In order to accomplish a wide range of duties and responsibilities that may be done under unpleasant working con- ditions, prolonged standing posture is common with school teachers. Nevertheless, standing upright for a long time or otherwise regarded as prolonged standing frequently contributes to body pain and discomfort, muscle fatigue and even health problems such as musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs). The aim of this paper is to review MSDs arising from prolonged standing and spread information on existing ergonomic and non-ergonomic interventions to alleviate prolonged standing discomfort. Systematic review on prolonged standing school teachers with specific keywords were recognized to discover the appropriate studies and information in a systematic search. The informations in this review may be helpful to guide teacher, school management and researchers to implement the suitable interventions in order to minimise the health issue due to MSDs among school teachers.
This study was conducted to evaluate the discomfort level of students from the Polytechnic Kuching Sarawak while they were sitting on chairs. Polytechnic Kuching students (n=500) completed a set of questionnaires utilizing a survey form which showed the body chart discomfort using Borg’s CR-10 Scale. The students was asked to identify body areas experiencing discomfort and to rate this discomfort using score rating groups (0 to 5) where score 0-1.99 = No discomfort (1), score2.00-3.99 =Discomfort (2) and score 4.00-5.00 = Very uncomfortable (3).The evaluation of seating discomfort levels showed acceptable levels for the students and possible outstanding problems. Students were asked to rank over an order 10 statements about comfort and choose three responses which gave the most consistent equal interval scale. The results showed that the main response of discomfort indicated the students felt cramped, stiff, numb, sore and tender muscle, unbearable pain, barely comfortable and uncomfortable. This project was identified to evaluate the comfort level for classrooms chairs of polytechnic students. Overall, there was a significant discomfort level for the students whilst sitting on chairs and a possible solution put forward is to design a new type of classroom chair made of natural fibre reinforced composite.
Prolonged standing has been identified as one of the risk factors which is associated with occupational injuries. Therefore, the primary aim for this study is to determine the association between prolonged standing and muscle dis- comfort among workers who have to stand for long periods of time. A total of 74 respondents were given and asked to complete a self-administered Borg’s Scale questionnaire. After that, the completed questionnaire was analysed using statistical analysis. This study highlighted the correlation between height, weight and age of the respondents with muscle discomfort following exposure to prolonged standing. Besides that, the association between prolonged standing and muscle discomfort also will be highlighted. In short, the prevalence of leg muscle discomfort was higher compared to the muscle discomfort experienced by the other body parts.
Ergonomics is a science focusing on the study of human fit, decreasing human fatigue and discomfort through the design of new product. Prevention related to workers injury and illness such as muscle discomfort is part of the main goals in ergonomics interventions. Thus, this present study investigates the effectiveness of ergonomic interventions such as footrest and floor conditions in reducing workers lower leg muscle discomforts during prolonged standing. The main objective of this study was to determine and compare the lower leg muscles discomfort (exertion percent- age (%)) of Gastrocnemius and Tibialis Anterior among the respondents using the two ergonomic interventions (foot- rest and anti-fatigue mat). About 60 healthy subjects were recruited to stand for 2 hours (120 minutes) while using the two interventions in different session with one week interval between each test session. During standing, lower leg muscle discomfort of Gastrocnemius and Tibialis Anterior muscles were continuously monitored. Changes in lower leg muscle discomforts over standing time were measured using the surface Electromyography (sEMG). In this study, the sEMG readings showed that the percentage of exertion (%) were increasing with time (within 120 minutes) on muscles for both legs with the usage of the interventions (footrest and anti-fatigue mat). However, the percentage of exertion (%) from the sEMG readings were lower compared to previous studies. The independent t-test was used to find the mean changes on exertion percentage (%) between each muscles of both legs for the two interventions. Results found that there were significant exertion percentage at certain time with 15 minutes time period within the 120 minutes standing. This study showed that the ergonomic interventions (anti-fatigue mat and footrest) gives a low number of exertion percentage (%), showing a reduced muscle discomfort to the lower leg muscles compared to previous studies and interventions. In comparisons with footrest, this study showed that anti-fatigue mat is more applicable for the assembly workers in the industrial factory. The data produced by the comparisons between the two interventions can be useful especially to the Department of Occupational Safety and Health Malaysia (DOSH) in enhancing the safety and wellbeing of industrial workers in Malaysia.
