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Leveraging emerging technologies in industrial hygiene to improve occupational safety

Mohamad Jamil PAS, Mohammad Yusof NAD, Noor Arzahan IS

J Occup Environ Hyg, 2025 Mar;22(3):D9-D10.
PMID: 39773248 DOI: 10.1080/15459624.2024.2439805
Fulltext A review: muscle discomfort of police officers in vehicles

Nur Athirah Diyana, Irniza Rasdi, Vivian How, Karmegam Karuppiah, Shamsul Bahri Mohd Tamrin, Sivasankar S., et al.

Malaysian Journal of Medicine and Health Sciences, 2019;15(103):96-98.
MyJurnal

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.
Impacts of PM2.5 on respiratory system among traffic policemen

Putri Anis Syahira MJ, Karmegam K, Nur Athirah Diyana MY, Irniza R, Shamsul Bahri MT, Vivien H, et al.

Work, 2020;66(1):25-29.
PMID: 32417810 DOI: 10.3233/WOR-203147

BACKGROUND: Malaysian traffic policemen are constantly exposed to unhealthy air in the outdoor environment, which results in various health problems. This study investigates the relationship of the personal exposure level to PM2.5 and lung functions in traffic policemen in Kuala Lumpur and Johor Bahru.
METHODS: A pulmonary function test using a spirometer was carried out to measure the lung function of the traffic policemen. The personal exposure level to PM2.5 was measured using a pump with a PVC filter and 5.0μm pore size. A questionnaire requesting the background data, such as age, height, and weight, was also used for testing lung function abnormalities.
RESULTS: The PM2.5 personal exposure level was found to be significantly related to lung function (predicted FEV1 and predicted FVC) at p-value
Fulltext Respiratory symptons prevalence among traffic policemen in Malaysia

Putri Anis Syahira Mohamad Jamil, Karmegam Karuppiah, Irniza Rasdi, Shamsul Bahri Mohd Tamrin, Sivasankar Sambasivam, Nur Athirah Diyana Mohammad Yusof, et al.

Malaysian Journal of Medicine and Health Sciences, 2018;14(102):1-5.
MyJurnal

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).
Fulltext Mobile outdoor air wireless sensor network for exposure monitoring among traffic policeman: a review

Putri Anis Syahira M. J., Karmegam Karuppiah, Irniza Rasdi, How, Vivian, Shamsul Bahri Mohd Tamrin, Nur Athirah Diyana Mohammad Yusof, et al.

Malaysian Journal of Medicine and Health Sciences, 2019;15(103):128-130.
MyJurnal

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.
Fulltext Respiratory effects of exposure to high levels of particulate among Malaysian traffic police

Putri Anis Syahira Mohamad Jamil, Nur Athirah Diyana Mohammad Yusof, Nurul Maizura Hashim, Karmegam Karuppiah, Irniza Rasdi, Vivien How, et al.

Malaysian Journal of Medicine and Health Sciences, 2019;15(204):136-140.
MyJurnal

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).
Fulltext Likert scale vs. Visual Analogue Scale on vehicle seat discomfort questionnaire: a review

Nur Athirah Diyana Mohammad Yusof, Putri Anis Syahira Mohamad Jamil, Nurul Maizura Hashim, Karmegam Karuppiah, Irniza Rasdi, Shamsul Bahri Mohd Tamrin, et al.

Malaysian Journal of Medicine and Health Sciences, 2019;15(204):159-164.
MyJurnal

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.
Cracking the code: uncovering the factors that drive COVID-19 standard operating procedures compliance among school management in Malaysia

Ahmad NS, Karuppiah K, Praveena SM, Ali NF, Ramdas M, Mohammad Yusof NAD

Sci Rep, 2024 Jan 04;14(1):556.
PMID: 38177620 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-49968-4

Malaysia's government's decision to reopen schools during the COVID-19 outbreak, especially for students taking important exams, has alarmed the public. However, the Ministry of Education has implemented a COVID-19 Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for educational institutions. The school management's ability to protect children from COVID-19 rests on their understanding, attitudes, and practices regarding COVID-19 SOP compliance. This study investigated Selangor, Kuala Lumpur, and Putrajaya school management's COVID-19 SOP compliance determinants. Multistage sampling was used to sample 740 school management from Kuala Lumpur, Putrajaya, and Selangor. A self-administered questionnaire collected sociodemographic, occupational, and lifestyle data, knowledge, attitude, and practice of COVID-19 SOP compliance. The school management had good knowledge, attitude, and practice toward COVID-19 SOP. Monthly income, school location, smoking status, and physical activity differed significantly from KAP (p
Musculoskeletal disorders of traffic police in Putrajaya: Evaluating ergonomic risks and trends

