Background: Ergonomics standards play an important role in product and system design as it can improve their usability; provide comfort and safety for the users. The number of musculoskeletal diseases has increased in recent years in Malaysia. However, the awareness and importance of ergonomics in Malaysia is still very low among the industries. Many ergonomics standards have been adopted by SIRIM Berhad under the purview of Department of Standards Malaysia (STANDARDS MALAYSIA). However, the take-up has been slow.

Method: This paper examined the role of SIRIM Berhad in developing the standards, involvement at international levels and other government agencies in promoting Ergonomics. Ergonomics awareness seminars were arranged in three localities, representing three regions, not only to disseminate information on ergonomics and standards available but also to solicit inputs from stakeholders on the problems in developing and adoption of the standards.

Results: Most of the stakeholders were not aware of the standards, do not know how to implement it, and do not have people who are knowledgeable in ergonomics. Since it is not mandatory, no conscious efforts were directed towards it. The lack of research in the various areas has also hindered the development of MS standards.

Conclusion: Standards are important in determining at least the minimum requirement for safety, health and comfort of workers. Creating awareness on the importance of ergonomics should be given some priority and this can be seen by the recent encouraging developments in Malaysia in the field of Ergonomics.

Keywords: Standards, Ergonomics, Malaysian, Awareness

Background: Petrochemical industry emits air pollutants in abundance, which may harm human health, especially the population living near the industry. Children are reported to be the population group of main concern since this susceptible population spends the majority of their time outdoors and their active lifestyle can increase their breathing rate, which then leads to a greater inhalation dose of air pollutants and greater risk of health effects.

Method: The materials for this review were obtained from several on-line databases such as PubMed, Proquest, Scopus and Science Direct (year 1990-2015). In this review, we highlighted several relevant studies on respiratory health effects from petrochemical air pollutant exposure among children living in the neighborhood and highlighted the factors, which contributed to the severity of the health outcomes.

Results: Short term petrochemical air pollutant exposure increases respiratory symptom, reduces lung function and incidence of asthma especially for those who living within 5 km radius from the industry.

Conclusion: This review will provide a compilation of potential respiratory health outcomes that arises from the inhalation of petrochemical air pollutants among children.

Keywords: Petrochemical industry, Respiratory health effects, Children

Background: Standing workstation can be a strategic approach for many electronics manufacturers to achieve work optimization. However, the well-being of the workers has become a great issue for both workers and employers. The main objective of this research was to study the effects of standing working posture on the workers and their impact to workers’ health and productivity and then to re-design and optimize their workstations to a better the working posture.

Methods: The methods used in this study included ergonomics risk assessment using Standing Risk Assessment (SRA), Body Parts Symptoms Analysis (BPSA) and anthropometric data measurements. The subjects in this study were 146 female workers. This case study was carried out in 2011 in a multinational electronics company situated in Beranang Industrial Area, Selangor, Malaysia.

Results: After the re-design, a 26% floor space savings, as well as 30% improvement in productivity, quality and reduction in Work In Progress (WIP) was seen. The risk level was at level 2, which was considerably low. Nevertheless, the calculated numbers of industrial accidents and total lost hours were reduced sharply by implementing correct standing cell operation.

Conclusion: Standing while working might be the most productive posture in manufacturing and assembly work. However, it can be the opposite if the workers are exposed to musculoskeletal disorders and fatigue because of working standing for too long.

Keywords: Standing work, Workstation design, Ergonomic, Standing risk assessment

Background: Hazardous chemicals, which give detrimental effect to the central nervous system, are widely used in the vehicle services industry. The use of Vibrotactile Perception Threshold (VPT) as a screening tool for chemical exposure is new in developing country such as Malaysia. Therefore, this study determined the relationship between VPT and chemical exposure among vehicle service technicians in Klang Valley.

