Category: Original article

Occupational Stress Among a Cancer Hospital Nurses

Occupational Stress Among a Cancer Hospital Nurses
Kama Azida KAMARULZAMAN1, Syazwan Syah ZULKIFLY2, Nor Halim HASAN2

1 Department of Health Perak , 30000 Ipoh, Perak, Malaysia.

2 Department of Occupational Safety and Health Negeri Sembilan, 70000 Seremban, Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia

Page 12 – 20   |   Vol. 2 No. 3 (2017)  |    Available online on 1 December 2017

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Abstract

Hospital nurses receive enormous amounts of physical and mental workload which causes them to develop work-related stress. In this research, a cross-sectional study was carried out to identify the level of perceived stress, and also to investigate the relationship between occupational stressor and perceived stress level among one hundred and eighty two (n=182) nurses in a cancer hospital. Data collection was done using a self-administered questionnaire consists Nursing Stress Scale (NSS) and Perceived Stress Scale (PSS). Based on the results obtained, majority of the nurses perceived high level of stress and six variables namely “workload”, “death and dying”, “inadequate preparation”, “lack of staff support”, “conflict with physician” and “conflict with other nurses” have relationship with occupational stress. The relationship between “uncertainty concerning treatment by physician” and “perceived stress” was found to be absent. NSS explained 19.7% of PSS and “inadequate preparation” as well as “conflict with physicians” the most influential factors towards perceived stress among nurses. For future research, this study is suggested to be expanded to a greater sample of nurses in other hospitals to obtain better conclusion and generalisation.

Keywords

NSS, PSS, Occupational Stress, Nurses

Acknowledgement

We would like to express our gratitude to lecturers from School of Business Management, Human Resource Department, Universiti Utara Malaysia for their guidance on conducting this research. Sincere gratitude also conveyed to all respondents who took part in this research and to all parties who are involved indirectly in assisting 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 Estimation of Different Body Dimensions from Stature in Bangladeshi Male Population

The Estimation of Different Body Dimensions from Stature in Bangladeshi Male Population
Md. Asadujjaman1, Md Mashum Billal2, Md. Rasel Sarkar3, Md. Golam Rabbani4

1 Assistant Professor, Department of Industrial & Production Engineering, Rajshahi University of Engineering & Technology, Rajshahi, Bangladesh.

2 Lecturer, Department of Industrial & Production Engineering, Rajshahi University of Engineering & Technology, Rajshahi, Bangladesh.

3 Lecturer, Department of Industrial and Production Engineering, Bangladesh Army University of Science and Technology, Saidpur, Bangladesh.

4 Jr. Executive, Quality Control, United Surgical Ltd., Gazipur, Bangladesh.

Page 1 – 6   |   Vol. 2 No. 3 (2017)  |    Available online on 1 December 2017

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Abstract

The prime concern of forensic anthropometry is to identify the individuals by analyzing the disintegrated human body parts. The aim of this study was to investigate the correlation between different human body measurements, and to estimate different body dimensions from stature. The study was carried out on 348 male volunteer participants; aged 19 to 25 years. Fourteen anthropometric parameters had been measured to conduct this study. After analyzing the data, it was found that there was a meaningful relation between the stature and other body dimensions (p< 0.001). Correlation coefficient (r) values of anthropometric data with stature were ranged from +0.22 to +0.83. The standard errors of estimation (SSE) values were varied from ±0.310 cm to ±3.899 cm. Regression equations derived in this paper can be used to estimate various body parts from stature for Bangladeshi male population. Finally, this study concluded that stature is a useful tool to estimate different human body dimensions. Consequently, this is such a novel study for the forensic department to identify persons in case of murders, accidents, natural disasters or war casualties.

Keywords

Forensic anthropometry, Body dimensions estimation, Stature

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.

Ergonomic Risk Analysis and Mental Workload Study Among Operators in Syringe Assembly Lines

Ergonomic Risk Analysis and Mental Workload Study Among Operators in Syringe Assembly Lines

Ummi Noor Nazahiah ABDULLAH, Norashiken OTHMAN, Atikah AWANG

School of Manufacturing Engineering, University Malaysia Perlis, Kampus Pauh Putra, 02600 Arau, Perlis.

