Displaying publications 1 - 20 of 177 in total

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  1. Mohd Norhafsam Maghpor, Suhaily Amran, Ahmad Sayuti Zainal Abidin, Naemah Tajol Arus, Nurzuhairah Jamil, Nor Husna Mat Hussin
    MyJurnal
    A study has been conducted on trans,trans-muconic acid (t,t-MA) as the biomarker for benzene exposure among
    oil and gas petrol tanker drivers. The objectives of this study are to determine the significant difference and the
    correlation between Benzene personal exposure and urinary t,t-MA among exposed and non-exposed workers. A total
    of 92 questionnaires were distributed to obtain demographic and descriptive data. Benzene personal exposure was
    sampled using SKC passive samplers and the data was analyzed using GC-FID. Urinary t,t-MA was collected at end of
    work shift and analyzed using HPLC-UV detector. A total of 30 non-exposed workers were also sampled. The averages
    of urinary t,t-MA were 96.65 ug/g creatinine for exposed workers and 0.51 ug/g creatinine for non-exposed workers.
    Meanwhile, the averages of Benzene personal exposure were 0.37 mg/m3 and 0.01 mg/m3 for exposed workers and
    non-exposed workers respectively. No significant correlation was found between exposure to benzene with excreted
    urinary t,t-MA of workers occupationally exposed (p-value > 0.05) as well as to workers non-exposed to benzene
    (p-value > 0.05). In conclusion, there is no significant correlation found between Benzene personal exposure and
    urinary t,t-MA among exposed and non-exposed workers. Applicability of using t,t-MA as the biomarker of benzene
    exposure shall be further discussed with all the other confounding factors to be taken into account.
  2. Guharajan N
    MyJurnal
    Health promotion, a discipline fast growing, deals with the prevention of illness and injury at the workplace. This article review defines health promotion and suggests the means for planning an effective, organized and well-structured program. A properly executed program will benefit both employer and employee in managing workplace absenteeism, reducing staff turnover, improving morale and productivity and keeping health care costs at an acceptable level.
  3. Saad Mohd Said, Zairihan Abdul Halim, Fatimah Said
    MyJurnal
    This study analyzes the determinants of workplace injuries across 44 four-digit manufacturing industries in Malaysia from 1993 to 2008 through the business cycle and structural approaches. The results of fixed-effects estimations revealed that workplace injuries in Malaysian manufacturing sector were negatively influenced by firm size and positively influenced by business cycle. Consistent with the findings of previous studies in other countries, the empirical evidence of this study supports the pro-cyclical behavior of injury rates in manufacturing industries towards business cycle. The analysis demonstrates that both structural and cyclical variation effects are important determinants of workplace injuries in Malaysia.
  4. Roseni Abdul Aziz, Mat Rebi Abdul Rani, Jafri Mohd Rohani, Ademola James Adeyemi
    MyJurnal
    Studies have identified working postures as a major risk factors associated with Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSD) in industries. This study investigated the prevalence of WMSD among assembly workers in Malaysia and how psychosocial factors such as personal values and workers relationship with family and superior are associated with discomfort and pain. A survey was conducted among 127 workers at assembly process in the manufacturing industry. The workers were aged 28.74±6.74 years and 64.6% of them were males. Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) was used to determine the effect of workplace factors on WMSD at different body regions. Spearman’s rank correlation was used to investigate association between psychosocial factors and occurrence of discomfort and pain. Only occupation and job activities revealed any significant different with WMSD in the major body regions while there was no significant difference in gender, age and work duration classifications. Shoulder painis the most prevalent in terms of frequency and intensity of occurrence. Psychosocial issues that have to do with person values, effect of job on family relationship and workers rapport with superiors are all found to be associated with the discomfort and pain among the occupational group. Employers and concerned government agencies need to take more proactive steps in tackling the problem as the occurrence of WMSD will have a significant effect on the overall wellbeing of the working population.
