The ups and downs of modern mining: Describing the sedentary behaviour of workers in a centralised mining control-room – A pilot study
Document Type
Journal Article
Publication Title
Journal of Health
Publisher
Wolters Kluwer
School
School of Medical and Health Sciences
RAS ID
28145
Abstract
This study measured the sedentary behaviour of seven operators based in a modern, centralised mining control-room over the course of one complete roster cycle (consisting of three dayshifts and three nightshifts). Total sitting and unbroken bouts of sitting were measured objectively using thigh-mounted ActiGraph monitors, and subjectively via activity logs. The average uninterrupted sitting time was 19.5 minutes, which is under the 20- to 30-minute duration recommended by the Human Factors and Ergonomics Society of Australia. However, all participants exceeded 30 minutes on at least one occasion during each shift, and several participants recorded periods of uninterrupted sitting in excess of 4 and 5 hours. This study found that all participants exceeded the recommended sitting time in both uninterrupted bouts and total proportion of sitting time, and very long bouts of uninterrupted sitting (ie greater than 4–5 hours) were recorded. There was also large variation between individual participants, indicating that some workers may be at significantly greater risk of sedentary behaviour-related health impacts. The results of this study support a larger, full-scale study within this workplace setting.
Access Rights
subscription content
Comments
Ho, R., Reed, S., & Cross, M. (2018). The ups and downs of modern mining: Describing the sedentary behaviour of workers in a centralised mining control-room - A pilot study. Journal of Health, Safety and Environment, 34(2), 159-179. Available here