Lee M, Mohamad Jamil PAS, Mohammad Yusof NAD, Mohd Suadi Nata DH, Karuppiah K

Work, 2025 Feb;80(2):871-887.
PMID: 39973673 DOI: 10.1177/10519815241290426

BackgroundMusculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) pose significant challenges to the health and performance of traffic police personnel, impacting their job effectiveness and overall well-being.ObjectiveThis study aimed to evaluate the ergonomic risk factors contributing to MSDs among traffic police in Putrajaya.MethodsA questionnaire encompassing socio-demographic variables, work tasks, ergonomic hazards, and the Body Symptom Survey (BOSS) was administered to 40 traffic police officers stationed at the Putrajaya District Police Headquarters. Data analysis was conducted using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) software.ResultsResults revealed a predominantly male (87.5%), Malay (90%) population, aged between 31 and 40, with a majority serving as corporals (42.5%) within operational task units (82.5%). Primary duties among the respondents were traffic control (45%) and police escort (30%). Extreme temperatures emerged as the most prevalent ergonomic risk factor (82.5%), with the neck being the most affected body part (50%). Significant correlations were found between MSDs and various ergonomic risk factors, including awkward posture (p ≤ 0.001), static motion (p
Fulltext Associations of Occupational, Socio-Demographic and Lifestyle Factors with Lung Functions in Malaysian Traffic Policemen

Jamil PASM, Karuppiah K, Rasdi I, How V, Tamrin SBM, Mani KKC, et al.

Ann Glob Health, 2020 07 28;86(1):84.
PMID: 32775216 DOI: 10.5334/aogh.2895

Background: Apart from being exposed to various hazards, there are several other factors that contribute to the deterioration of traffic police health.
Objectives: A cross-sectional study was carried out to explore the association of occupational, socio-demographic, and lifestyle factors with lung functions in traffic policemen in Kuala Lumpur (KL) and Johor Bahru (JB).
Methods: A spirometer was used to measure lung function of subjects, whereas a self-administered questionnaire was used to obtain their information on background data, lifestyle, and occupational factors. The statistical test used was Spearman rho's test and chi-square test; then, the factors were further tested using Logistic regressions.
Findings: 134 male subjects were selected as respondents in this study with 83% response rate. Among all the factors tested, age (FVC: χ = 8.42(3), p = 0.04), (FEV: χ = 8.26(3), p = 0.04), rank (FVC: χ = 8.52(3), p = 0.04), (FEV: χ = 8.05(3), p = 0.04), duration of services (FVC: χ = 11.0(1), p = 0.04), (FEV: χ = 6.53(1), p = 0.01), and average working hours (with the Measured FVC (litre), r = -3.97, p < 0.001; Measured FEV1 (litre), r = -3.70, p < 0.001; Predicted FVC, r = -0.49, p < 0.001; Predicted FEV1, r = -0.47, p < 0.001; and %Ratio FEV1/FV, r = -0.47, p < 0.001) were significantly related to lung function among traffic police.
Conclusions: Occupational factors play a crucial role, and hence, the authorities should take action in generating flexible working hours and the duration of services accordingly. The data from this study can help by serving as a reference to the top management of traffic police officers to develop occupational safety and health guideline for police officers to comply with the Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA, Act 514 1994).
Occupational hazard in Malaysian traffic police: special focus on air pollutants

Mohamad Jamil PAS, Karuppiah K, Rasdi I, How V, Mohd Tamrin SB, Mani KKC, et al.