  5. Sethu, V.S.
    MyJurnal
    Work-related musculoskeletal disorders of the upper limb (WRMSDs-UL) account for one of the largest types of occupational disorders worldwide. This broad term includes several disorders, such as carpal tunnel syndrome, tendonitis, tension neck syndrome and lateral epicondylitis (tennis elbow) which are generally caused by poor postures, repetitive strain and psychosocial factors. Various workplace interventions have been investigated and employed to prevent the different WRMSDs-UL, but a common consensus to address the problem has yet to be achieved. This paper reviews and discusses the efficacies of some interventions which have been tested for the most prevalent type of WRMSDs-UL, carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). The focus will be on computer users who developed CTS out of the prolonged and repetitive use of keyboards and pointing devices. The interventions studied include engineering design, management strategies, personal development, medical treatment and multi-dimensional approaches. Outcome of the study reveals that the most effective approach would be one that is multi-dimensional in nature, with the inclusion of at least two or more intervention strategies at the same time.
  6. Jefferelli, S.B., Sunthar, R., Trauth B., Bauder, K.
    MyJurnal
    Good reporting of medical drill is important to optimise learning and benefit from the activity. This article shares our opinion on what constitutes a good medical emergency drill report. A good medical emergency medical drill report should include medical drill background, observation, remarks on observation and details of observers and reporter.
  7. Jafri Mohd Rohani, Hood Atan, Wan Harun Wan Hamid, Mohamed Fitri Johari, Wan Lokman Wan Bedurdin, Hafizah Ithnin
    MyJurnal
    Currently accident cost calculations involve lengthy process of data collection procedures. Accident cost
    calculations can be categorized into direct and indirect costs. Many manufacturing industries are having difficulties
    in identifying and quantifying the accident cost category. Besides, it involves manual data collection which is time
    consuming and has high tendency to make errors throughout the process. The data collection process also involves
    various parties. For example, getting direct cost data from human resource department while indirect cost data need
    to be obtained from manufacturing and safety department. The objective of this study is to propose Web-Based
    interactive Accident Cost Calculator (WBACC) for manufacturing industries. This WBACC has two options; option
    1: calculations based on input data at the time of accident. Option 2: calculations based on historical data such as
    previous accident records. Option 1 is much simpler because it only requires accident demographic data while option
    2 is much more complex. However, option 2 is more accurate compared to option 1. This proposed WBACC can be
    used by safety and health practitioners to convince their top management in making decisions especially on safety
    budget allocation.
  8. Zurin Firdawani Yacob, Mohd Zaki Awg Isa, Raemy Md. Zein
    MyJurnal
    This study aims to investigate a visual status and prevalence of visual problems in relation to eye safety and health amongst
    visual display terminal (VDT) users in industries. A visual profile questionnaire (VPQ) and visual tests were conducted on workers
    from 9 type of industries aged 20 to 60 years old in between October 2015 and June 2016. Workers with a history of exposure to VDT
    more than 2 hours a day were used as a baseline for recruitment. Respondents who did not complete the visual profile questionnaires
    (VPQ) and visual tests were excluded from the study. A total of 1214 respondents with mean aged of 39.33 ± 9.80 years have completed
    the study. Most respondents show moderate to high in vision problems in related to VDT, low knowledge on visual hazards and policy
    in relation to eye safety and health at the workplace and high percentage of not getting proper eye tests while serving their industries.
    Visual Profile (VP) is needed as a key indicator to profile eye safety measures and the need for policy to help prevent eye problems and
    improve employees’ productivity at workplace.
  9. Zafir M.M., Fazilah M.H.
    MyJurnal
    Ergonomics management is a process that will have a significant, positive effect on a company’s profits through cost reduction, quality improvement, performance improvement and productivity enhancement. Also known as human factors of human engineering, it basically describes the interaction between an employee and his/her job functions, with the emphasis being on reducing unnecessary physical stress in the workplace. The goal of ergonomics is to enable workers to be more effective by matching the requirements and demands of the job to the abilities and limitations of the workers rather than trying to force the workers to fit the job. This paper theoretically describes the benefits of understanding the ergonomics to the workplace. The components and activities required to implement ergonomics management also have been discussed. Besides that, the practical approach of ergonomics has been described by giving practical workplace improvement suggested by scholars. By approaching work practices (stretching, reaching, and sitting) from an ergonomically correct point of view, a worker actually becomes stronger, healthier and more productive.
