Establishing an index for monitoring occupational health and well‐being of coal mines: Consideration of individual characteristics

Abstract

AbstractIt is crucial to enhance employee occupational health and well‐being (OHW) for the well‐run and prosperity of the industry, but there is very limited knowledge on the assessment of miners' well‐being that differs from person to person. Within this study, a new more direct method, as well as an instrument was constructed to measure the OHW through data analysis based on a representative sample of coal miners (N = 1037). Initially, the causal pathway of job stress and health consequences was characterized by the driving force‐pressure‐state‐impact‐response (DPSIR) model. The OHW index was represented by hazards, vulnerability, and severity through the data envelopment analysis and stochastic frontier approach method. The result was that the severity of the consequences of inadequate organizational response was the dominant factor. 75% of employees with poor OHW work in mining, and digging areas, including various drivers and support workers. This study provides an innovative and complete description of the interaction mechanisms among job stress, job burnout, and health outcomes. It demonstrates that a three‐level assessment method, namely hazards‐vulnerability‐severity, can effectively identify hierarchical management points. We provide metrics, objective data, and evidence‐based recommendations on stress and health management for miners.