Category: Journal

Workload, Burnout, Emotional States, and Job Performance of Government Employees: An Exploratory Investigation From The Third Wave of COVID-19

Workload, Burnout, Emotional States, and Job Performance of Government Employees: An Exploratory Investigation From The Third Wave of COVID-19

D. Mohd Mahudin1, N. I. A. Zaabar2

1,2 Department of Psychology, International Islamic University Malaysia, 53100 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

1 nordianamm@iium.edu.my

Page 34 – 48   |   Vol. 6 No. 2 2021   |    Available online on 1 December 2021

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Abstract

While studies examining the impact of the COVID-19 on the general population are in abundance, the number of research on its impact on government employees is limited. The present study investigated the levels of workload and the presence of burnout, negative emotional states, and job performance on a sample of government employees in Malaysia during the third wave of the pandemic. Participants (n = 118) answered an online survey with questions about their demographic characteristics, NASA Task Load Index (workload),
Copenhagen Burnout Inventory (burnout), Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale (negative emotional states), and Job Performance Scale (job performance). Results showed that participants reported high workloads and exhibited high burnout and negative emotional states scores. Regression analyses indicated that workload is a strong predictor of work-related burnout and depression, anxiety, and stress, even after controlling for age. Contrary to the expectations, workload did not correlate or predict job performance. The uncertainty and shift in work together with the increased workload brought about by the pandemic affect government employees’ psychological well-being. Future research will benefit from identifying the factors behind the interplay between workload, burnout, emotional states, and other job outcomes, which can then inform the development of specific, theoretically grounded interventions to improve employees’ psychological well-being

Keywords

Workload, burnout, emotional states, job performance, government employees, COVID-19

© 2022 Human Factors and Ergonomics Society (HFEM). All rights reserved.

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Human Factors & Ergonomics Journal (HFEJ), eISSN: 2590-3705  is the official Journal of Human Factors and Ergonomics Society Malaysia.  The journal is published on a biannual basis. HFEJ aims to address current research in the field of Ergonomics in addition to the broad coverage of cognitive ergonomics, user experience, physical ergonomics and others such as transportation, industrial design and industrial engineering. HFEJ is a member of, and subscribes to the principles of the COPE (Committee on Publication Ethics), as such we only accept original work.

Hand Tool Variants Selection Based on Posture Risk

Hand Tool Variants Selection Based on Posture Risk

Kiran Mohan1, Pujara Dhaval Jayendrakumar2, V. Madhusudanan Pillai3, Praveen Sankaran4, Arun C5

1Research Scholar, 2Graduate Student, 3Professor; Department of Mechanical Engineering

4Assistant Professor; Department of Electronics and Communication Engineering National Institute of Technology Calicut, Calicut 673 601, Kerala, India

5 Professor, National Institute of Construction Management and Research-Goa, India

1E-mail: kirannmm@gmail.com

Page 13 – 33   |   Vol. 6 No. 2 2021   |    Available online on 1 December 2021

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Abstract

For a hand tool, varying the dimensional value of the selection parameters leads to different model variants. All the variants are not able to provide postural comfort and safety during work. This study suggests a method to identify ergonomically suitable hand tool variants that provide postural safety and comfort. Ten hand hoe variants used in the study are determined by varying the dimensional values of handle length, handle diameter and blade weight. The dynamically varying postures during soil loosening activity using each variant are identified from the video of hand hoe use. A sequence of image processing operations is used to extract, identify and classify postures from the video. The video-based data of ten women agricultural workers with ten hand hoe variants are classified and analysed for posture risk based on OWAS. The hand hoe variants are ranked based on postural safety and comfort. Thus, this paper presents an approach for the selection of hand tool variants considering posture risk.

Keywords

Hand tool variants selection; Posture analysis; OWAS; Image processing

© 2022 Human Factors and Ergonomics Society (HFEM). All rights reserved.

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Human Factors & Ergonomics Journal (HFEJ), eISSN: 2590-3705  is the official Journal of Human Factors and Ergonomics Society Malaysia.  The journal is published on a biannual basis. HFEJ aims to address current research in the field of Ergonomics in addition to the broad coverage of cognitive ergonomics, user experience, physical ergonomics and others such as transportation, industrial design and industrial engineering. HFEJ is a member of, and subscribes to the principles of the COPE (Committee on Publication Ethics), as such we only accept original work.

