Category: Journal

Anthropometric Study of Arm Span Length and Standing Height of 5 – 12years Pupils in Obantoko, Ogun State, South Western Nigeria

Anthropometric Study of Arm Span Length and Standing Height of 5 - 12years Pupils in Obantoko, Ogun State, South Western Nigeria

Adekunle I. MUSA1*, Ayomide I. MUSA2

1*Department of Mechanical Engineering, Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago Iwoye, Ibogun Campus, Nigeria

2Department of Mechanical Engineering, Bells University of Technology, Ota, Nigeria

*Corresponding author email: musa-olokuta.adekunle@oouagoiwoye.edu.ng

Page 49 – 59   |   Vol. 7 No. 2 2022   |    Available online on 30 Dec 2022

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Abstract

Height is an essential and important anthropometric parameter for coroners and forensic anthropologists. Several studies have been performed to determine standing height (SH) using various anthropometric body parts. Arm span length (ASL) is recognized as an alternative means of measuring standing height for the disabled, adaptive, or unable to stand upright. This study was conducted to measure the height of pupils from the age 5 to the 12 years old using ASL A total of 440 pupils (220 male and 220 female) participated in the study and the study was conducted in Obantoko Ogun State in Southwestern Nigeria. The Participants’ actual standing height were measured with a digital stadiometer and ASL with a tape measure to within 0.1 cm. Results showed the mean SH of 133.23 ± 9.97 cm (male participants), 123.21 ± 11.25 cm (female participants), and 128.27 ± 11.75 cm (pooled) and mean ASL of 133.66 ± 9.88 cm, 123.83 ± 11.01, and 128.75 ± 11.55 cm respectively. The correlation (r) between SH and ASL was 0.999 (p<0.000) with a coefficient of determination (R2) of 99.8%. A regression models was developed to determine SH from the ASL. This study concludes that ASL is a reliable predictor of SH for both sexes and also a veritable tool for physical anthropologists and related professionals. The authors recommend conducting a larger sample study in six southwestern Nigerian states to develop a database for determining SH.

Keywords

SH, ASL, Prediction, Obantoko, Anthropometric, Regression.

© 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.

Ergonomics Workstation Intervention For Online Teaching And Learning During Pandemic

Ergonomics Workstation Intervention For Online Teaching And Learning During Pandemic

Sabariah Mohd Yusoff1, *, Muhammad Khairulhilmi Borhanuddin1, Mohd Usairy Syafiq Sama’in1

Quality Engineering Section, Malaysian Institute of Industrial Technology, Universiti Kuala Lumpur, 81750 Masai, Johor, Malaysia1

sabariahmy@unikl.edu.my *

Page 39 – 48   |   Vol. 7 No. 2 2022   |    Available online on 30 Dec 2022

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Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on teaching and learning environment whereby the use of digital learning has been used comprehensively. The issue of digital learning has received considerable critical attention on how the students dealing with prolonged online teaching hours. Questions have been raised about the ergonomics risk of prolonged online teaching hours. This study utilized the structural strategy of a method combining qualitative and quantitative analytic methodologies. The anthropometry data has been applied to determine the correct dimensions for the student’s posture and how well the workstation would work. The survey and archive procedures were employed as research tactics to elicit responses to the study questions and achieve the research objectives. The finding indicates that neck pain is a frequent issue among students. Most student workstation components were changeable, but a few still require care. Regarding the provided goals, the aim was met, which was to determine that the ergonomic worksurface risk factor influences the severity and frequency of bodily pain. The results suggest that “the greater the duration of teaching and learning, the more intense and frequent the student’s pain.”

Keywords

COVID-19, Teaching and Learning, Ergonomics Workstation

© 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.

Personality and Psychographic Factor Influence Towards Intention to Use Social Recommender System

Personality and Psychographic Factor Influence Towards Intention to Use Social Recommender System

 

Ahmad Subhi Zolkafly1, Rahayu Ahmad2, Azizi Ab. Aziz3

School of Computing, Universiti Utara Malaysia, Sintok, Kedah1,2,3

subhizolkafly@icloud.com1

Page 28 – 38   |   Vol. 7 No. 2 2022   |    Available online on 30 Dec 2022

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Abstract

The Recommender System (RS) has become an important area of research in recent years, not only because it allows people to find related products and services, but because it has also expanded the research area on recommending human relationships, known as the Social Recommender System (SRS). Successful application of recommended system algorithms requires a critical mass of users. The recommendation system will not be valuable or accurate if it has few users and little data. This study examines the variables affecting a person’s decision to use a social recommendation system. The factors examined were Big 5 personality and Values and Lifestyles psychographic factors. Questionnaires were distributed using a snowball approach. The respondents were 832 Malaysian citizens, and the Results were analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS). The results demonstrate several personality styles were more inclined towards the intention of using SRS. People with neurotic personalities have a negative attitude toward intention. In addition, this paper also recommends the researcher to highlight the intention to use a recommender system from different generations of the respondents. Future studies can use SRS to compare the preferences of different Malaysian generations, from baby boomers to millennials.

