Month: June 2019

Ergonomics Risk Assessment Among Infrastructure Construction Workers in Kuala Lumpur

Ergonomics Risk Assessment Among Infrastructure Construction Workers in Kuala Lumpur

Dian D.I. DARUIS1, Baba M. DEROS2, Nishant JEYASEKARAN2

1 Faculty of Engineering, Universiti Pertahanan Nasional Malaysia, Kem Sg. Besi, 57000 Kuala Lumpur Malaysia.

2 Pusat Kembangan Pendidikan, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, 43600 UKM Bangi, Selangor Malaysia.

Page 32 – 40   |   Vol. 4, No. 1 (2019)   |    Available online on 1 June 2019

Full text

Abstract

Increased number of injuries due to repetitive movements, excessive force and awkward postures makes ergonomics an important factor in safety and health at workplace. Statistics showed that musculoskeletal disorders are the main cause of loss of productivity in many countries. This study aims to identify ergonomics risk factors that causes work-related musculoskeletal disorders to workers at X infrastructure construction site located in Bukit Bintang, Kuala Lumpur. First objective of this study was to identify workers’ body part with highest pain and discomfort complaints.

The second objective was to explore the relationship between ergonomics risk factors in construction with the pain or discomfort and finally to investigate the relationship between workers’ socio-demographics with the pain and discomfort scores. The investigations were based on the recent guidelines on Ergonomic Risk Assessment issued by DOSH Malaysia. Discomfort survey forms were filled by conducting interview sessions with the selected respondents from three types of work activity which included bar benders, carpenters and general workers. As there were numerous complaints from respondents based on the Self-Assessment Musculoskeletal Pain forms, Initial Ergonomic Risk Assessment was done by observing the three types of work activity where checklists were filled based on the observation. Referring to results of initial assessment of ergonomic risk, Advanced Ergonomic Risk Assessment was carried out on bar benders as this group of respondents had the highest score in the summary rating checklist of Initial Ergonomic Risk Assessment.

Further assessment of ergonomic risk should be carried out for bar benders as REBA score was 9 where this work process required monitoring and improvement. Study found that there was a significant relationship (p <0.05) between ergonomic risk factors and body pain where upper and lower backs were significantly higher with ergonomic risk factors. Body pain had significant relationships (p <0.05) with socio-demographic factors such as citizenship, working hours and rest hours. Control measures to reduce or eliminate ergonomic risk factors, contractor or employer may adopt and practice control measures by following hierarchy of risk control such as implementing administrative controls which practices job rotation for employees.

Keywords

WRMSDs, ergonomic risk assessment, REBA, construction

Acknowledgement

–

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

Recommended articles

Publish with us

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.

From Tubular Steel to Flat Pack: A Case Study Comparison Between Bauhaus and IKEA Innovation Leadership in Contemporary Design

From Tubular Steel to Flat Pack: A Case Study Comparison Between Bauhaus and IKEA Innovation Leadership in Contemporary Design

Stephen T.F. POON

School of Media, Arts & Design, Asia Pacific University of Technology & Innovation, Malaysia

Page 25 – 31   |   Vol. 4, No. 1 (2019)   |    Available online on 1 June 2019

Full text

Abstract

This paper discusses the enduring influences of the Bauhaus in contemporary design by comparing the movement’s impact on 20th-century social change, and as a model for social inventiveness and innovation through promoting equality of arts for everyone by combining the arts and business. The review of literature and a comparative analysis of similarities and differences between Bauhaus and IKEA helps understand contemporary framing of design innovation, through minimalist styles mass produced for modern cultural consumption. The main findings show that shifts have occurred from classical Bauhaus to present design thinking methods, where pricing, distribution, logistics, and the realities of competitive markets have affected consumer perceptions of value and market notions of design excellence. The paper concludes that leadership in design innovation today calls for more pragmatic considerations of strategic pricing over design and quality. Affordability and price tag are perceived to increase mass appeal and accessibility of mass-designed products for consumer segments, but that comes at the expense of awareness and appreciation of quality, materials, and labour and workmanship costs.

Keywords

Bauhaus, furniture, design innovation, design process, mass production

Acknowledgement

–

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

Recommended articles

Publish with us

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.