Introduction: Innovative ways of balancing indoor relative humidity without compensate for the optimal working environment is crucial as excessive dampness is a risk factor for health symptoms among people and deteriorate building performance. This study examines the potential of fabricating humidity controlling material by sintering a mixture of diatomite, waste glass and cockle shell powder. Moisture sorption isotherms, moisture buffer values, pore structure, surface morphology and flexural strength of the final products were determined. Methods: Mixture of diatomite, powdered waste glass and cockle shell powder is mixed at different ratio, pressed and sintered at 1100°C for 20 minutes. The final products were examined using nitrogen gas adsorption-desorption and scanning electron microscopy for mesoporous and morphology properties. The moisture adsorption-desorption performances of the samples were tested using desiccator method while the flexural strength is tested using universal testing machine. Results: The sintered products have specific surface area from 5.744 m2/g to 14.765 m2/g and have pore size from 39.5-67.7 nm. The best product, manufactured by mixing 60% diatomite, 30% waste glass and 10% cockle shell powder, showed a good moisture buffer value (MBV: 1.3 g/m2 %RH) and flexural strength of 8.23 ± 1.8 MPa satisfy the standard of those commercial porous ceramics. Conclusion: Usage of waste glass and cockle shell powder in development of humidity control material helped in the waste reduction. The humidity control material produced can regulate indoor humidity without additional energy consumption. The superior products show excellent charac- teristics and highly promising for various construction applications.
Introduction: Prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) among office workers found to be high worldwide, leading to considerable economic impacts and health issues. The relationship between MSDs and productivity loss is widely recognized. This study investigates the possible relationships between the self-reported musculoskeletal dis- orders and productivity in term of absenteeism/presenteeism and self-evaluated productivity levels during presentee- ism time among office workers. Methods: Cross-sectional study was carried among office workers (n=398) in three public sector organizations in Putrajaya. Socio-demographic and productivity data were determined using self-ad- ministered general questionnaire whereas prevalence of MSDs evaluated using Cornell Musculoskeletal Disorders Questionnaire (CMDQ). Results: This study found that prevalence of MSDs symptoms among office workers in any body parts is high (83.7%), low-back pain reported the highest (58.5%) whereas thighs pain reported less prevalent MSDs symptoms (25.4%) among participants. Also, the results showed a significant association between prevalence of MSDs and productivity loss in regard with presenteeism (p
This paper explains Needlestick and Sharp Injuries among Healthcare Workers in Saudi Hospitals. Presently there are number of factors that are responsible for health care workers injuries. Lack of secure environment and ignorance to safety measures can lead to injuries due to Needlestick and Sharp objects. There is a significant need of providing better working environment for health care workers in Saudi Arabia. Following daily practices and World Health Organization’s measures for taking the preventive steps for these injuries is necessary. Trying to avoid utilizing needles whenever secure and efficient substitutes are present, providing needle containers, avoiding re-capping and wearing gloves on both hands are some of the measures that could be taken to make sure these problems do not recur.
Ergonomic is important in classroom. Sitting for protracted period in class may lead students to develop musculoskeletal disorders. Their physical health and performance in the class may increase by designing school furniture that match with human body. In Malaysia, there is a lack of ergonomic assessment for school environment especially in urban areas. The aim of this study is to determine the mismatch between the furniture dimension and anthropometric parameters among primary school children in Putrajaya. This is a cross-sectional study which involved 100, Year 1 and Year 6 primary school students randomly selected in Putrajaya. Five anthropometric measurements (popliteal height, buttock popliteal length, elbow height, shoulder height (sitting), hip breadth) as well as five furniture dimensions (seat height, seat depth, seat width, backrest height and seat to desk height) were measured. Instrument used is Martin type anthropometer set, SECA body meter, and SECA weighing scale. Calculation for determining mismatch between the furniture and anthropometric measures were calculated using a standard mismatch formula. There was 100% mismatch for seat height, seat depth, and seat to seat to desk height for Year 1. As for Year 6, mismatch was reported 100% for backrest height and seat to desk height. There were significance difference for parameters of popliteal height between Year 1 and Year 6 and between male and female of Year 1. There was a presence of mismatch between furniture dimension and children anthropometric measurement. Proposed dimension of furniture shows decrease in percentage of mismatch for the most parameter of anthropometric measurement.