Keywords

Social recommender system; Personality factor; Psychographic factor; Recommender system; Technology acceptance.

© 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.

Manual Handling Risk Assessment using NIOSH Lifting Equation among Mechanics at Tyre Service Centre

Manual Handling Risk Assessment using NIOSH Lifting Equation among Mechanics at Tyre Service Centre

Kamarudzaman M2, Rahman M.N.A1, Zaki N.E.A.M3

Department of Manufacturing and Industrial Industries, Faculty of Mechanical Engineering and Manufacturing, Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia 1

mnasrull@uthm.edu.my 1

Page 20 – 27   |   Vol. 7 No. 2 2022   |    Available online on 30 Dec 2022

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Abstract: MSDs are major causes of work-related disability and lost time to illness. Mechanics usually perform manual material handling and are likely exposed to physical risk factors associated with MSDs. The objective of this study was to examine the relationship between Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire (NMQ) and NIOSH lifting equation among mechanics at a tyre service centre.  This study was conducted in Taiping, Perak. A cross-sectional questionnaire survey was carried out among 239 workers from several workshop. Data were collected using a combination of structured questionnaire and interview session which are Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire (NMQ) and Risk NIOSH Lifting tools. The NMQ was used to assess physical risks factors associated with the one of the body region within 12 months. In this research, 69.46%of mechanics have suffered musculoskeletal symptoms with the most troubled in the low back (64.4%), shoulder (54.0%) and elbow pain (46.8%). According to a NIOSH evaluation, most mechanics are at medium risk of developing musculoskeletal symptoms. There was a statistically significant relationship between physical risk and musculoskeletal disorders (p<0.05). Therefore, ergonomic awareness among mechanics should be increase in order to reduce the prevalence of musculoskeletal symptoms.

Keywords

MSDs, NIOSH Equation, mechanics, car tyre centre

© 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 among Mechanics at Tyre Service Centre: A Review

Musculoskeletal Symptoms among Mechanics at Tyre Service Centre: A Review

Kamarudzaman  M2, Nasrull M.N.A1,  Zaki N.E.A.M3

Department of Manufacturing and Industrial Industries, Faculty of Mechanical Engineering and Manufacturing, Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia1

mnasrull@uthm.edu.my 1

Page 13 – 19   |   Vol. 7 No. 2 2022   |    Available online on 30 Dec 2022

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Abstract

Abstract: Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are a common and developing occupational health problem in the workplace around the world, resulting in a significant cost and a negative impact on quality of life. The causes of work-related MSDs are usually multifactorial including physical, ergonomic and psychosocial factors. Musculoskeletal disorders (MSD) have been identified as a significant issue for all professions specifically mechanics. This review provides a detailed examination and discussion regarding the symptoms of the musculoskeletal that occurred among mechanics in a tyre service centre. All research studies or literature reviews, which have reported on the prevalence of musculoskeletal symptoms and/or potential risk factors for this problem in mechanics, were selected for inclusion. Many risk factors have been identified, including static and awkward posture and work practices. Overall, it is evident from the literature that MSD is a complex and multifactorial problem. Furthermore, other related industry studies have been reviewed as applicable. More research in the form of larger studies is urgently needed to help to clarify more clearly the development of this important issue the mechanics.

Keywords

Musculoskeletal disorders, mechanic

© 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.

Noise Hazard And Hearing Loss Among Mold Manufacturing Worker Industry In Penang

Noise Hazard and Hearing Loss Among Mold Manufacturing Industry in Penang

Ng, Yee Guan1; Subash Saralan2

Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia,43400 Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia1,2

shah86zam@upm.edu.my

 

subashsaralan@yahoo.com

Page 1 – 12  |   Vol. 7 No. 2 2022   |    Available online on 30 Dec 2022

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Abstract

Abstract: Introduction: Exposure to occupational noise from process of mold manufacturing may cause workers experiencing hearing disorder. Present study shall focus on association of employee sociodemographic, occupational information and social lifestyle against prevalence of hearing disorder among the mold manufacturing workers. 