Safety at Work Law and Negligent Behaviour in Relation to Public Vehicle Accidents in Cameroon

Safety at Work Law and Negligent Behaviour in Relation to Public Vehicle Accidents in Cameroon

Quinta Ewoh ENCHO¹, Rozanah AB. RAHMAN², Shamsul Bahri MOHD TAMRIN³, Vivien HOW³

1 Putra Business School, Universiti Putra Malaysia

2 Faculty of Economics and Management, UPM

3 Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, UPM

Page 7 – 12   |   Vol. 4, No. 1 (2019)   |    Available online on 1 June 2019

Full text

Abstract

It is not unlikely in Cameroon to be involved in road accidents. The debate as to who is responsible has been a bone of contention among travellers for years. Some have put the blame on the government for inadequate laws and road unworthiness. Others blamed the drivers for being ‘cash crazy’ and reckless while others have blamed the companies for hiring drivers that are not qualified and not putting safety policies in place. In all these cases, the degree of accidents that had taken place on these roads is alarming and someone therefore has to shoulder the responsibility for there to be a change. This article reviews the concept of the law of negligence citing cases of negligent behaviours from all parties involved. The aim of this article is to create awareness on the ongoing cases of accidents, both reported and unreported for government intervention and to raise public awareness.

Keywords

Law of Negligence, passengers, employers, employees, government

Acknowledgement

–

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

Recommended articles

Publish with us

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 Survey on Ergonomics of Industrial Safety Helmet: Thermal Perception​

A Survey on Ergonomics of Industrial Safety Helmet: Thermal Perception

Muhammad Muhsin HAIRUDIN

Institute of Medical Science Technology (MESTECH), Universiti Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Page 1 – 6   |   Vol. 4, No. 1 (2019)   |    Available online on 1 June 2019

Full text

Abstract

Commercial safety helmets offer head protection towards small falling items in working surroundings. In Malaysia, the construction industry is one of the major contributors for loss of life at the place of work. In spite of this fact, the study shows that seven out of ten safety helmets users avoided wearing helmets due to the advanced sense of hotness. This study aims to determine the type of industrial safety helmet use and the thermal perception of the industrial workers. An analytical experimental method was applied. Eighteen volunteers evaluated three different helmet designs. This study shows that active type safety helmet was the most preferred (Mean:4.1 SD:0.758) compare to other types of safety helmet tested and have significant different helmet temperature by ANOVA with a p-value less than 0.001. There is a significant correlation (p-value less than 0.001) of helmet temperature and comfort level of safety helmet with R2= 0.329. Every 1 unit decrease of helmet mean temperature, the comfort scale will increase as much as 0.276. This result is similar to previous research that supports that ventilation improves the comfort level.

The finding of this study suggests that active type safety helmet is most preferred because it has the lowest in helmet temperature. The lower the helmet temperature, the greater the comfort level.

Keywords

Construction, safety helmet, comfort level, thermal perception, ANOVA

Acknowledgement

We would like to express our gratitude to UniKL Malaysia for the support in this study. Not to forget, our sincerest gratitude to all respondents who took part in this research.

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

Recommended articles

Publish with us

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 Effect of Hand Arm Vibration Symptoms among Palm Oil Harvester with the Usage of Cantas Machine in Selangor

The Effect of Hand Arm Vibration Symptoms among Palm Oil Harvester with the Usage of Cantas Machine in Selangor

Mohd Noraiman MOHD FADZIL1, Shamsul Bahri MD TAMRIN1

1Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences,
43400, UPM Serdang, Malaysia

Page 13 – 24   |   Vol. 4, No. 1 (2019)   |    Available online on 1 June 2019

Full text

Abstract

A cross-sectional study was conducted to determine the effect of hand arm vibration symptoms on ‘Cantas’ machine among palm oil harvester in Selangor. Questionnaire survey is use as strategy of enquiry for achieving the objectives. A vibration analyser HVM 100 attached to a tri-accelerometer was used. The vibration level for working hours is 2.30 m/s2 and is deemed safe as specified in ISO 5349-1. The prevalence of hand-arm vibration syndrome (HAVS) based on reported symptoms through questionnaires was 39.4%. None of them reported persistence in the symptoms. The ergonomics risk factor mean score was 2.93 out of 4. The issues on ergonomic design was weight, maintenance, portability, ease of usage and efficiency. In conclusion, regular screening for early signs of vibration-related damage is needed as an important part of preventing the aggravation of health problems. The workers also gained awareness regarding vibration exposure and safe working procedure on using Cantas machine

Keywords

Cantas machine, HAVS, vibration, palm oil industry, ergonomic issue

Acknowledgement

We would like to thank to Department of Civil Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and also laboratory staff from Environmental and Occupational Health Lab, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences University Putra Malaysia for the support. Not to forget, our sincerest gratitude to all the respondent in giving full commitment in this study.