  10. Fauziah Nordin, Quek Kia Fatt, Agus Salim M Banon
    MyJurnal
    This study aimed to validate the Malay Version of Copenhagen Psychosocial Questionnaire for Malaysian use and application for assessing psychosocial work environment factors. Validity and Reliability were studied in 50 staff nurses of Hospital Selayang. The validity of the questionnaire was evaluated by calculating the percentage of sensitivity and specificity at the different score level. Both percentage of sensitivity against specificity were plotted to produce a ROC (Receiver Operating Characteristics) curve, and score 52 has the highest both sensitivity and specificity was used as an overall index that expresses the probability that measure the psychosocial problems. For reliability purposes, a descriptive of Test-Retest Mean Scores and Paired Sample T-Test and the coefficient-correlation test were calculated. The Test-Retest Mean Scores and Paired Sample T-Test for all 26 scales were calculated and showed statistically not significant. The reliability of the questionnaire and its 26 scales was assessed by using Pearson (r) (overall questionnaire r within a range of 0.00 to 1.00). The COPSOQ appears to be a reliable and responsive measure of workers for Malaysian use and can be applied for assessing psychosocial work environment factors.
  11. Lay Kheng Khor, Lilis Surienty
    MyJurnal
    In order to have an effective preventive measures to reduce accidents
    at the workplace, organisations need to take a robust step to increase safety
    participation in Occupational Safety and Health Management System (OSHMS).
    Accidents will affect employees' morale for work and employers will bear the
    consequence of the direct and indirect recovery cost. Specifically, accidents will
    cost big company’s good reputation. This study intends to examine the
    relationship of organizational safety factors (management safety commitment,
    safety training, extrinsic reward, intrinsic reward, employee involvement, safety
    communication and safety advice) towards safety participation in OSHMS using
    the resource-based view (RBV) and knowledge-based view (KBV) theories. A
    total of 100 responses were analysed from the Malaysian manufacturing firms
    with OHSAS 18001 or MS 1722 certifications. Data were analysed using
    the Smart Partial Least Square (SmartPLS). It is found that safety training and
    employee involvement have direct relationship towards safety participation in
    OSHMS. Specifically, the safety advice showed a significant moderating effect on
    the relationship between management safety commitment and safety
    participation in OSHMS. The findings of this study are useful to both OSH
    practitioners and organisation who wish to understand and apply safety capital
    towards safety participation in OSHMS with specific reference to the role of
    safety advice played by safety professionals.
  12. Rafizah Musa, Mohamad Syazli Fathib
    MyJurnal
    Industries in Malaysia are entering a period of major disruption caused by new technologies such as Artificial Intelligent, Robotics, Blockchain, Nanotechnology as well as Building Information Modelling (BIM) and the Internet of Things (IoT). In this fourth industrial revolution where information is generated and exchanged at a rapid and huge scale, its reliability is of paramount importance. The success of Occupational Safety & Health Management System (OSHMS) is highly dependent on the reliability of the information gathered and used, where a large number of intermediaries authenticate the information to establish trust between the stakeholders. Blockchain technology is able to do verification by virtue of secured distributed storage brings about a paradigm shift in the way we establish trust. This paper gives an overview of the potential use of Blockchain technology for Occupational Safety & Health Management System. The discussions focused on the benefits and challenges of implementing the Blockchain technology in OSHMS. The conclusion is drawn based on the strength in the characteristics provided by the Blockchain technology itself.
  13. Gan Chun Chet
    MyJurnal
    The paper writes on the possible origin of off-limit cases found in a noise project conducted internally in a factory in Malaysia. Out of 691 sampled workers’ that attended audiometric test results (some repeated), it was found that the mode of hearing ability is between 20 to 30 dB depending on individual worker’s age ranging from 20 to 55 years. Out of the total results, approximately 100 workers are above a limit defined here in this paper as the off-limit condition. The chance of a worker originating from a good condition to an unhealthy condition is about 1 percent. The data are tabulated to show that a sway pattern could be an explanation of workers’ origin. Although the data is profound, there is no evidence of a trace due to a short test period. Possibilities are highlight here to outline the severity of a cross over to the unhealthy condition (here defined as the off-limit condition). Some advises are mentioned here with individual susceptibility on the matter though there is no data to substantiate. Further findings are required to show a trace. In conclusion, the severity is highlight. A chart, developed to know the limits of hearing ability, is illustrated ased the findings.