Method: A cross sectional study were conducted among 40 workers from a mold manufacturing company. Personal noise monitoring had also been carried out for workers to determine noise exposure level LEX, LMAX and LPEAK during their 8 hours work shift whereas the hearing threshold was obtained from recent annual audiometric test record carried out by DOSH approved mobile audiometric centre. Statistical analysis using Pearson correlation and Chi-Square has been carried out to test the relationship between the variables (IV and DV).

Results: It was found that primarily, the age of mold manufacturing workers were significantly correlated with LHL [rs = – 0.311, P = 0.025], RHL [rs = – 0.289 P=0.035], LSTS [rs = – 0.349, P = 0.014] and RSTS [rs = – 0.349, P = 0.014]. LEX was correlated with RHL only [rs = – 0.27, P = 0.046]. Age was also correlated with overall HD [rs = – 0.351, P = 0.013]. Despite provided with PHP, recommended based on the calculation of the noise attenuation below NEL, hearing disorder were still observed among the employees. Surprisingly, the trend of presbycusis were observed among workers below the age of 30 years old where in some cases they were non-occupationally related.

Conclusion: It is not a surprise that age and Lex of the mold manufacturing workers were associated with prevalence of hearing disorder among mold manufacturing workers. However, further research or investigation should be carried out to consider non-occupational factors which may affect the worker’s hearing threshold.

Keywords

Mold manufacturing, noise exposure, hearing loss, hearing disorder

© 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 Assessment Among Production Operators at Food Processing Industries : A Review

Ergonomic Risk Assessment Among Production Operators at Food Processing Industries : A Review

Nurul Elyna Asyiqen Mohd Zaki1, Mohd Nasrull Abdol Rahman2*, Mazlina Kamarudzaman3

1Manufacturing and Industrial Engineering  Dept., Faculty of Mechanical Engineering and Manufacturing, University of Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia, 86400, Parit Raja, Batu Pahat, Johor, Malaysia.

Page 99 – 102   |   Vol. 5 No. 1 2020   |    Available online on 1 Jun 2020

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Abstract

Ergonomic risk factors is defined as the design of the workplace, equipment, machine, tool, product, environment and system, taking into consideration the human’s physical, physiological, biomechanical and psychological capabilities and optimizing the effectiveness and productivity of work systems while assuring the safety, health and wellbeing of the workers. In general, the aim in ergonomics is to fit the task to the individual, not the individual to the task. The aim of this study is to understand the impact of ergonomics risk factor among production operators at the food processing industries. This review evaluates selected papers in manufacturing industries that have studied risk factors of musculoskeletal symptoms among manufacturing operators. Furthermore, other related industry studies have been reviewed as applicable. To understand the risk factors of musculoskeletal symptoms among manufacturing operators, it is recommended that future studies be required to assess these risk factors among manufacturing operators.

Keywords

WRMSDs, NMQ, Ergonomic Risk Assessment (ERA), Food Processing Industries

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

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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.

Vehicle Occupant Accommodation Based on Representative Anthropometry

Vehicle Occupant Accommodation Based on Representative Anthropometry

Kassim Abdulrahman Abdullah1 , Muhammad Uba Abdulazeez1b, Waleed Fekry Faris2 , Sheikh Jobe3

1,3Department of Mechanical Engineering, College of Engineering, United Arab Emirates University, P.O. Box 15551 Al Ain, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.

1bDepartment of Automotive Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Engineering Technology, Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, P.M.B 0248 Bauchi, Bauchi State, Nigeria.

2Department of Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, International Islamic University Malaysia, P.O. Box 10, 50728 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Page 69 – 98   |   Vol. 5 No. 1 2020   |    Available online on 1 Jun 2020

