Category: Original article

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

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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.

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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.

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

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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.

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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.

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

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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.

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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 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.

Car Users’ Knowledge & Practices on Tyre Maintenance in Malaysia

Car Users’ Knowledge & Practices on Tyre Maintenance in Malaysia
Muhamad Syukri ABDUL KHALID1, Zulhaidi MOHD JAWI1, Mohd Hafzi MD ISA1 and Muhamad Arif Fahmi ABDUL WAHAB2

1 Vehicle Safety and Biomechanics Research Centre, Malaysian Institute of Road Safety Research (MIROS), 43000 Kajang, Selangor, Malaysia;

2 Automotive Engineering Division, Road Transport Department, 62100 Putrajaya, Malaysia.

Page 84 – 94   |   Vol. 3 No. 2 (2018)   |    Available online on 1 Dec 2018

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Abstract

Despite being one of the main issues in automotive consumerism in Malaysia, the importance of tyre in terms of knowledge and maintenance among users are still in doubt. It can be seen that many related tyre faulty crashes have occurred in recent years. This study aims to identify and understand car users’ knowledge and practices on tyre maintenance in Malaysia. Data collection were done among car users in Klang Valley and 247 valid responses were analysed. The results indicate that users still lack in knowledge regarding tyre specifications and details. As for the maintenance, most of the users did practice recommendations accordingly with the tyre manufacturer. Apart from that, half of the respondents never check their spare tyre’s condition and a few suggested that they have no idea about presence of spare tyre in their car. To conclude, users are still lacking in knowledge regarding tyre maintenance in terms of its specifications and ideal practices. Thus, it is recommended that users to be more aware and practice a proper tyre maintenance while ensuring their tyres are always in good condition so that may, perhaps, reduce the possibility to involve in a tyre failure related crashes.

Keywords

Tyre maintenance, automotive consumerism, road safety

Acknowledgement

All authors ideas and concepts in materials, questionnaire, interview and analysis in ensuring
the completion of the study within timeframe. This research work was funded by the Malaysian
Institute of Road Safety Research (MIROS), an agency under the Ministry of Transport Malaysia
(MOT).

© 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.

Correlations Between Heart Rate, Muscle Activity and Angle of Lumbar Associated with Posture Durations of Laminators in Manual Hand Layup Process

Correlations Between Heart Rate, Muscle Activity and Angle of Lumbar Associated with Posture Durations of Laminators in Manual Hand Layup Process
Nur Syafiqah RAYME1 Seri Rahayu KAMAT1, Syamimi SHAMSUDDIN1

1 Fakulti Kejuruteraan Pembuatan, Universiti Teknikal Malaysia Melaka, Hang Tuah Jaya, 76100 Durian Tunggal, Melaka, Malaysia.

Page 78 – 83   |   Vol. 3 No. 2 (2018)   |    Available online on 1 Dec 2018

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Abstract

Laminators are people who worked with layup process in the making of composite products. In hand layup process especially manual handling, the laminators were prone to be in high risk of getting musculoskeletal disorders (MSD). The ergonomic approach in manual handling was already established since 2005 however, no specific studies were done especially in this process. This paper is a continuation of the research done by the authors which focused more on the data analysis of experimental data collection. The study aims to investigate the correlation between heart rate, muscle activity, the angle of lumbar during layup and the duration of the working posture. From observations and survey done in the previous study, the laminators were exposed to awkward posture as they tended enormous size of the mould. Hence, the study collected 4 parameters data simultaneously. The analysis of the correlation was done using MINITAB software using Response Surface Method (RSM) analysis in obtaining the p-value of the model. From the data analysis, only two of the models show insignificant of correlation and 6 out of 8 models show correlations in between parameters. It is concluded that there was a correlation in between muscle activity, heart rate, the angle of lumbar and duration of posture, however, further studies should be done to cater the insignificant of the other 2 models with different muscle type of Lumbar Support Spinae and Multifidus Lumbar.

Keywords

MSD, HAND LAYUP, ERGONOMICS

Acknowledgement

This study was supported by Universiti Teknikal Malaysia Melaka (UTeM) and sponsored by industry and Ministry of Higher Education (MOHE). We would like to express our gratitude to the industry for our data collection and all respondents that were consenting the experiments.

© 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.

