Volume 2, No. 1 (2017)
Published online on 1 April 2017
Articles
Ahmad Khushairy Bin MAKHTAR1 and Makoto ITOH2
Page 1 – 8 | Vol. 2, No. 1 (2017) | Available online on 1 April 2017
Estimating a driver’s mental workload level is challenging part nowadays. In this study, an experimental investigation was conducted to explore mental workload using blood-volume-pressure (BVP) and electrocardiogram (ECG) signals. Participants performed two secondary tasks at two levels of task difficulty and also in two types of traffic conditions. The results show that increasing task difficulty seems to increase heart rate (HR) and reduce the heart rate variability (HRV) data simultaneously. Especially, data for HR was high when the drivers were performing the most difficult task for the mathematical arithmetic task. Results from BVP and ECG also show that they correlate each other showing that BVP can be used as a potential candidate as a mental workload measurement tools. Potential applications of this research include developing a method to estimate a driver`s mental workload level through blood volume pressure as the main measurement for evaluation of mental workload as it is non-intrusive to drivers.
Yurizman JAMIL
Page 9 – 12 | Vol. 2, No. 1 (2017) | Available online on 1 April 2017
Application of non-ionizing radiation is growing in line with the rapid technological developments which impact on human exposure may result in danger if not controlled. As such, MEASAT Broadcast Network Systems Sdn. Bhd. has been selected to be assessed regarding electromagnetic radiation – radio frequency (RF) measurement around its broadcast facilities at ASTRO complex in Bukit Jalil, Kuala Lumpur. This study was conducted on the 3rd and 4th of February 2016. The measurement was encompassed only on the assessment of the electromagnetic radiation (radio frequency – RF) in the accessible areas within and around the ASTRO’S broadcast facilities (about 1.5 meters from the floor/ground). Mapping plot measurements method on the radiation source was made for non-ionizing radiation exposure readings for the electric field and magnetic field (near field) between 1 to 5 meters and the distance (far field) between 10 up to > 100 meters in the area that can be in access.
Yurizman JAMIL1 and Nor Halim HASAN1
Page 13 – 15 | Vol. 2, No. 1 (2017) | Available online on 1 April 2017
Students who carried out their study in welding workshop may be exposed to health risks from inhaling welding fumes. There are a total of 10 sets of Local Exhaust Ventilation (LEV) system installed in the welding workshop which consists 6 sets – special types of arc welding and 4 sets – special types for welding of MIG / TIG. A total of 7 sets of Local Exhaust Ventilation System that tested the effectiveness for (Capture Velocity) were used to measure the reading at a distance of 6 inches from the air openings and compared with standards set by the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH). There were 3 sets of Local Ventilation system that cannot function due to damage to the circuits and equipment. Scope of the study revolved around the aspects focused on the measurement aperture (hood) where Capture Velocity data were taken and observations throughout the effectiveness of the system. Instruments used were Anemometer, Smoke Tube Tracer Set and Measuring Tape. There was an availability velocity measurement that fails when comparing to the standard that is set for the welding process….
Mohd Zubairy SHAMSUDIN1, Vidya VIJAYAKUMAR1 and Mohd Yusof MD DAUD2
Page 16 – 23 | Vol. 2, No. 1 (2017) | Available online on 1 April 2017
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…
Mohd Nasrull Abdol RAHMAN* and Mohd Syahir Muhamad JAFFAR
Page 24 – 33 | Vol. 2, No. 1 (2017) | Available online on 1 April 2017
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.
FAZILAH ABDUL AZIZ1, ZAKRI GHAZALLI1, NIK MOHD ZUKI MOHAMED1, and AMRI ISFAR2
Page 34 – 51 | Vol. 2, No. 1 (2017) | Available online on 1 April 2017
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…