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

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.