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

doi:10.56201/ijemt.v10.no11.2024.pg197.238

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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

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

Abstract

Keywords

References

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