Prevalence Rate of MSDs Discomforts among Blue-Collar Workers in Telecommunication Industry

Prevalence Rate of MSDs Discomforts among Blue-Collar Workers in Telecommunication Industry

Kudarsamy1, Nor Hashim2

1OSHE Department, Telekom Malaysia Berhad, Level 12, Menara TM, Jalan Pantai Baharu, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

2Razak School of Engineering & Advanced Technology, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM), Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

1yogginy@hotmail.com

Page 1 – 12   |   Vol. 6 No. 2 2021   |    Available online on 1 December 2021

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Abstract

Blue-collar workers who involve in high and enormous physical work demands within a limited time frame are more likely to be more physically straining and eventually develop work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WRMSDs). In recent years, physical exercise programs have received substantial attention at the workplace because of their association in reducing or minimizing the risk of cardiovascular and musculoskeletal disorders and diseases. This study aims to determine the prevalence rate of MSDs among blue-collar workers in the telecommunication industry. A quantitative cross-sectional survey was conducted using Cornell
Musculoskeletal Discomfort Questionnaire (CMDQ) among blue-collar workers in Telekom Malaysia Berhad (TM). A total of 424 respondents participated in the study. Data were analysed based on frequency & descriptive analysis using the Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) tool. Based on the data collected, the most severe body region is identified to be the low back as well as the upper body parts among blue-collar workers at TM. Nevertheless, the absence of physical exercise and sedentary lifestyle among the blue-collar workers may have
contributed to the results. Thus, further study on physical exercise and WRMSDs is required to explore this issue.

Keywords

Blue-Collar Workers, Prevalence, Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs), CMDQ.

© 2022 Human Factors and Ergonomics Society (HFEM). All rights reserved.

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Human Factors & Ergonomics Journal (HFEJ), eISSN: 2590-3705  is the official Journal of Human Factors and Ergonomics Society Malaysia.  The journal is published on a biannual basis. HFEJ aims to address current research in the field of Ergonomics in addition to the broad coverage of cognitive ergonomics, user experience, physical ergonomics and others such as transportation, industrial design and industrial engineering. HFEJ is a member of, and subscribes to the principles of the COPE (Committee on Publication Ethics), as such we only accept original work.

Prevalence Study of the Risk for Idiopathic Fatigue Among University Students during the COVID-19 Pandemic

Prevalence Study of the Risk for Idiopathic Fatigue Among University Students during the COVID-19 Pandemic

Rashad1, M. A. H. Al-Gafri2, N. Mohd Shaffiar3, M. Hamid4

Department of Manufacturing and Materials Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, International Islamic University Malaysia, Gombak, Selangor, Malaysia1,2,3,4

abdmalek@iium.edu.my4

Page 72 – 80   |   Vol. 7 No. 1 2022   |    Available online on 1 Jun 2022

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Abstract

Ever since the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) was announced as a pandemic by the start of 2020, countries have adopted a quarantine system where citizens were urged to work and study from home. In order to adapt to this new norm, university students nowadays spend most of their time at home either studying or doing housework while not engaging in enough physical activity. This is suspected to increase the risk of developing idiopathic chronic fatigue which is a condition where the affected suffer from bouts of fatigue without engaging in any physical exertion. Currently, there are no available prevalence studies regarding the risk of idiopathic chronic fatigue among university students during this period of COVID-19 pandemic. Hence, this study was made with the following objectives in order to address this issue: (i) To determine the prevalence of idiopathic fatigue syndrome among university students during the COVID-19 Pandemic by using the students’ physical activity level as an indicator. (ii) To determine the correlation between the credit hours registered and students’ physical activity level. (iii) To determine the correlation between students’ physical activity level and idiopathic chronic fatigue. The objectives were fulfilled with the usage of an adjusted form of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) which was distributed via online platforms. 169 respondents participated in the study where they were asked to report on their physical activity during the previous seven days prior to filling the questionnaire. It was found that respondents who have failed to achieve at least a moderate level of physical activity have shown a strong correlation with the prevalence of idiopathic fatigue thus confirming that the lack of adequate physical activity could lead to the development of idiopathic fatigue. This study will contribute information regarding the largely unknown causes and preventions of idiopathic fatigue which serves the community’s health and well-being contributing to the 3rd goal of the sustainable development goals (SDGs).

Keywords

: Idiopathic fatigue, COVID-19 pandemic, University student, International Physical Activity
Questionnaire

© 2022 Human Factors and Ergonomics Society (HFEM). All rights reserved.

