Mine Health

Sustainability of miners' well-being, health and work ability in the Barents region

Duration		01.03.2012 - 31.12.2014
Funding and budget		Kolartic ENPI 2 630 000 Eur
Position in the project		Partner
Overall objective		The project objective is to provide long term sustainability of well-being, health and work ability among workers in the mining industry. This will be achieved by increased knowledge on how to cope with the environment and to adopt preventive measures for working in the mining industry within the Barents region.
Project purpose		Since work in the mining industry situated in the Barents region is characterized by exposure to harsh climatic conditions the specific objectives are: To identify and analyze the separate and combined risks that is unique for the regional mining industry in the Barents area. To optimize the personal protective equipments against noise, airborne particles, volatiles, vibration, mechanical wear, contamination and injuries in relation to cold protection To produce aids for education and teaching in mining vocational school and vocational high school. To increase knowledge about the mining industries impact on regional development. To find out and minimize the risks for cold related discomfort, decrease in working capacity, excessive physical strain and injuries in the mining industry. To better understand the role of exposure to cold climate on the development and progression of disorders related to mechanical vibration. To improve knowledge on low grade inflammation due to exposure to diesel exhaust, particles and mechanical vibration when working in cold environment. To increase knowledge on how to develop better work processes and tools to reduce the risks for low back pain.
Deliverables		Knowledge of exposure to environmental and work related stressors. Information about the thermal and physiological strain of work. Information about the effects of mining on work capacity and health, both as immediate and long term effects. Information about which needs there are for protection. Monitoring methods (questionnaires, medical screening and surveillance routines, use of standards) and processes for continuous monitoring. Optimized Arctic miner's clothing or its principles. Personal protective equipments with improved usability and protective capacity. A protocol to reduce the risk of slipping accidents. Processes to prevent contamination. Improved cabin ergonomics for better sitting posture, less musculoskeletal symptoms and better alertness. In the maintenance of mining machines, better accessibility to repaired components reduces awkward working postures, accident risks and musculoskeletal symptoms. Learning aids, interactive DVD-programs, guidebooks and guidelines.
Lead partner		Rovaniemi University of Applied Sciences (Finland)
Partners		Kemi-Tornio University of Applied Sciences, University Hospital of North Norway, Northwest Public Health Research Center (Russia), Finnish Institute of Occupational Health (Finland), Norut Alta as (Norway), SINTEF Nord AS (Norway)
Contact		Martti Ainonen +358 40 510 4132