Page 7 – 11   |   Vol. 2 No. 3 (2017)  |    Available online on 1 December 2017

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Abstract

Inappropriate sitting working position among operators in syringe assembly inspection possibly contribute to the issue of several syringes passed the quality inspection and delivered to the clients even they contaminated with over amount of silicon lubricant. This inappropriate sitting posture in the inspection workstation could result the stress, fatigue, musculoskeletal disorder and mental workload issue among operators which influence the operators’ performance. This paper presents an investigation to identify the ergonomics and mental workload issues among the operators in the syringe assembly lines. A series of interview and observations were conducted using ergonomic risk analysis (ERA) checklist to investigate the ergonomics issues. NASA-Task Load Index (TLX) method also had been used as mental workload assessment tool. The results from this study show that there are issues in awkward postures, static and sustained work posture, repetition, lighting and noise. Besides, three out of four operators experience more than 50% score of workload during inspections with the high percentage of five index elements except one operator shows the different result. This study contributes to the study field by verifying the ergonomics and mental workload as significant factor to maintain the product quality and productivity. In future, advanced analysis will be conducted to investigate the identified issues in details and next propose the workstation design improvements.

Keywords

ERA,NASA-TLX, postural analysis, sitting position, syringe assembly

Acknowledgement

This study was supported by University Malaysia
Perlis (UniMAP) and University Putra Malaysia
(UPM). Thank you to the company that involved
in this study (the name is private and
confidential). Thank you also to the operators in
the syringe assembly lines that involve in this
investigation.

© 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.

Computer Mouse Usage Among Computer Gamers and its Association with Trigger Finger and Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Computer Mouse Usage Among Computer Gamers and its Association with Trigger Finger and Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Luqman APENDAI1, Ammar ADNAN1, Radin Zaid RADIN UMAR2, Siby SAMUEL3, Malek HAMID1, *

1 Department of Manufacturing and Materials Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, International Islamic University Malaysia, Selangor, Malaysia

2 Faculty of Manufacturing Engineering, Universiti Teknikal Malaysia Melaka, Melaka, Malaysia

3 Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, University of Massachusetts Amherst, MA, USA

* Corresponding Author: abdmalek@iium.edu.my

Page 45 – 47   |   Vol. 2, No. 2 (2017)   |    Available online on 1 September 2017

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Abstract

Computer mouse design has evolved throughout generation. Most people are using computer mouse to do work and for entertainment. However, due to repetitive actions involving hand, it could lead to Trigger Finger and Carpal Tunnel syndromes. Objectives of the study are: (i) to evaluate the relationship between computer mouse’s usage during playing online games – number of keystroke, number of buttons clicking, distance of computer mouse dragging, and duration of active on game – and Trigger Finger syndrome via Trigger Finger test; and (ii) to evaluate the relationship between computer mouse’s usage during playing online games – number of keystroke, number of buttons clicking, distance of computer mouse dragging, and duration of active on game – and Carpal Tunnel syndrome via Phalen’s test. Thirty participants are recruited for the study. A participant are asked to download a software called ‘Mousotron’ on his computer system that provide data of his or her pattern of computer mouse usage – number of keystroke, number of buttons clicking, distance of computer mouse dragging, and duration of active on game. After that, participants are required to come to the laboratory for the assessment phase in which the Trigger Finger and Phalen’s tests are assessed. The interactions between the variables are analyzed and the results show a positive correlation for all interactions. The findings show how spending time playing video games will affect one’s health – specifically the hands.

Keywords

Trigger Finger test, Phalen’s test, computer mouse usage, mousotron

Acknowledgement

This study was also supported by the Department of Manufacturing and Materials Engineering, International Islamic University Malaysia, Malaysia.

© 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.

Malaysian Drivers’ Perception Towards Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS)

Malaysian Drivers’ Perception Towards Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS)

Muhammad Syafiq SYED MOHAMED

Faculty of Manufacturing Engineering, Universiti Teknikal Malaysia Melaka (UTeM) , 76100 Durian Tunggal, Melaka, Malaysia.

Page 15 – 20   |   Vol. 2, No. 2 (2017)   |    Available online on 1 September 2017

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Abstract

In the past few years many advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) has made their way into common passenger cars. ADAS such as autonomous emergency braking (AEB), blind spot information system (BLIS), and many more has slowly made their way into passenger cars in Malaysia. Examples of cars in Malaysia equipped with some ADAS technology include the 2016 Mazda 3, Hyundai Ioniq Hybrid, and the recently introduced Honda CR-V. Even though ADAS has been around in passenger cars as early as late 1990’s, ADAS has only been widely introduced into passenger cars in the last few years. In this study, a content analysis of Malaysian automotive online portal was conducted to determine the overall perception of Malaysian drivers towards ADAS. As many as 277 comments related to ADAS were obtained from the Malaysian automotive online portal. Only 63 comments were related to the perception of ADAS. The comments were divided further into 27 positive comments and 36 negative comments. Due to the attitude of Malaysian drivers, as well as their driving style, ADAS technology was perceived to be more of a nuisance rather than of assistance. Two famous Malaysian driving habits, e.g. the cutting of lanes and tailgating were discussed together with the related ADAS (Lane Departure Warning, Adaptive Cruise Control and Autonomous Emergency Braking). Future implications of ADAS in Malaysia were also discussed.