Rev Environ Health, 2021 Jun 25;36(2):167-176.
PMID: 33594842 DOI: 10.1515/reveh-2020-0107

This paper provides a specific deliberation on occupational hazards confronted daily by Malaysian Traffic Police. Traffic police is a high-risk occupation that involves a wide range of tasks and, indirectly, faced with an equally wide variety of hazards at work namely, physical, biological, psychosocial, chemical, and ergonomic hazards. Thereupon, occupational injuries, diseases, and even death are common in the field. The objective of this paper is to collate and explain the major hazards of working as Malaysian traffic police especially in Point Duty Unit, their health effects, and control measures. There are many ways in which these hazards can be minimised by ensuring that sufficient safety measures are taken such as a wireless outdoor individual exposure indicator system for the traffic police. By having this system, air monitoring among traffic police may potentially be easier and accurate. Other methods of mitigating these unfortunate events are incorporated and addressed in this paper according to the duty and needs of traffic police.
Fulltext Effectiveness of lumbar support with built-in massager system on spinal angle profiles among high-powered traffic police motorcycle riders: A randomised controlled trial

Mohammad Yusof NAD, Karupiah K, Mohd Tamrin SB, Rasdi I, How V, Sambasivam S, et al.

PLoS One, 2021;16(10):e0258796.
PMID: 34665845 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0258796

Traffic police riders are exposed to prolonged static postures causing significant angular deviation of the musculoskeletal, including the lumbar angle (L1-L5). This postural alteration contributes to awkward posture, musculoskeletal disorders and spinal injury, especially in the lower back area, as it is one of the most severe modern diseases nowadays. Thus, the study aimed to evaluate the effect of lumbar support with a built-in massager system on spinal angle profiles among traffic police riders. A randomised controlled trial (pre-testpost-test control design) was used to assess spinal angle pattern while riding the high-powered motorcycle for 20 minutes. Twenty-four traffic police riders were randomly selected to participate and 12 riders were assigned to the control group and 12 riders to the experimental group. The pre-test and post-test were conducted at a one-week interval. Each participant was required to wear a TruPosture Smart Shirt (to monitor spinal posture). The TruPosture Apps recorded the spinal angle pattern. The data indicated that the police riders using motorcycle seat with lumbar support and built-in massager system showed a huge improvement in maintaining posture which only involves slight spinal angle deviation changes from the spinal reference angle throughout the 20 minutes ride. The data collected then were analysed using the Mann-Whitney test and Wilcoxon signed-ranked test to verify a statistically significant difference between and within the control and experimental groups. There were significant differences in all sensors between the control group and experimental groups (p<0.05) and within the experimental group. According to the findings, it can be said that the ergonomic intervention prototype (lumbar support with built-in massager system) successfully helps to maintain and improve the natural curve of the spinal posture. This indirectly would reduce the risk of developing musculoskeletal disorders and spinal injury among traffic police riders.
Fulltext Usability testing of a wireless individual indicator system application: Monitoring exposure to outdoor air pollution among Malaysian Traffic Police

Mohamad Jamil PAS, Karuppiah K, Mohammad Yusof NAD, Mohd Suadi Nata DH, Abdul Aziz N, How V, et al.

Digit Health, 2022;8:20552076221103336.
PMID: 35656285 DOI: 10.1177/20552076221103336

OBJECTIVES: Designs for low-cost air monitors and associated performance data appear in many peer-reviewed articles; however, few manuscripts provide feedback from end user's experiences or comprehensive evaluation. The present study addresses the usability of the wireless outdoor individual exposure indicator system from the viewpoint of the Malaysian Traffic Police (end users). This study is one of the first to chronicle end user experiences for low-cost pollution sensing.
METHOD: The evaluation involved 12 target end users to assess the usability of a prototype for Malaysian Traffic Police to manage their exposure to outdoor air pollution. The test evaluation includes a pre-test, post-task and post-test questionnaire (Post-Study System Usability Questionnaire). The main components in this Post-Study System Usability Questionnaire are Overall satisfaction, System Usefulness, Information Quality and Interface Quality.
FINDINGS: The results of the Post-Study System Usability Questionnaire indicated the mean score of the Overall satisfaction item (2.33), System Usefulness (2.25), Information Quality (2.36) and Interface Quality (2.17) on a scale of 1-10. Prototype users were satisfied with the system because the score is close to 1 on the Post-Study System Usability Questionnaire.
CONCLUSIONS: A user-friendly wireless outdoor individual exposure indicator system is now available for Malaysian Traffic Police. Users have stated that they are happy to use the system at work. However, in addition to more technological advances, practical implementation requires evidence supporting its efficacy, viability and effectiveness.

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