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

Recommended articles

Publish with us

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 Modernist Utopian Vision of Social Equality: The Monobloc Single Moulded Plastic Chair Globalised Design Thinking

The Modernist Utopian Vision of Social Equality: The Monobloc Single Moulded Plastic Chair Globalised Design Thinking

Stephen T.F. POON

School of Media, Arts & Design, Asia Pacific University of Technology & Innovation, Malaysia

Page 48 – 52   |   Vol. 4 No. 2 (2019)   |    Available online on 1 Dec 2019

Full text

Abstract

The discussion in this research is about how the utopian ideology that emerged from designing ordinary products demanded by mass consumer markets triggered the plastic monobloc pandemic and influenced social reformation, both in aesthetics aspects of industrial design applications, and in equalising the global post-World-War II economy. Modernism through mass production processes provides a platform for social response by urban designers, who strive for more sustainable ways to achieve idealised utopian conditions by introducing characteristics of durability, cheapness and sturdiness, while developing mass production techniques. The ubiquitous monobloc chair is an example of social activism in design thinking, as mass manufacturing enables society to afford less costly, everyday furnishing materials such as injection-moulded plastic chairs. From the creative standpoint, many in design fields may disqualify and disclaim the value of homogenous plastic furniture as a tangible expression of social reformation. Nevertheless, monoblocs ride on the mass-consumer utility factor and is promoted from economic benefit rather than aesthetics standpoint. What should we make of this, and how does design modernism fit into the 21st-century ideals of “utopian” society today?

Keywords

Monobloc Chair, Mass Manufacturing, Modernism, Social Equality, Utopia

Acknowledgement

–

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

Recommended articles

Publish with us

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 Case Study: Assessment of Equipment Design, Task and Musculoskeletal Disorders Among Physiotherapists

A Case Study: Assessment of Equipment Design, Task and Musculoskeletal Disorders Among Physiotherapists

Abdul Halim Bin AHMAD ZAKI1,Nor Kamaliana Binti KHAMIS1,Roslizawati Binti NAWAWI2, Muhammad Aizat Bin SHAMSUDIN1

1Centre of Materials Engineering and Smart Manufacturing (MERCU), Faculty of Engineering and Built Environtment, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Bangi, Selangor, Malaysia.

2Physiotherapy Department, KPJ Healthcare University College, Nilai, Negeri Sembilan

Page 41 – 47   |   Vol. 4 No. 2 (2019)   |    Available online on 1 Dec 2019

Full text

Abstract

Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) is one of the most common injuries to the physiotherapists at the treatment center. There are many factors leading to this problem, such as repeated movement, manual handling of heavy equipment, and inappropriate posture. Therefore, the aim of this paper is to identify the risk of MSDs among physiotherapist and investigate the specific treatment designs. This study used questionnaire method that has been distributed to patients and physiotherapist at one of the treatment center in Peninsular Malaysia. Rapid Entire Body Assessment (REBA) was performed also on the physiotherapist to evaluate the effectiveness of the equipment before and after improvements. There were three equipment that have been considered in this study; hydro collator pack, luminous and non-luminous infrared machine. Based on the questionnaire, majority of the physiotherapists were exposed to the risk of MSDs in their occupational task. The REBA’s finding shows there is a decrement of the score after improvement have been made on the luminous machine. Based on paired sample tests on the REBA score before and after improvements, the P value (significance<0.05). It proves that there is a big different in the REBA score after the tools was modified. In conclusion, this study was related to assessments and improvements that can be performed on treatment equipment and the tasks among physiotherapist.

Keywords

Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs), Occupational Safety and Health, Rapid Entire Body Assessment (REBA), Treatment equipment.

Acknowledgement

This study was supported by Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) under grant GUP-2019-019. We would like to express our gratitude to the Faculty of Engineering and Built Environment (FKAB), UKM Malaysia for the support in this study. Not to forget, our sincerest gratitude to all respondents who took part in this research.

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

Recommended articles

Publish with us

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.