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Human Factors & Ergonomics Journal (HFEJ), eISSN: 2590-3705  is the official Journal of Human Factors and Ergonomics Society Malaysia.  The journal is published on a biannual basis. HFEJ aims to address current research in the field of Ergonomics in addition to the broad coverage of cognitive ergonomics, user experience, physical ergonomics and others such as transportation, industrial design and industrial engineering. HFEJ is a member of, and subscribes to the principles of the COPE (Committee on Publication Ethics), as such we only accept original work.

Prevalence Study of the Risk for Digital Eye Strain Symptoms Among University Students during the COVID-19 Pandemic

Prevalence Study of the Risk for Digital Eye Strain Symptoms Among University Students during the COVID-19 Pandemic

F. Mohd Rafi1, M. Z. Misrat2, N. Mohd Shaffiar3, M. Hamid4

Department of Manufacturing and Materials Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, International Islamic University Malaysia, Gombak, Selangor, Malaysia1, 2, 3, 4

 abdmalek@iium.edu.my4

Page 60 – 71   |   Vol. 7 No. 1 2022   |    Available online on 1 Jun 2022

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Abstract

Since the end of 2019, COVID-19 pandemic has swept the world, affecting a wide range of human activities. The adoption of online classes as the medium for teaching and learning is one facet of routine that has affected the university where students will need to spend more time using electronic devices in order to adapt to the new norm due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Prolonged use of electronic devices has been linked to an increase of risk for digital eye strain (DES) syndromes. Currently, no prevalence study of the risk for DES symptoms among university students in Malaysia during the COVID-19 pandemic has been conducted. Thus, this study is required in order to determine the prevalence of the risk of DES symptoms when the COVID-19 pandemic is taken into account. The objectives of this study are: (i) to determine the frequency of DES symptoms among the university student during the COVID-19 pandemic by using the Computer Vision Syndrome Questionnaire (CVS-Q); (ii) to determine the correlation between the total duration of digital usage per day during COVID-19 pandemic and the frequency of experiencing DES symptoms; (iii) to determine the correlation between the credit hours registered and the frequency of experiencing DES symptoms; (iv) to determine the correlation between the use of glasses, contact lens or not (normal vision) and the intensity of DES symptoms. The study included 98 IIUM undergraduate Engineering students [male, n=66; female, n=32] ranging in age from 20 to 27 years old [mean = 22.58; SD = 1.20]. The apparatus used in the study was Computer Vision Syndrome Questionnaire (CVS-Q). Respondents were asked to report the frequency of DES symptoms that they experienced. Moreover, they were also asked to report the intensity of the symptoms. The results reveal that: (i) the average number of DES symptoms was 7.83 [SD = 4.30]; (ii) the average score of the level of the intensity was 1.90 [SD = 0.18]; (iii) the most affected symptoms are headache, an increased sensitivity to light and heavy eyelids; (iv) there is a positive correlation between the total duration of digital usage per day during COVID-19 pandemic and the frequency of experiencing DES symptoms, r (98) = 0.113; p < 0.05; (v) there is no correlation between the credit hours registered and the frequency of experiencing DES symptoms; and (vi) there is no correlation between the use of glasses, contact lenses or not (normal vision) and the intensity of DES symptoms. This study shows that at least one of the DES symptoms would be experienced by the students. In general, the study adds to the body of knowledge about the prevalence of DES syndromes among university students in Malaysia during the COVID-19 pandemic as a result of the implementation of online classes. The study largely contributes to the third Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which is ‘good health and well-being.’ This is owing to the discovery that the prevalence of health and well-being among the student population puts them at risk for DES syndromes, particularly as a result of the large engagement with gadgets due to the online classes.

Keywords

Digital eye strain symptoms; COVID-19 pandemic, college student, Computer Vision
Syndrome Questionnaire

© 2022 Human Factors and Ergonomics Society (HFEM). All rights reserved.

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Human Factors & Ergonomics Journal (HFEJ), eISSN: 2590-3705  is the official Journal of Human Factors and Ergonomics Society Malaysia.  The journal is published on a biannual basis. HFEJ aims to address current research in the field of Ergonomics in addition to the broad coverage of cognitive ergonomics, user experience, physical ergonomics and others such as transportation, industrial design and industrial engineering. HFEJ is a member of, and subscribes to the principles of the COPE (Committee on Publication Ethics), as such we only accept original work.

