RISK FACTORS FOR HEALTH DISORDERS IN COPPER-NICKEL MINERS IN THE KOLA POLAR REGION

It is known that copper-nickel miners constitute a group of workers with an increased risk of common and occupational diseases due to the influence of a complex of harmful factors of the working environment and working process The purpose of the study was to investigate the effect of working conditions and duration of work on the formation of health disorders in 1151 miners, engaged in production of copper-nickel ore in the Kola Polar region. It was found that the workers engaged in tunneling and blasting are at the highest risk of developing health problems, particularly diseases of the musculoskeletal system (36.0 % of all cases). The number of diseases diagnosed in one worker of different occupations ranges from (3.22 ± 0.32) cases (in sinkers) to (2.29 ± 0.28) cases (in electric welders). An important risk factor for health problems among miners of all professions is the length of seniority. Compared to the initial period of labor activity (up to 5 years), the prevalence of all health disorders per 100 workers increased by 1.50, 2.09, 2.70 and 3.47 times for the seniority of 6-10 years, 11-15 years, 16-20 years and more than 20 years, respectively. A direct correlation was established between the duration of the employee's experience and the number of his health disorders (r = +0.486). The conclusion is made about the need to prevent health disorders, especially diseases of the musculoskeletal system, from the very beginning of the miners professional career.

working conditions, work experience, miners, copper-nickel ores, state of health, Kola Polar region