Month: April 2017

Assessing Exposure to Physical Risk Factors for Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders and Relevant Psychosocial Factors Among Assembly Workers in an Automotive Component Assembly Plant

Assessing Exposure to Physical Risk Factors for Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders and Relevant Psychosocial Factors Among Assembly Workers in an Automotive Component Assembly Plant
FAZILAH ABDUL AZIZ1, ZAKRI GHAZALLI1, NIK MOHD ZUKI MOHAMED1, and AMRI ISFAR2

1 Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, Universiti Malaysia Pahang, 26600 Pekan, Pahang, Malaysia

2 Safety, Health and Environment Department, Ingress Technologies Malaysia SDN BHD, 48300 Rawang, Selangor, Malaysia

Page 34 – 51   |   Vol. 2, No. 1 (2017)   |    Available online on 1 April 2017

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Abstract

Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) are a common health problem throughout the manufacturing industry. Determination of musculoskeletal disorders and its relevant factors are one the most leading basis for ergonomics intervention programs in the automotive industry. This study was aimed to identify the ergonomics physical and psychosocial risk factors in automotive component assembly plant workers. In total ten workers with different job tasks were observed using Quick Exposure Check (QEC) which is an observational instrument, which allows practitioners and workers to assess four key regions of the body. It was found that automotive assembly component assembly plant workers were exposed to many postural problems while performing automotive component assembly task activities. Results of the QEC scores were found to be very high for the worker’s neck, whereas the scores for the worker’s back (in moving) and worker’s shoulder/arm were found to be high. The workers in spot gun welding process in two workstations including panel member rear cross No.1 spot gun welding assembly process (Line 2) as well as workers at the panel roof side inner spot gun welding assembly process suffered from very high levels of WMSDs at all worker’s main body regions except wrist/hand. Meanwhile, the vibration exposure level is high in most of the workstations. In addition, a very high exposure level for stress has been found in the panel member rear cross No.1 spot gun welding assembly process (Line 2) workstation. Musculoskeletal disorders had a high prevalence among workers in this automotive component assembly plant. The physical and psychosocial risk factors were required to be identified and controlled so that the WMSD’s symptoms can be minimized. The results of this study will be applied to a knowledge-based ergonomics risk assessment system development for assembly plant workers in an automotive component manufacturer.

Keywords

Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs), musculoskeletal disorders automotive component assembly plant, manual assembly process, and manual welding assembly process

Acknowledgement

The authors also would like to acknowledge University Malaysia Pahang (UMP), the
Ministry of Higher Education Malaysia (MoHE) of the scholarship SLAI (Sijil Latihan
Akademik IPTA) and Ingress Technologies Sdn Bhd.

© 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.

Musculoskeletal Symptoms and Ergonomic Hazards Among Room Attendants in Hotel Industries

Musculoskeletal Symptoms and Ergonomic Hazards Among Room Attendants in Hotel Industries

Mohd Nasrull Abdol RAHMAN* and Mohd Syahir Muhamad JAFFAR

Department of Manufacturing and Industrial Engineering, Faculty of Mechanical Engineering and
Manufacturing, Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia (UTHM), 86400 Batu Pahat, Johor, Malaysia

*Corresponding Author: mnasrull@uthm.edu.my

Page 24 – 33   |   Vol. 2, No. 1 (2017)   |    Available online on 1 April 2017

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Abstract

Ergonomic hazards which contribute to Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs) among room attendants were considered as a problem or trouble since these ergonomic problems would affect their work performance for hotel industries. Data for MSDs prevalence among room attendants were collected using Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire (NMQ) and direct observation via Washington Industrial Safety and Health Act (WISHA) Checklist for examining the ergonomic hazards at hotel industries. The highest body part trouble among room attendants in the last 12 months were low back pain (60%), followed by wrists/hands (41.5%), and knees (36.9%). WISHA Checklist results showed that most of room attendants were found in hazard level for risk factors involving awkward posture and highly repetitive motion. All the results obtained showed that the essential ergonomic interventions are needed to eliminate risk of exposures to MSDs among room attendants.

Keywords

Musculoskeletal Symptom, Ergonomic Hazards, Room Attendants, Hotel Industries

Acknowledgement

The authors express sincere gratitude to all hotel industries respondents who had given a great cooperation throughout the data collection for the study. Appreciation also goes to everyone who involved directly or indirectly towards the completion of this research.

© 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.

Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders (WMSDs) among Industrial Packaging Workers in Malaysia

Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders (WMSDs) among Industrial Packaging Workers in Malaysia
Mohd Zubairy SHAMSUDIN1, Vidya VIJAYAKUMAR1 and Mohd Yusof MD DAUD2

1 Occupational Safety and Health Program, Health Sciences Department, Faculty of Engineering and Life Sciences, Universiti Selangor, 4000, Shah Alam, Selangor, Malaysia.