Evaluation of Health and Safety Related Accident on Construction Site in Nigeria

Evaluation of Health and Safety Related Accident on Construction Site in Nigeria

O.Z. Oni1, A. Olanrewaju2, B.F. Akinbile3, O. Jesumoroti4

 Department of Construction Management, Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman, Kampar Campus, Malaysia1,2,3

Department of Building Technology, The Polytechnic Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria3

olatoyese49@gmail.com1

Page 46 – 59   |   Vol. 7 No. 1 2022   |    Available online on 1 Jun 2022

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Abstract

Building construction site has been viewed as the most dangerous work environment with a significant level of health and safety risk. The study assessed the health and safety related accidents on building construction site in Nigeria. A cross-sectional survey involving 65 professionals and 72 site operatives’ respondents was conducted. The data revealed that Availability of first aid box and well-being amenities on site, Appropriate health and safety threat valuation, Suitable site arrangement and layout, were top among the existing health and safety practice in place on selected construction site. It also revealed that falling from heights, been struck by an object, wide-open to life-threatening weather, were top among the health and safety related accidents. The study concludes that site operative is majorly susceptible to falls from heights and this may be due to their negligence and noncompliance with safety practices; hence these accidents can be reduced through proper safety practice.

Keywords

Accident, Injury, Fall, Negligence

© 2022 Human Factors and Ergonomics Society (HFEM). All rights reserved.

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Human Factors & Ergonomics Journal (HFEJ), eISSN: 2590-3705  is the official Journal of Human Factors and Ergonomics Society Malaysia.  The journal is published on a biannual basis. HFEJ aims to address current research in the field of Ergonomics in addition to the broad coverage of cognitive ergonomics, user experience, physical ergonomics and others such as transportation, industrial design and industrial engineering. HFEJ is a member of, and subscribes to the principles of the COPE (Committee on Publication Ethics), as such we only accept original work.

Risk-Taking Behaviour among Vehicle Users at an Intersection Road

Risk-Taking Behaviour among Vehicle Users at an Intersection Road

N. Yusoff1, N. K. Khamis2, N. Kabilmiharbi3

Mechanical Engineering Programme, Faculty of Engineering & Built Environment, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Bangi, Malaysia1

Department of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering, Faculty of Engineering & Built Environment, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Bangi, Malaysia2

Mechanical Engineering Programme, Universiti Tenaga Nasional (UNITEN), 4300 Kajang, Selangor, Malaysia2

kamaliana@ukm.edu.my2

Page 38 – 45   |   Vol. 7 No. 1 2022   |    Available online on 1 Jun 2022

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Abstract

Up till today, road accidents have shown an increment of cases from year to year. This situation raises concern not only for the respected body that handles this case but also for the public. There are numerous causes that lead to road accidents and one of them is the risk-taking behaviour among the road users themselves. This behaviour might be influenced by factors such as demographics and personal which falls under the character of the road users. Hence, this study is carried out in order to investigate the relationship between demographics and personal factors in the risk-taking behaviour of vehicle users, particularly at the National University of Malaysia (UKM). The method used to gain the data and information is a subjective assessment distributed via a questionnaire among respondents based on the frequency of their usage of the intersecting road in UKM. The process of data analysis consists of several methods including the T-test, ANOVA and Regression. The findings of this study show that all of the items in the section on demographic factors such as gender, age, frequently used vehicle, driving experience, accident involvement and items in personal factors are influenced by other road users, family guidance, accident involvement, awareness of the traffic law enforcement, confident level after involving in an accident, and prevention steps after involved in road accidents does influence the items in the risk-taking behaviour among the vehicle user. The findings from this study have the potential to help the government and certain agencies to identify this risk-taking behaviour among drivers and help reduce the number of road accidents, especially inside the area of the National University of Malaysia (UKM).

Keywords

Risk-taking Behaviour, Demographics, Personal and Social

© 2022 Human Factors and Ergonomics Society (HFEM). All rights reserved.

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Human Factors & Ergonomics Journal (HFEJ), eISSN: 2590-3705  is the official Journal of Human Factors and Ergonomics Society Malaysia.  The journal is published on a biannual basis. HFEJ aims to address current research in the field of Ergonomics in addition to the broad coverage of cognitive ergonomics, user experience, physical ergonomics and others such as transportation, industrial design and industrial engineering. HFEJ is a member of, and subscribes to the principles of the COPE (Committee on Publication Ethics), as such we only accept original work.