Methods: Chemical Health Risk Assessment (CHRA) was conducted in 2014 at Klang Valley Vehicle Service Centers among the technicians using the method from Department of Occupational Safety and Health (DOSH) Malaysia. HavLab Tactile Vibrometer, UK was used to determine the VPT at the fingertip for the assessment peripheral nerve impairment. Questionnaires were used to obtain the respondents’ background.

Results: Results showed the Log VPT 31.5Hz & 125Hz for workers exposed to chemicals was significantly higher compared to the non-exposed workers (31.5Hz: T=4.776 (P<0.001), 125Hz: T=4.775(P<0.001)). There was significant relationship between VPT at Log 31.5Hz, Log 125Hz and overall VPT with diesel, mixture of gasoline and benzene, gasoline only, and the use of personal protective equipment.

Conclusion: The overall VPT model demonstrated that the exposure to an organic solvent and the usage of PPE contributed to vibro tactile threshold among vehicle service technicians in Malaysia.

Keywords: Chemical exposure, VPT, Vehicle service technicians

Background: Motorcycle has been one of the vital modes of transportation worldwide. It is quite difficult to identify the risk factors that affect muscular discomfort among motorcyclist due to not much research having been carried out on the motorcyclist. The purpose of this study was to have a better understanding of the risk factors of muscular discomfort among motorcyclist due to motorcycle riding.

Method: Five databases were searched based on keywords that related to the risk factors might cause discomfort among motorcyclist. The research screened covered years between 1973 until 2013. In order to identify and classify research studies, specific keywords were identified and used in order to guide the discovery of relevant studies.

Result: As overall, five risk factors were identified that might affect the muscle activity and cause discomfort on various parts of body among motorcyclist. Risk factors such as biological, environmental, vehicle, physiological and life activities factors were related to each other and might contribute to the discomfort among motorcyclists during riding process.

Conclusion: This review was done to relate risk factors of muscular discomfort among motorcyclist, as there is currently not much information available on the riding and muscular discomfort of motorcyclists in Malaysia.

Keywords: Risk factors, Muscle, Discomfort, Motorcyclist, Motorcycle

Background: This study was an investigation conducted at two oil palm plantations in Slim River District, Perak, Malaysia on the prevalence of back pain among workers in the Malaysian oil palm industry. Many manual handling activities and tasks performed were not designed ergonomically, thus a high prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders was found among oil palm fresh fruit bunches (FFBs) manual workers. The three main objectives of this study were to determine the level of employee awareness on health and safety of manual handling tasks; to recognize the musculoskeletal symptom on the workers body parts; and to analyze their working postures and identify the relevant risk factors.

Methods: Modified Nordic questionnaire was used to collect data in 2012 at two oil palm plantations located in Slim River District, Perak, Malaysia. Later, Rapid Entire Body Assessment (REBA) analysis was conducted for high risk working postures. Seventy workers participated in the study.

Results: 81.4% of workers were aware on the correct methods to perform the manual handling tasks. The upper back and lower back pain were experienced by 87.1% and 94.3% of the workers respectively.

Conclusion: Manual workers have high level (81.4%) health and safety awareness on manual handling tasks but failed to practice it. As a result, 87.1% of them are sufferring from lower back and 94.3% from upper back pain. FFBs loading activity into the lorry is a high risk and changes needed to be done immediately. The two major risk factors identified were awkward lifting postures and repetitive lifting of FFBs.

Keywords: Oil palm industry, Ergonomics, Posture, Musculoskeletal pain, workers

Background: Injuries or pains occurred at various body's joints, ligaments, muscles, nerves, tendons, limbs, back and neck are classified as musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs). A single forceful exertion or repeated exposure to force, vibration or awkward posture can result in MSDs. This study was carried out by evaluating the relevant physical measurements of Class B ambulance used in Malaysia. The two main objectives of the study are to evaluate on the ambulance physical dimensions and workstation design and to conduct a Rapid Entire Body Assessment (REBA) to examine ambulance’s emergency medical service (EMS) workers’ activities and their associated MSDs risk factors.

