operators. Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, 55(11), 1337–1344. National Research Council. (2013). Emerging Workforce Trends in the U.S. Energy and Mining Industries: A Call to Action. Washington, DC: National Academies Press. Uehli, K., Mehta, A. J., Miedinger, D., Hug, K., Schindler, C., Holsboer-Trachsler, E., ... & Künzli, N. (2014). Sleep problems and work injuries: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Sleep Medicine Reviews, 18(1), 61–73. Volvo Construction Equipment. (2019). Automation and Digital Solutions in Mining (White paper).