Workplace accident is a big challenges for a safety professional. Workplace accidents may lead from minor to serious
effects to both employees and employers alike. Accident is an unexpected and undesirable event, especially those
resulting in damage, harm or unforeseen incidents. This paper also discussed all available accident theories that are
commonly used in workplace as fundamental to mitigating accident. Throughout this paper, the author justified that a
new or updated accident theory is needed in Malaysia. The author stated that current accident theories are based on
different environments and are different in terms physical of the employee who involved in the accident. This author
also stated that technology changes is also another factor which can be supporting the new or updated accident
theory needed in Malaysia.
Pineapple plantation workers are exposed to strenuous physical activities. This study aims to determine the prevalence
of musculoskeletal symptoms (MSS), analyse the body postural risks related to work tasks and identify relevant MSS risk factors
among pineapple plantation workers. This was a cross-sectional study performed at a pineapple plantation in Johor in 2016. MSS,
information on socio-demographic background and occupational history were collected via structured questionnaires. Identification
and risk assessment of ergonomic hazard and postural risk analysis were performed for a subset of workers. Data were entered into
statistical software and analyse according to relevant objectives. A total of 108 workers participated in this study. The prevalence
of MSS was 87.0% and was highest for the lower back (64.8%). In terms of ergonomic hazards, Harvesting were categorised as a
task with the highest risk. Harvesting was also the task with the highest postural risk. From the multivariate analysis, lower back
pain is mainly contributed by a working tenure of 10 to 25 years (Odds Ratio, OR: 3.90; 95% Confidence Interval, CI 1.05-14.4) and
more than 25 years (OR: 7.45 (95% CI 1.26 to 44.0). Workers who worked more than 7-hour daily have a higher risk for reporting
lower back pain. Pineapple plantation workers are exposed to excessive bending, twisting and carrying of heavy loads that may be
linked to MSS. Effective preventive strategies are required to address MSS in this population in order to minimize risk for subsequent
musculoskeletal disorders.
This paper studies the muscle discomfort among police officers when carrying out their work. The objective of this study is to give a basic introduction of ergonomic problems in among police officers and risk controls in relation to minimize the ergonomics risk factors. This paper gives quick review of muscle discomfort problems and prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders (MSD) among police officer. An ergonomic application has been purposed in the liter- ature to solve the problem related with design of mechanical.
Introduction: Pineapple harvesting work contributes to the reporting of musculoskeletal symptoms (MSS) and er- gonomic risks. Pineapples are harvested manually in some parts of Malaysia using rattan baskets and workers are exposed to excessive bending, pain and discomfort. This intervention study developed and tested a prototype of an ergonomic harvesting basket to potentially reduce discomfort and physiological workload during a simulation of har- vesting activity. Methods: The development and testing of improved harvesting basket was performed in laboratory and workshop. The improved basket had adjustable cushion straps, foam back pad and an opening for unloading of fruits. Harvesting was simulated using improved and existing basket by human subjects and questionnaires were used to assess discomfort. Physiological workload was assessed by heart rate and energy expenditure. Results: A total of 12 male respondents with average age of 22.4 (2.2) years participated in harvesting simulation. Discomfort as measured in Likert scale (mean (standard deviation) for improved basket 4.13 (6.1) vs existing basket 12.26 (11.2); p
The effects of poor air quality are a serious issue in urban areas, wherever most people live and work. Precise moni- toring of air quality in real-time is crucial to enable prompt and fitting resolutions for outdoor workers and the public. This study is meant to provide information and to understand current knowledge on the use of mobile wireless sensor network for outdoor air pollution assessments and monitoring. A search of the literature was carried out using an appropriate query for the search of papers across various databases. Majority of the previous studies researched have reported that mobile wireless sensors are versatile and could be applied in exposure assessments and monitoring of outdoor air quality. The reviewed articles proved that mobile wireless sensors are a practical device that can effec- tively detect air pollution and will facilitate to boost the protection of the community, personal health care as well as environmental monitoring.