2 Razak School of Engineering and Advanced Sciences, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, 14300, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Page 16 – 23   |   Vol. 2, No. 1 (2017)   |    Available online on 1 April 2017

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Abstract

Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) is an occupational health issue that being actively discussed over the world. In Malaysia, there is a trend of increasing over the years, particularly in the manufacturing sectors. OBJECTIVES: This study aims to investigate work-related musculoskeletal disorder (WMSDs) among manual material handling workers. METHODS: Task analysis was used to determine the work process and identify generic risk factors contributes to the WMSDs. Meanwhile, Work Movement Task Analysis (WMTA) was applied to evaluate specific work-related ergonomic risk factors. Further, the trend of discomfort and pain among workers was identified using body discomfort survey. Relationship between WMTA’s risk score and symptoms of discomfort was determined using chi-square analysis. RESULTS: It showed most of the workers (94%) were considered in the range of moderate risk according to WMTA’s risk categories, meanwhile two cases each for low and high-risk category. While body discomfort survey for neck, back, shoulder and arm and knee and legs respectively revealed 42%, 74%, 89% and 29% of workers had symptoms of discomfort or pain. However, there was no significant relationship between WMTA risk score with discomfort. Besides working postures, other factors also influenced WMSDs. This study suggests body mass index (BMI), smoking habit, psychosocial hazards and general health status possibly seems to predispose to the discomfort symptoms. CONCLUSIONS: The activities were generally in the moderate risk level, which requires further investigation, and need to change when required. Shoulder discomforts substantially among workers mainly affected by pulling, pushing and lifting tasks. Effective control measures and prevention should employ according to the principles of OSH risk management inclusive hierarchy of risk controls. INDUSTRY RELEVANCE: Systematic ergonomic risk assessment consists of task analysis, onsite evaluation and body discomfort survey. Control measures lead by intervention steps on major risks followed by residual risks. This study introduces a new observational instrument called Work Movement Task Analysis (WMTA) as an alternative approach to evaluate WMSDs.

Keywords

Work-related musculoskeletal disorders, ergonomic risk assessment, task analysis, observational approach

Acknowledgement

The authors gratefully thank Minister of Higher Education (MOHE), Universiti
Teknologi Malaysia, UTM (VOT 01J96) and Universiti Selangor, UNISEL (GPB-
UNISEL15/SK-003) for the sponsorship: We have to express our appreciation to Romizan Jathin, Head of Department, Department of Physiotherapy, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) for the vital technical support and loan of the electromyographic system during the WMTA instrument validation phase. We would also immensely grateful to Mohd Sharikh Dali Mahad, Senior physiotherapist, Department of Physiotherapy, Faculty of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Universiti Selangor for sharing his pearls of wisdom with us during the course of this research.

© 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.

The Efficiency Study of Local Exhaust Ventilations Performance Conducted in the Welding Workshop a Case Study at Technical College

The Efficiency Study of Local Exhaust Ventilations Performance Conducted in the Welding Workshop a Case Study at Technical College

Yurizman JAMIL1 and Nor Halim HASAN1

1 Department of Occupational Safety and Health Malaysia, Federal Territory of Putrajaya, Malaysia.

Page 13 – 15   |   Vol. 2, No. 1 (2017)   |    Available online on 1 April 2017

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Abstract

Students who carried out their study in welding workshop may be exposed to health risks from inhaling welding fumes. There are a total of 10 sets of Local Exhaust Ventilation (LEV) system installed in the welding workshop which consists 6 sets – special types of arc welding and 4 sets – special types for welding of MIG / TIG. A total of 7 sets of Local Exhaust Ventilation System that tested the effectiveness for (Capture Velocity) were used to measure the reading at a distance of 6 inches from the air openings and compared with standards set by the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH). There were 3 sets of Local Ventilation system that cannot function due to damage to the circuits and equipment. Scope of the study revolved around the aspects focused on the measurement aperture (hood) where Capture Velocity data were taken and observations throughout the effectiveness of the system. Instruments used were Anemometer, Smoke Tube Tracer Set and Measuring Tape. There was an availability velocity measurement that fails when comparing to the standard that is set for the welding process. There were no maintenance records and test reports of Hygiene Technician II recognized by Department of Occupational Safety and Health (DOSH) as provided under the Occupational Safety and Health Act 1994, Regulations – Occupational Safety and Health (Use and Standards of Exposure of Chemicals Hazardous to Health) Regulations 2000. According to this study, it is suggested to immediately perform maintenance/repairs to the ventilation system and run a full test of the entire system by Hygiene Technician II. Ensure suitable personal protective equipment is used for welding work. Compliance with the requirements of Regulation 17(1) (Use and Standards of Exposure of Chemicals Hazardous to Health) Regulations 2000 that mentions any engineering control equipment provided shall be inspected at each interval being no longer than one month by the employer; and examined and tested for its effectiveness by a registered hygiene technician at each interval being no longer than twelve months.