Methods: The two methodologies adopted for the study conducted in 2014 were direct measurement of the ambulance physical dimensions and workstation layout; and in-depth interviews of five EMS workers that provides patient care during transporting patient to a public hospital in Kota Bharu, Kelantan. REBA was conducted on seven commonly performed activities by EMS workers for identifying postural risks.

Results: The study found ambulance width is too narrow and workstation layout may exposed EMS workers to MSDs risks. REBA scores for the seven commonly performed activities in the ambulance ranges from medium to very high. 

Conclusion: Seven important MSDs risk factors to be considered in the design of the Class B ambulance for performing patient care activities that may lead towards EMS workers’ injury are awkward posture, bumping, instability, narrow workspace dimension, inappropriate arrangement of storage cabinet, inappropriate arrangement of medical equipment, inadequate railing and seat, and inappropriate stretcher.

Keywords: Musculoskeletal disorders, Ambulance, EMS, Workers, REBA, Risks

Background: Workstation design has shift from using single monitor screen to dual monitor screens, which may impose some impacts towards the muscles activity. This study aimed to determine the effect of using dual monitor screen computer to the neck-shoulder muscle activity among computer user.

Method: This experimental study was conducted in 2015 among 28 healthy students in University Malaysia Perlis. The muscle activity of sternocleidomastoid and trapezius were recorded using surface electromyography (sEMG) as the participants perform two types of computer task: (1) proofreading task for 10 minutes (2) typing task for 20 minutes in setting; single and dual monitor screens.

Results: There was a significant reduction in the median frequency of the left trapezius muscle (t=-2.515, P=0.018). Sternocleidomastoid muscle activity for both sides also showed a significant reduction in the median frequency where right SCM (t=-2.579, P=0.016) and left SCM (t=-2.345, P=0.027). When compared between both setup of screen display, it is showed that dual screen gave a lower trend of muscle activity compared to single screen.

Conclusions: Using dual screen may results in increasing the movement frequency and reducing the static strain in the neck-shoulder muscle area.

Keywords: Dual monitor screen, Neck-shoulder muscles, Surface electromyography

Background: A cross sectional study was conducted to determine the association between occupational stress risk factors and salivary alpha-amylase activity levels among fresh fruit bunch (ffb) cutters at oil palm plantation. 

Methods: A total of 109 ffb cutters were selected from two oil palm plantations in Pulau Carey, Selangor at west coast of Malaysia in 2015. Questionnaires were used to determine socio-demographics and occupation information, distress level were determined by using translated 12-items-General Health Questionnaire (GHQ). Kestrel Heat Stress Tracker 4400 was used to measure wet bulb globe temperature (WBGT) for heat stress exposure. Posture analysis was examined based on Rapid Upper Limb Assessment (RULA) method in evaluating working posture and Borg CR-10 scale was rated by ffb cutters to determine exerted force during harvesting process. Stress response system was determined by measuring salivary alpha-amylase (sAA) activity by using sAA kinetic enzyme assay kit (Salimetrics).

Results: 35.8% of ffb cutter had high score indicating psychological distress. 49.5% of the cutters had high heat stress exposure. 91.8% used force exertion of 50%MVC and above to cut fresh fruit bunches and 62.4% were classified in Action Level 4 under RULA. 77.0% of the ffb cutters showed high levels of sAA activity after cutting fresh fruit bunches. 

Conclusion: Workplace stressors such as working environment and ergonomics risk factors play a role to develop stress at workplace among ffb cutters. Therefore, stress preventive measures are needed to reduce the stressors at workplace.

Keywords: Psychological distress, Salivary alpha-amylase, Heat stress exposure, Oil palm plantation

Background: The main objective of this study was to determine the respiratory health symptoms and lung function among roadside hawkers in Serdang, Malaysia and its association with traffic-related exposures.

