Year: 2019

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

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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.

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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 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

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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.

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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 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

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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.

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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 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

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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.

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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.

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

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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.

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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 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.

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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.