Keywords

Local Exhaust Ventilation System, Engineering Control Equipment, Welding Workshop, Capture Velocity, ACGIH, USECHH Regulations 2000

Acknowledgement

The authors would like to acknowledge the Department of Occupational Safety and Health Malaysia for the permission of using instrumentations and opportunity to facilitate fruitful research.

© 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.

Study on Non-Ionizing Radiation (Radio Frequency) at Broadcasting Sector

Study on Non-Ionizing Radiation (Radio Frequency) at Broadcasting Sector

Yurizman JAMIL

Department of Occupational Safety and Health Malaysia, Federal Territory of Putrajaya, Malaysia.

Page 9 – 12   |   Vol. 2, No. 1 (2017)   |    Available online on 1 April 2017

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Abstract

Application of non-ionizing radiation is growing in line with the rapid technological developments which impact on human exposure may result in danger if not controlled. As such, MEASAT Broadcast Network Systems Sdn. Bhd. has been selected to be assessed regarding electromagnetic radiation – radio frequency (RF) measurement around its broadcast facilities at ASTRO complex in Bukit Jalil, Kuala Lumpur. This study was conducted on the 3rd and 4th of February 2016. The measurement was encompassed only on the assessment of the electromagnetic radiation (radio frequency – RF) in the accessible areas within and around the ASTRO’S broadcast facilities (about 1.5 meters from the floor/ground). Mapping plot measurements method on the radiation source was made for non-ionizing radiation exposure readings for the electric field and magnetic field (near field) between 1 to 5 meters and the distance (far field) between 10 up to > 100 meters in the area that can be in access. 

The time measurements were taken and recorded for six minutes (RF) for each point of measurement (ICNIRP 1998, IEEE 1991, HWC 1999 and ARPANSA 2002). Measured radiations were assessed and evaluated against the mandatory standard exposure limits and the recommendations issued by the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC). The electromagnetic (RF) radiations present within the ASTRO complex were measurable but of low levels. The electrical field strengths and magnetic field strength were well below the exposure limits stipulated by the MCMC guidelines for members of the public and workers. The determined level of power density measured for the public at all locations around 0.04 μW/cm2 to 0.54 μW/cm2 exposure where the percentage was only about 0.004% to 0.054% when compared to the limits set by the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission. 

Based on the finding of these measurements, it was strongly believed that the presence of non-ionizing radiation emitted by the equipment within the ASTRO complex with the present loads would not lead to any significant radiation exposure received by workers around the facilities. Based on observation and preliminary inspection, at some places, especially those which were very close to the transmitting and receiving antennas, are expected to experience much higher radiation level than what was observed during the survey. This is because the range of frequencies produced by the antenna is more focused on the micro-wave frequency. It is, therefore, strongly recommended that limited accessing to these antennas to be provided with proper control measure such as by putting up radiation warning signs and notices at their entrance so that chances form personnel to get any significant or unnecessary exposure to radiation can be minimized.

Keywords

Non-Ionizing Radiation, Electromagnetic Field, Radio Frequency, Broadcasting Sector, Electric Field, Magnetic Field, Near Field, Far Field, Mandatory Standard Exposure Limits, MCMC

Acknowledgement

The authors would like to acknowledge the Department of Occupational Safety and Health Malaysia for the permission of using instrumentations and opportunity to facilitate fruitful research.

© 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.

A Study on the Usage of Blood-Volume-Pressure as a Driver’s Mental Workload Evaluation Tool

A Study on the Usage of Blood-Volume-Pressure as a Driver’s Mental Workload Evaluation Tool
Ahmad Khushairy Bin MAKHTAR1 and Makoto ITOH2

1 Department of Risk Engineering, University of Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, University Teknologi MARA (UiTM), Shah Alam, Malaysia

2 Faculty of Engineering, Information and Systems, University of Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan

Page 1 – 8   |   Vol. 2, No. 1 (2017)   |    Available online on 1 April 2017

Full text

Abstract

Estimating a driver’s mental workload level is challenging part nowadays. In this study, an experimental investigation was conducted to explore mental workload using blood-volume-pressure (BVP) and electrocardiogram (ECG) signals. Participants performed two secondary tasks at two levels of task difficulty and also in two types of traffic conditions. The results show that increasing task difficulty seems to increase heart rate (HR) and reduce the heart rate variability (HRV) data simultaneously. Especially, data for HR was high when the drivers were performing the most difficult task for the mathematical arithmetic task. Results from BVP and ECG also show that they correlate each other showing that BVP can be used as a potential candidate as a mental workload measurement tools. Potential applications of this research include developing a method to estimate a driver`s mental workload level through blood volume pressure as the main measurement for evaluation of mental workload as it is non-intrusive to drivers.

Keywords

Driver, Mental Workload, Heart Rate, Heart Rate Variability, Blood Volume Pressure

Acknowledgement

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© 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.