Occupational Health in Chilean Copper Mine Workers: A Scoping Review of Literature (2008-2019)

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.14482/sun.37.3.613

Keywords:

Mining, Occupational health, Working conditions, Occupational risks, Occupational diseases, Men’s health

Abstract

Introduction: the present article presents the results of a literature review on the health
of mine workers on the Chilean copper market. Objective: To depict the evidence produced
regarding the diseases that affect the health of Chilean mine workers.


Method: A scoping review, indexed on scientific journals and other sources, for the 2008-
2019 period, centered on the analysis of 20 documents that reported empirical results.


Results: The main physical conditions of copper mine workers were found to be problems
related to high-altitude work, the inhalation of silica dust, and noise exposure; eating and
musculoskeletal disorders, cardiovascular and respiratory disorders, accidents, and low
back pain. Regarding mental health conditions, the following were highlighted: psychological demands, the impact on the sleep quality due to shift work, fatigue, anxiety, depression,
violence on subcontractors, and worsening of life standards after relocation, due to silicosis.


Discussion: working in copper mine impacts the global health of workers, increasing the
exposure to health conditions that increases the sense of suffering and worsens their quality of life.

Author Biography

José Matamala Pizarro, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Valparaíso

Pontificia Universidad Católica de Valparaíso. Programa Doctorado en Psicología. Dirección Avda. El Bosque 1290, Viña del Mar.

Published

2022-01-19

How to Cite

Matamala Pizarro, J. (2022). Occupational Health in Chilean Copper Mine Workers: A Scoping Review of Literature (2008-2019). SCIENTIFIC JOURNAL SALUD UNINORTE, 37(3), 803–827. https://doi.org/10.14482/sun.37.3.613

Issue

Section

SYSTEMATIC REVIEWS (WITHOUT META-ANALYSIS)