Methods: This cross-sectional comparative study was conducted among 60 roadside hawkers while 60 restaurant workers were included as the comparative group in 2015. A questionnaire was used to collect background information and symptoms of respiratory health. All participants performed lung function tests. Personal exposure to traffic-related fine particulate matter (PM_2.5) and carbon dioxide (CO) were performed among a representative group of workers. All statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 22.

Results: The mean (standard deviation) PM_2.5 exposure among the roadside hawkers was 31.05 (1.62) μg/m³ while the exposure among the comparative group was 19.41 (1.51) μg/m³ (P<0.05). The mean exposure level of CO among the roadside hawkers was 2.42 (0.29) ppm compared to 1.51 (0.14) ppm among comparative group. FEV1 (litres) (z=-1.96, P=0.04) of the exposed group was significantly lower than the comparative group. Respiratory symptoms such as wheezing, chest tightness, coughing and phlegm were significantly higher among exposed group (P<0.05). There were significant associations between the reporting of wheezing with PM_2.5 (Odds Ratio, OR=10.39, 95% Confidence Interval, CI=2.67-40.41), working duration (OR=13.36, 95%CI=3.13- 57.03) and current smoking status (OR=3.34, 95%CI=1.04-10.67).

Conclusion: Roadside hawkers are exposed to high traffic-related pollutants, had reduced lung function, and are at risk for increased respiratory health symptoms. The study suggested the importance of preventive management for this specific group of workers.

Keywords: Fine Particulate Matter (PM_2.5), Carbon Monoxide (CO), Respiratory health symptoms, Lung function, Roadside hawkers

Background: : This study aimed to quantify the prevalence of low back pain (LBP), analyze its associated risk factors and explore on how LBP affects job satisfaction among 120 school teachers in Malaysia.

Method: A cross-sectional study was conducted among randomly selected teachers from four secondary schools in Putrajaya from February to March 2015. The level of LBP was assessed using a standardized Nordic Questionnaire, while Teachers’ Satisfaction Scale was used to determine teacher satisfaction level. The response rate for this study was 100% (120/120).

Results: The prevalence of LBP among respondents was 72.9%. Gender (P=0.016), prolonged sitting (0.015), walking up and down stairs (0.012), and lifting loads with hands (0.030) were significantly associated with LBP among respondents after controlling for other factors including age, marital status and other work tasks. The strongest predictor of LBP among teachers was walking up and down stairs (OR = 9.45) indicating that respondents who reported having to walk up and down stairs frequently were 9 times more likely to have low back pain compared to those who did not.

Conclusion: Prioritization of prevention and control measures should focus more on promoting healthier ergonomic movement among teachers rather than providing knowledge and awareness on low back pain and job satisfaction level among teachers.

Keywords: Low back pain, Secondary school teachers, Putrajaya, Occupational health

Background: : This study developed a smart CO₂ detector, which attach to the general ventilation system to reduce the gas level.

Methods: Indoor air quality measurement was performed in five selected rooms between January 2015 to February 2015 using TSI Q-Trak^TM Indoor Air Monitor 7575. The perceived indoor air quality conditions was gathered using questionnaires adopted from the Industrial Code of Practice (ICOP) of Indoor Air Quality 2010 by the Department of Occupational Safety and Health (DOSH). The AutoCad 2010 and Soldworks 2011 software were used to design and develop the CO₂ detector.

Results: The highest concentration of CO₂ was determined in the occupied tutorial room (1435 ± 62.6 ppm) followed by lecture hall 3 (1337.67± 14.6 ppm) and lecture hall 4 (1109 ± 4.0 ppm). The highest temperature was recorded in occupied tutorial room (29 ± 0.3 ºC) while the highest relative humidity was recorded in occupied lecture hall 4 (76 ± 3.1 %). All of these values exceed the ICOP standard level. Varying room temperature was the most common problem reported (n = 34, 22.7%) followed by unpleasant odors (n = 22, 14.7%) and drafty (n = 21, 14%). The CO₂ sensor attached to the general ventilation system triggers the ventilation system to regulate the air into the building more efficiently when CO² exceeds 800 ppm. The detector may stop the system when the pollutants level is back to normal.

