César O. Ramírez-García

Introduction: Large-scale mining is essential for economic development; however, it involves significant occupational hazards and public health implications, particularly during exploitation. Objectives: To map and synthesize occupational hazards, associated risk factors, and reported preventive and control measures in large-scale mining. Methods: A PRISMA-ScR scoping review searched ScienceDirect, Scopus, and Web of Science through 11 September 2026. Peer-reviewed primary research published in English from 2015 to 2026 was eligible. No open-access restriction was applied. Results: The searches retrieved 268 records (ScienceDirect 167, Scopus 79, Web of Science 22); after nine duplicates were removed, 259 records were screened. Eligibility assessment across the complete review process resulted in the inclusion of 30 primary research reports. Dust and particulate matter were reported in 9/30 reports (30.0%), accident-severity determinants in 9/30 (30.0%), heat in 3/30 (10.0%), and noise in 3/30 (10.0%). Preventive approaches spanned engineering, administrative, organizational, OHS-management, and PPE measures, although most were recommended rather than formally evaluated. Conclusions: The evidence confirms the multidimensional nature of occupational hazards during large-scale mining exploitation and the need for longitudinal evaluation of preventive interventions.

Teachers in schools often face working conditions imposed by educational institutions that can pose ergonomic risks and affect their health. This research aims to determine the presence of musculoskeletal disorders and the ergonomic risk factors associated with this population. We collected anthropometric data, assessed musculoskeletal symptoms using the Nordic Kuorinka questionnaire in 134 teachers, and analyzed their workplaces using the ERGO/IBV software. The results include an anthropometric description, highlighting that 94% of women and 87% of men are overweight or obese. It also shows the presence of musculoskeletal discomfort, with 69% and 49% of teachers reporting neck and back/lumbar pain, respectively. Among the main attributions to these discomforts, teachers mention that repetitive tasks, improper postures, and stress are the causes. Finally, the results of the ergonomic assessment are mentioned. Using the rapid entire body assessment method, a high and very high risk level was identified for each subtask, while in respect to repetitive tasks, the neck was identified as the most critical area due to the activities performed. In conclusion, we found an association between back/lumbar pain and body mass index, suggesting that overweight or obesity may increase the risk of musculoskeletal disorders. Additionally, cervical pain is directly related to the repetitive tasks performed by teachers.