Multiple Ergonomic Assessments Analysis on Distribution Workers at Printing Industry

Multiple Ergonomic Assessments Analysis on Distribution Workers at Printing Industry

Nurainaa ABILMIHARBI1*, Syed N.S. KHAIRANI2

1Mechanical Engineering Department, Universiti Tenaga Nasional (UNITEN), 43000 Kajang, Selangor, Malaysia.

2Mechanical Engineering Programme, Universiti Tenaga Nasional (UNITEN), 43000 Kajang, Selangor, Malaysia

*email: Nurainaa@uniten.edu.my

Page 35 – 40   |   Vol. 4 No. 2 (2019)   |    Available online on 1 Dec 2019

Full text

Abstract

Number of accident cases reported to the Malaysian Social Security Organization (SOCSO) which are related to the number of diseases of musculoskeletal system and connective tissue is increasing rapidly since 2013 to 2017 where most of the accident cases reported comes from the manufacturing industry. Work related musculoskeletal disorder (WMSD) often happens among the workers due to manual material handling (MMH) while performing their everyday working task. The workers in printing and publishing industries especially in distribution section are exposed to risk of getting WMSD diseases. This is because every worker in the distribution section needs to perform MMH tasks such as lifting, bending, twisting, pulling, and pushing which involves repetitive motion. The objective of this study is to investigate the prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders diseases among the distribution workers by using multiple ergonomic assessment analysis such as Nordic Discomfort Questionnaire, Quick Exposure Check (QEC) Questionnaire and REBA Analysis. The results from Nordic Discomfort Questionnaire indicates that majority of the workers experienced discomfort on their upper back, lower back, hips and knee. Meanwhile, QEC Questionnaire shows that high exposure risk on the lower back among workers which are in the group age of 31-40 years old. Lastly, REBA Analysis shows that necessary or immediate changes needs to be take on two of the chosen working postures in order to prevent from much serious WMSD developing in future among the workers. Improvement or mitigation related to the design of the workstation might reduce the development of WMSD among the workers and further reduce the risky awkward postures performed by the workers which will indirectly increase the performance of the worker and increase the productivity level of the company.

Keywords

WMSD, MMH, REBA, Nordic, QEC

Acknowledgement

The authors would like to acknowledge and express gratitude to all participants who took part in this study.

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

Recommended articles

Publish with us

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 Problems and the Associated Risk Factors Among Rubber Tappers: A Case Study at a Village in Northern Peninsular Malaysia

Work-Related Musculoskeletal Problems and the Associated Risk Factors Among Rubber Tappers: A Case Study at a Village in Northern Peninsular Malaysia

Ezrin Hani SUKADARIN1*, Sudaratt Pet TONG1, Balqis Syahirah JAMALUDIN1, Junaidah ZAKARIA1 and Nur Syazwani Mohd NAWI2

1Occupational Safety and Health Program, Faculty of Industrial Sciences and Technology (FIST), Universiti Malaysia Pahang, Malaysia.

2Pusat Pengajian Pengurusan Teknologi dan Logistik, Universiti Utara Malaysia, Malaysia

*Corresponding author: ezrin@ump.edu.my

Page 29 – 34   |   Vol. 4 No. 2 (2019)   |    Available online on 1 Dec 2019

Full text

Abstract

Rubber tapping involves repetitive and high paced work, static muscle loading, non-neutral body postures, forceful physical exertion, and many other potential risk factors for development of work-related musculoskeletal problems (WRMP). In this research, a cross-sectional study was carried out to identify the prevalence of WRMP among rubber tappers, to determine the psychosocial factors that contribute to WRMP, and to explore the relationship between psychosocial factors and physical factors among rubber tappers. Data collection was done using three instruments, namely Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire (NMQ), Job Content Questionnaire (JCQ) and Rapid Upper Limb Assessment Tools (RULA). In total, 70 rubber tappers participated in this study. Results obtained in study revealed that majority of the rubber tappers suffering from lower back pain whereas in terms of psychosocial factors they have low social support and high job and physical demand. WRMP among rubber tappers are cannot be doubtable, however the risk can be reduced if the management of occupational safety and health risk is managed properly.

Keywords

WRMPs, NMQ, RULA, JCQ

Acknowledgement

We would like to express our gratitude to the Faculty of Industrial Sciences and Technology (FIST), University Malaysia Pahang (UMP) Malaysia for the support in this study. Not to forget, our sincerest gratitude to all respondents who took part in this research.

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

Recommended articles

Publish with us

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.