Muscle Activity and Postural Analysis of a Computer Numerical Control Machining Task

Muscle Activity and Postural Analysis of a Computer Numerical Control Machining Task

Muhammad Syafiq SYED MOHAMED, Isa HALIM, Akmal Hafiz AZANI, Mohanathas NADRAJAH, Siti Khadijah KHALIL

Faculty of Manufacturing Engineering, Universiti Teknikal Malaysia Melaka (UTeM), Hang Tuah Jaya, Duriang Tunggal, 76100 Melaka, Malaysia

Page 71 – 77   |   Vol. 8 No. 1 2023   |    Available online on 30 Jun 2023

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Abstract

Computer Numerical Control CNC machining center is equipped with advanced features to achieve high accuracy, reliability, repeatability and productivity. However, CNC machining centers still expose machinists to ergonomics risk factors such as awkward postures, repetitive movements, heavy lifting and prolonged standing especially during manual material handling. The aim of this study is to redesign the existing CNC machining center to improve work posture and reduce muscle activity of the lower back. Muscle fatigue survey, Rapid Upper Limb Assessment (RULA) analysis and surface electromyography (SEMG) were used to assess subjective muscle fatigue, posture and muscle activity respectively. All machinists reported to experience muscle fatigue on the lower back area. Based on RULA analysis, the redesigned CNC machining center has improved the working posture of machinists as shown by a lowered RULA score from 7 to 3 for both right and left body side. SEMG results showed a significant decrease in muscle activity of the lower back. Therefore, this study concluded that the redesign of CNC machining center has shown has successfully reduced muscle fatigue and improved the work posture for the machinists.

Keywords

Muscle fatigue, RULA, SEMG, CNC

Acknowledgement

The researchers would like to thank the Faculty of Manufacturing Engineering, Universiti Teknikal Malaysia Melaka for funding this study by the University High Impact Short Term Grant (PJP/2017/FKP/H19/S01527).

© 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.

Body Symptom Survey (BOSS) Questionnaire for Analysis of Musculoskeletal Symptoms in Industry

Body Symptom Survey (BOSS) Questionnaire for Analysis of Musculoskeletal Symptoms in Industry
C. D. M. ASYRAF1, *, M. N. A. RAHMAN2, R. M. ZEIN3, HARI KRISHNAN. T. S.4, J. MD SAH1

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

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

3 National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health, Lot 1, Jalan 15/1, Section 15, 43650 Bandar Baru Bangi, Selangor, Malaysia.

4 Faculty of Safety and Health, Cyberjaya University College of Medical Science, Cyberjaya, Selangor, Malaysia.

*Corresponding Author: asyraf@unimap.edu.my

Page 65 – 70   |   Vol. 8 No. 1 2023   |    Available online on 30 Jun 2023

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Abstract

This paper presented survey questionnaire for analysis of musculoskeletal symptom called Body Symptom Survey (BOSS) Questionnaire suitable for industrial applications. The survey can be performed through self-administered or through interviews. Similar to other musculoskeletal questionnaires, the main purpose of the questionnaire is to serve as a screening tool to identify a body parts symptoms related to musculoskeletal disorders in ergonomics context. The two main focus of the questionnaires are the frequency and the severity of the symptom of complaints by the worker. Structure and instruction on usage of BOSS Questionnaire are presented. Example of case study using BOSS questionnaire among 60 workers at manufacturing industry are included in this study.

Keywords

MSQ, Body Symptom Survey

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 Human Factor of Biased Occupational Safety and Health Advice by Safety Officers in Malaysian Construction Industry

The Human Factor of Biased Occupational Safety and Health Advice by Safety Officers in Malaysian Construction Industry

Elvin Vijaya Kumar

Razak Faculty of Technology and Informatics, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur

Page 61 – 64   |   Vol. 3 No. 2 (2018)   |    Available online on 1 Dec 2018

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Abstract

The Malaysian construction sector recorded the highest number of work related fatalities and one of the critical reasons is lack of knowledge among the management team and workers where a safety and health officer’s (SHOs) duty is to advise the employer. The study investigates the possible causes that could affect the credibility of the SHOs advice that positively associated to the knowledge of the employers on safety and health matters. The underlying possibilities were brainstormed through cause effect analysis technique by qualified subject matter experts. The study also suggested several recommendations for review and future solution of the unhealthy human factor of biased safety and health officer’s advice in Malaysian construction industry.

Keywords

Construction Sector, SHO, Workplace Safety, Biased Advice, Cause Effect Analysis

Acknowledgement

This study was supported by Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM), Kuala Lumpur. We would like to express our gratitude to Razak Faculty of Technology and Informatics, UTM Kuala Lumpur for the support in this study. Not to forget, our sincerest gratitude to all the subject matter experts who had voluntarily rendered their assistance and 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.