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Abstract

Digital human modelling (DHM) offers a way of representing the intended vehicle users and task requirements using their anthropometric dimensions and computer graphics. This helps in avoiding the need for early user trials leading to a massive time-saving. Also, this enables the early consideration of human factors issues in the vehicle design process thereby decreasing the possibility of costly and impractical adjustments at the advanced vehicle development phases. An ergonomic automotive seat suitable for the Nigerian population was designed using CATIA V5 software based on proposed seat dimensions from our previous study. This work seeks to evaluate the suitability of the proposed seat and SAE J1100 vehicle package dimensions for the Nigerian population based on their anthropometry. Six custom-built Nigerian manikins were postured as drivers and passengers in a vehicle package based on CATIA V5 Human Builder vehicle occupant accommodation and another seven manikins were positioned on the seat designed for the Nigerian population. Rapid Upper Limb Assessment (RULA) ergonomic analysis conducted on all the manikins in the vehicle package both as drivers and passengers’ showed that the SAE J1100 package dimensions are unsuitable for the Nigerian population with overall RULA scores between 3 to 6 for drivers and 4 to 5 for passengers. The choice of transmission type and an enhanced seat height were found to provide improved body and postural comfort for the Nigerian driver population with a difference of 1 to 3 in the final RULA scores. However, an improved seat height was found not to give enhanced body and postural comfort for most of the Nigerian passenger population due to the effects of other SAE J1100 package dimensions with uniform overall RULA scores of 4 and 5. Finally, the seat designed for the Nigerian population proved to fit and accommodate them comfortably with acceptable RULA scores of 2 for all the seven Nigerian manikins analyzed.

Keywords

Digital Human Modelling, Rapid Upper Limb Assessment, Vehicle Occupant Accommodation, Ergonomics

© 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 Critical Variables for The Risk Assessment Associated with Pushing and Pulling Activities in the Workplace: A Survey Among OSH Practitioners

The Critical Variables for The Risk Assessment Associated with Pushing and Pulling Activities in the Workplace: A Survey Among OSH Practitioners

T.S Hari Krishnan1,* , Mohd Nasrull Abdol Rahman1

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

* corresponding author (email: hd170076@siswa.uthm.edu.my)

Page 60 – 68   |   Vol. 5 No. 1 2020   |    Available online on 1 Jun 2020

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Abstract

Pushing and pulling (PP) activities were initially introduced into the workplace to reduce exerting too much force during lifting and lowering, given it exposed workers to other health ailments due to the complexity associated with these activities. However, while some assessment tools are available and are used to assess PP activities, they neglect to address the main risk factors associated with PP activities. Therefore, in order to understand the risk factors associated with PP activities from an occupational safety and health (OSH) practitioner’s perspective, in this study, an online survey was undertaken involving OSH practitioners from respective organizations in gaining further insight into some of the issues. The variables of the study were selected based on the value of the mode as more significant compared to the value of the median for each variable. From a total of 23 variables, eleven variables (47.8%) (handle height, handgrip, load magnitude, frequency, distance, present of coworkers, posture, task duration, floor conditions, congestion in the workplace, and the age of workers) were found to be essential variables to include in performing a risk assessment of PP related activities. Noticeably, many of these variables are not currently incorporated or available in risk assessment tools. Therefore, a new assessment tool for PP activities should be developed by considering the input of OSH practitioners.

Keywords

Pushing and pulling, risk assessment

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

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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.

Design Improvement of Auditorium Seating: A Case Study at Pagoh Education Hub

Design Improvement of Auditorium Seating: A Case Study at Pagoh Education Hub

Alycia Yap Ching Hui1 , Salwa Mahmood1 , Tengku Nur Azila Raja Mamat1

1Department of Mechanical Engineering Technology, Faculty of Engineering Technology, Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia, Pagoh Campus, KM 1 Jalan Panchor, 84600 Pagoh, Johor

Page 52 – 59   |   Vol. 5 No. 1 2020   |    Available online on 1 Jun 2020

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Abstract

This study is concerned about the auditorium seating design based on the ergonomics concept. Ergonomics is the science of fitting the product to its users or fitting the job to the worker. This study is carried out at Pagoh Education Hub Shared Facility Auditorium. The main objective of this study is to assess the ergonomics posture of users using auditorium’s seating. The poor design of furniture may possibly cause incorrect posture which will further lead to health problems such as back pain and spinal distortion. The Kinovea software is utilized to measure the posture. Each measurement of different body part posture is assessed by using Rapid Entire Body Assessment (REBA) in order to indicate the risk level of the auditorium’s seating. The REBA score of the existing auditorium’s seating is 7 indicating medium risk which requires further study for improvement. The second objective of this study is to redesign the auditorium’s seating based on the ergonomics concept. The proposed design of auditorium’s seating uses SolidWorks software by referring to the guideline from the Department of Occupational Safety and Health, Ministry of Human Resources Malaysia (DOSH). The desired features such as headrest and armrest are added to the proposed design. The REBA score of the proposed seat design is 3 which indicate significant improvement compared to REBA score of the current design, in terms of ergonomics factors.

Keywords

Posture Assessment, REBA, Ergonomics Product Design, SolidWorks

© 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.