Mobile Application Development for Safer Motorcyclists’ Behaviour

Mobile Application Development for Safer Motorcyclists’ Behaviour

F. Mohd Siam1, M. K. Alhapiz Ibrahim2, N. Isah3, N. A. Mohamad4, A. A. Ab Rashid5, A. Hamzah6, A. K. Makhtar7 & K. A. Abu Kassim8

Malaysian Institute of Road Safety Research (MIROS), 43000 Kajang, Selangor, Malaysia1,2,3,4,5,6,8

School of Mechanical Engineering, College of Engineering, Universiti Teknologi MARA, 40450 Shah Alam, Selangor, Malaysia7

mfirdaus@miros.gov.my1

Page 1 – 18   |   Vol. 7 No. 1 2022   |    Available online on 1 Jun 2022

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Abstract

Road accidents in Malaysia especially involving motorcyclists are incredibly alarming. As a result, our country has been suffered significant losses, especially in terms of human capital. Therefore, comprehensive and effective efforts must be taken by all parties, either government or private organizations, to address these critical issues. Malaysian Institute of Road Safety Research (MIROS), as the leading institution that focuses on road safety research in Malaysia, has developed a mobile application approach as one of the initiatives to overcome the problem. This paper highlights the development of the mobile application that be able to measure safe riding behaviours among motorcyclists, which then called as Safer Riders Behavioural Scores (SCORES). The development involved the identification of four variables that contribute to safe riding behaviours, which were stress, fatigue, situational awareness, and hazard perception. The process of measurement, integration, analysis, and results display of the identified variables were performed by the SCORES mobile application. The main page of SCORES contains evaluation components (i.e., rider details and all four variables) and information icons (i.e., contact us, application details, additional participants, main page, participant list with scores, server setting, and user profile). All the recorded data can be accessed and downloaded from the secured server for further data analysis. It is hoped that the SCORES will give benefits to society, particularly motorcyclists for road safety betterment in Malaysia.

Keywords

Mobile application, motorcyclists’ behaviour, road safety.

© 2022 Human Factors and Ergonomics Society (HFEM). All rights reserved.

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Human Factors & Ergonomics Journal (HFEJ), eISSN: 2590-3705  is the official Journal of Human Factors and Ergonomics Society Malaysia.  The journal is published on a biannual basis. HFEJ aims to address current research in the field of Ergonomics in addition to the broad coverage of cognitive ergonomics, user experience, physical ergonomics and others such as transportation, industrial design and industrial engineering. HFEJ is a member of, and subscribes to the principles of the COPE (Committee on Publication Ethics), as such we only accept original work.

I’ve Got Enough on My Plate! The Mediating Role of Job Demands in the Relationship between Psychosocial Safety Climate and Job Satisfaction

I’ve Got Enough on My Plate! The Mediating Role of Job Demands in the Relationship between Psychosocial Safety Climate and Job Satisfaction

S. Rizkina1, N. D. Mohd Mahudin2

Human Resource Development Office of Aceh, Banda Aceh, Indonesia1

Department of Psychology, International Islamic University Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia2

nordianamm@iium.edu.my2

Page 19 – 37   |   Vol. 7 No. 1 2022   |    Available online on 1 Jun 2022

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Abstract

The promotion of well-being and increased work productivity requires good ergonomics where job demands are aligned with the abilities, characteristics, and needs of the workers. However, a different context of work setting may result in a different role of job demands. Furthermore, the current literature has yet to clarify the potential mediating influence of job demands on psychosocial safety climate and job satisfaction. Results obtained from 387 employees in financial institutions in Aceh, Indonesia, confirmed this relationship, validating the indirect effect of psychosocial safety climate on job satisfaction through job demands. Specifically, the results showed that both psychosocial safety climate (B = .422, p < .001) and job demands (B = -.578, p < .001) significantly predicted job satisfaction, with this relationship mediated by job demands (indirect effect B = .108, Boot SE = .05, CI [.025, .197]. These findings highlight the importance of examining job demands and psychosocial safety climate in relation to job satisfaction within collectivistic cultures. The theoretical, methodological, and practical implications of the study are discussed, along with future research opportunities.

Keywords

Employees, financial service institutions, job satisfaction, job demands, psychosocial
safety climate

© 2022 Human Factors and Ergonomics Society (HFEM). All rights reserved.

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Human Factors & Ergonomics Journal (HFEJ), eISSN: 2590-3705  is the official Journal of Human Factors and Ergonomics Society Malaysia.  The journal is published on a biannual basis. HFEJ aims to address current research in the field of Ergonomics in addition to the broad coverage of cognitive ergonomics, user experience, physical ergonomics and others such as transportation, industrial design and industrial engineering. HFEJ is a member of, and subscribes to the principles of the COPE (Committee on Publication Ethics), as such we only accept original work.