Introduction: Malaysian traffic police are always working on the public roads to alleviate traffic congestion and therefore exposed them to the polluted air every day. In particular, polluted air containing PM2.5 is dangerous to their respiratory health as they can penetrate deep into the lungs, leading to bronchitis, lung cancer and many more. Hence, this research examined the relationship of personal exposure level to PM2.5 with respiratory symptoms among traffic policemen in Kuala Lumpur and Johor Bahru. Methods: 134 participants among traffic policemen were agreed to participate in this study. They were requested to complete a questionnaire regarding the sociodemographic back- ground and respiratory health information. The questionnaire was adopted from International Union Against Tuber- culosis Lung Diseases (1986). Personal exposure level of PM2.5 was measured using an air pump with 5.0µm pore size PVC filter. Results: The mean exposure level of PM2.5 among traffic policemen was 28.69 µg/m3. It was found that some of them possess respiratory symptoms (Coughing 33.6%, Phlegm 25.4%, Wheezing 14.9% and Shortness of breath 32.1%). There was significant association detected at p-value < 0.05 in coughing. Despite, there was no significant association in other symptoms such as phlegm, wheezing and shortness of breath. Conclusions: Traffic police were exposed to a relatively high level of PM2.5 (12.4 µg/m3 to 55.3 µg/m3) and showed symptoms of respi- ratory effects. Therefore, recognition of the risks connected with occupational lung disease and exposure monitoring must be a high priority. This baseline data can serve as a reference to the top management of traffic police officers in order to develop an occupational safety and health guideline for police officers as required by Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA, Act 514 1994).
Discomfort measurement has usually been attempted by asking the participants to rate the scale of their discomfort which commonly termed as a subjective scale. Various studies had conducted the discomfort level on vehicle seat by using Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) and Likert scale. VAS is a tool that use to measure a discomfort or characteristics in range across a continuum of values. Meanwhile, Likert-scale is a tool consist of items that require respondents to rate their degrees of comfort or discomfort with various declarative statements. Thus, the purpose of this study is to review, discuss and compare between the VAS and Likert scale used on the development and assessment of sitting discomfort survey in seat vehicles. The literature on various topics related to questionnaire development on discomfort in seat vehicle were collected from electronic databases. Four high-quality studies were eligible and met the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Overall, there is no evidence and conclusion that neither visual analogue scale nor Likert scale are better to one another. Therefore, it can be concluded that either of this scale still applicable for the ergonomic research application as both of this scale have their own pros and cons.
Traffic policemen are exposed to polluted air for a long time in high concentrations since they are working outside for most of the time which is bad for their health. Hence, this study was to determine the prevalence of respiratory symptoms and pulmonary function among traffic police in Kuala Lumpur and Johor Bahru. Methods: A pulmonary function test using spirometer was used to measure the pulmonary function of subjects. A questionnaire on respiratory symptoms translated version from IUALTD was used. The questionnaire includes background data, occupational and health history. Results: The traffic policemen were determined as having lower lung function parameters; low FVC% predicted (89.6%) and low FEV1% predicted (94%) due to their nature of work and the environment. Coughing was present at the highest (33.6%) among them, whereas wheezing was found the least (15.7%) of the workers. Conclusions: Findings from this study, indicated that there is a development of respiratory diseases and deterioration of lung function among traffic policemen. These baseline data can serve as a reference to the top management of traffic police officers in order to develop an occupational safety and health guideline for police officers as they are not covered by Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA, Act 514 1994).