Journal of Ergonomics

Introduction: Work-related fatigue is a source of concern, even in most industrialized countries. One of the most important factors influencing an employee’s physical and mental condition is the degree to which employees are able to recover from fatigue and stress after work. Factors such as workload can cause fatigue in workers. The aim of this study was using the need for recovery scale to assess workload in mine workers and its relationship with demographics.

Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 80 workers of a mine were surveyed. The data gathering tools used in this study were demographic characteristics questionnaire and the need for recovery scale. The scale assesses the workers workload with 11 two-optioned phrases. Mean, standard deviation, and Pearson’s correlation coefficient and ANOVA tests were used in order for data analysis.

Results: Mean (SD) score of the need for recovery scale was 55.22 (23.93), indicating moderately high workload in the workers. A total of 58.7% of workers experienced high levels of workload. Among the demographics, only body weight had a significant relationship with the need for recovery score (P value = 0.043).

Conclusions: Due to the relatively high need for recovery in the study population, solutions should be employed, such as reducing the workload, use of work-rest schedules, performing heavy tasks within teams, and providing conditions for proper and enough recovery after work, which can increase health conditions of workers.