Conclusion: The CO₂ detector system helps to regulate the air movement and reduce the CO₂ level.

Keywords: Carbon dioxide, General exhaust ventilation (GEV), Sick building syndrome (SBS), Indoor air quality 

Background: The objective of this study was to determine the Heart Rate and Oxygen Consumption of the elderly whilst frying.

Methodology: In 2010, a total of 31 subjects (11 males and 20 females) from Sg. Merab, Selangor were participated in this study. They were aged between 60 to 83 years with a mean age of 67.06 years. They were asked to perform five minutes frying task and data were measured and recorded before and after performing the task. The variables investigated in this study were EKG to obtain heart rate readings and an Oxygen Gas Sensor to measure oxygen consumption. Collected data was statistically analysed.

Results: There was a 66.13% increase in oxygen consumption and 15.20% increment of heart rate after performing the task.

Conclusions: The high oxygen consumption and increasing heart rate show that frying could be an exhaustive or fatiguing task for the elderly.

Keywords: Ageing, Task performance, BADL and IADL, Independency, Heart rate, Oxygen consumption

Background: Driving posture discomfort can contribute to musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs), injuries, lumbar pain and fatigue. The three main objectives of this study were to identify the level of awareness for correct and safe driving posture, health implication to their body parts and to propose a suitable car seat fit dimensions appropriate for Malaysian drivers’ population.

Methods: The two methodologies used for the study conducted in 2014 were direct manual measurement of 62 anthropometric data involving 1312 subjects and using a survey questionnaire involving 136 subjects to perform subjective evaluation on driving posture discomfort based on 5 points Likert scale.

Results: Results showed 77% of the subjects that took part in the survey agreed that driving posture may influence their discomfort during driving. In short the car drivers were aware on the importance of correct and safe driving posture. However, they are still lacking in terms of knowledge and exposure to practice the correct posture. In addition, survey respondents believed the body parts that experienced discomfort are the neck (50%), followed by the upper back (47.06%), lower back (45.59%), left buttock (39.71%), right buttock (38.97%), right shoulder (33.82%) and then the right foot ankle (23.53%).

Conclusion: Drivers’ awareness level and attitude toward correct and safe driving posture correlates positively to their physical health and comfort. Based on the Malaysian anthropometric data, this study has proposed a set of comfortable dimensions for driver’s seat: backrest width (480 mm) and height (646 mm); cushion width (503 mm) and length (381 mm).

Keywords: Comfortable, Driving posture, Anthropometry, Car seat, Dimensions

Background: Ablution area is one of the facilities used by most Muslims in all categories. There are numbers of design guidelines for praying facilities but lack on ablution area specification. Therefore, this study was conducted to design an ergonomic ablution area for the Muslim’s disabled and elderly based on their preferences and anthropometric dimension.

Methods:  Kano questionnaires and user evaluation form, was used to investigate the preferences of elderly and disabled in ablution area to 20 respondents at Masjid Bulat, Petaling Jaya and Masjid Kampung Kerinchi,Pantai Dalam, Kuala Lumpur in 2015. Anthropometric dimension of elderly and disabled people was measured. Besides, dimensions of two existing ablution units at selected mosques were evaluated using ‘Ablution Unit Dimension Evaluation’ form.

Results: New ablution area design was developed based on elderly and disabled people anthropometric dimension and user preferences as well as user satisfaction survey. This study can be considered as preliminary study for the development of ergonomic ablution unit design.

Conclusion:  It is hoped that the findings and recommendations from this research will be referred by the stakeholders to determine the best solution to increase the level of comfort and accessibility for elderly and disabled at mosques in Malaysia.

Keywords: Wudu’, Ablution, Workstation, Elderly, Disabled, Design, Mosque