Keywords

Advanced Driver Assistance Systems, ADAS, Malaysian drivers, perception

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.

The Ergonomics of Seat Design in Lecture Hall at Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences (FMHS), Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM)

The Ergonomics of Seat Design in Lecture Hall at Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences (FMHS), Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM)

Nur Aisyah binti ALIAS, Yee Guan NG, Shamsul Bahri Md TAMRIN

Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400 Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia.

Page 34 – 40   |   Vol. 2, No. 2 (2017)   |    Available online on 1 September 2017

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Abstract

This is a cross-sectional study with the objective to determine the association between self-reported musculoskeletal symptoms (MSSs) and mismatch of the seats in lecture hall of Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences (FMHS), Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM). A total of 132 respondents (47 male and 85 female) whom were undergraduate students. Eight anthropometric and five furniture parameter dimensions were measured. Instruments used were questionnaire modified from Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire, Martyn anthropometer set, measuring tape, height scale and weighing scale. Findings showed 51.5% mismatch of seat height, 5.3% mismatch of seat depth, 94.7% mismatch of desk height and 18.2% mismatch of upper edge of back rest. For the prevalence of MSSs in the past seven (7) days, 61.4% reported low back pain followed by neck pain (50%) and upper back pain (43.9%). There was significant difference between genders in anthropometric body measurement. Significant association were found between MSSs and mismatch. Based on the findings, it is recommended that in the event of long lecture hour, intermittent break should be allowed for students to stretch, move or better yet assume different posture such as standing or walking.

Keywords

Mismatch, seat design, anthropometry, MSDs

Acknowledgement

The author would like to express her gratitude to the respondents who were participated in this study including all staff and personnel in the Department of
Environmental and Occupational Health, Universiti Putra Malaysia.

© 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.

Digital Eye Strain Evaluation Among Video Gamers with and without Blue Light Monitor Filter

Digital Eye Strain Evaluation Among Video Gamers with and without Blue Light Monitor Filter
Nik Fakhri MANSOR1, Ammar ADNAN1, Radin Zaid RADIN UMAR2, Siby SAMUEL3, Malek HAMID1, *

1 Department of Manufacturing and Materials Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, International Islamic University Malaysia, Selangor, Malaysia

2 Faculty of Manufacturing Engineering, Universiti Teknikal Malaysia Melaka, Melaka, Malaysia

3 Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, University of Massachusetts Amherst, MA, USA

* Corresponding Author: abdmalek@iium.edu.my

Page 41 – 44   |   Vol. 2, No. 2 (2017)   |    Available online on 1 September 2017

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Abstract

E-sports or electronic sports have been attracting a lot of attentions especially younger audience with the promise of wealth just through playing video games. Staring into monitor screen regardless of devices for an extended amount of time will lead to Digital Eye Strain (DES) in general, more particularly visual fatigue. The study is to explore the effect of extended exposure of blue light wave while playing video games to gamers, focusing on DOTA players. This study will investigate visual fatigue with and without blue light monitor filter. From a total of 20 participants who were recruited, 10 participants performed the experiment with blue light monitor filter and the remaining without blue light monitor filter. Visual fatigue was measured by the perceived frequency of light observed by each participant using critical flicker frequency (CFF) before and after the experiment. Participants were also required to perform subjective evaluation (SE) by answering questionnaire on visual fatigue symptoms that they experienced after the experiment. SE was used to establish correlation between the reading obtained from CFF to determine visual fatigue. The result shown that With_Filter and Without_Filter scored a positive and negative average difference in CFF score respectively. Teary eye was discovered to be the most common symptom in With_Filter and Without_Filter group although Without_Filter group experienced more symptoms than With_Filter group such as red eyes, twitching eyelids, blurred near and distant vision, and pain in and around eyes.

Keywords

Critical flicker frequency, eye strain, visual fatigue, blue light, monitor filter, DOTA

Acknowledgement

This study was also supported by the Department of Manufacturing and Materials Engineering, International Islamic University Malaysia, Malaysia.

© 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.

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.

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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.