  14. Hong, Wai Onn
    MyJurnal
    The global demand for palm oil is growing, thus prompting an
    increase in the global production. Such increasing demand for palm oil is due to
    palm oil’s relatively cheap price and versatile advantage both in edible and nonedible
    applications. Being world second largest producers, Malaysia’s palm oil
    industry is growing in complexity and successively to succeed on the global level by
    accounts for about 30% of the world production of palm oil in 2015/16. But,
    reliability and safety issues are still problematic areas that need to be addressed by
    all parties in this industry e.g. millings, refineries and oleochemicals. Although there
    are laws and guidelines that provide protection for reliability, safety and health such
    as OSHA 1994, OHSAS 18001 and MS 1722, palm oil industry is relatively lacking
    behind in process safety as several catastrophic accidents occurred were believed
    caused by process safety failures. Therefore, process safety management in palm oil
    industry must be enhanced to standard similar to other industries such as chemical
    process and oil and gas industries, so that it can prevent major hazard accidents
    which can result in fatality, asset damage and environmental impact. This papers
    investigates the needs of process safety management in palm oil industry and
    proposes a generic process safety management framework which may be useful for
    palm oil industry. From the study, it can be concluded that proactive actions are
    certainly required to overcome process safety issue in palm oil industry as several
    catastrophic accidents occurred were believed caused by process failures.
  15. Shukran Abdul Rahman
    MyJurnal
    Psychology has been well-accepted for application in virtually all aspects of human activities, including making a living. Thus, the objective of this paper is to introduce the application of psychology at workplaces. Specifically this paper addresses the importance of the profession of Industrial and Organizational Psychologist in the increasingly advanced and industrious society of Malaysia. It highlights the areas that the professional cares for, as well as its roles and positions in the view of the nation’s needs. Besides that, this paper also stresses the essential issues that Industrial and Organizational Psychologist practicing in Malaysia should consider. In short, this paper advocates the need of having professionals to look into the well-being of individuals contributing towards making Malaysia a developed nation.
  16. Muhammad Hasbullah, M.A., Leman, A.M., Baba, I.
    MyJurnal
    Occupational safety and health (OSH) in Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) have not received the proper
    attention not only in Malaysia, but also in most countries all over the world, in terms of research or support for
    implementation. In Malaysia, many agencies such as the Department of Occupational Safety and Health (DOSH),
    Social Safety Organization (SOCSO), National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) and many more
    agencies related to OSH have been in collaborations to conduct and promote a safety working environment and to
    protect human rights economically, morally and legally. This research mainly focuses on the implementation of the
    occupational safety and health in small and medium industries in the southern region of peninsular of Malaysia. This
    exploratory study will be based on conducting a survey to 500 SMEs owners and workers throughout the southern
    region of Malaysia to get the in-depth knowledge on how the implementation of safety and health management system
    in the SMEs will affect them both morally and economically. A site visit will also be conducted in order to enhance
    and to get to know the real situation happening in the real working environment. The results of this study will be used
    to make and initial evaluation of the implementations of OSH management system in SMEs and hopefully will help
    for future interventions and researches.
  17. Reyan Healme Rohanai, Affandi Mohd-Zainal, Jafri Mohd Rohani, Norlizaa Mohamad, Ismail Abdul Rahman
    MyJurnal
    In the electronic industry, prolonged standing works are sometimes required continuously for hours. The physical efforts
    required lead to physiological and psychological fatigue resulting in reduced muscle performance. In order to recover from the muscle
    exertion, one of the solutions is through the administrative control of a suitable work-rest schedule. In this study, two different workrest
    conditions with identical total break time were investigated. An experiment was carried out when ten males’ workers were used
    in each condition. The perception of the operator regarding to the body part discomfort were carried out by exploratory survey. Then,
    Electromyography (EMG) was used to record the muscle fatigue of the participating workers throughout the experiment. Results
    indicate infrequent-long rest promotes lesser muscle efforts compared to frequent short. The frequent short rest for 5 minutes (2X5
    minutes) at first half of working day was not adequate to promote reduction on muscle fatigue. It was recommended that in order to
    ensure adequate muscle recovery, a more frequent rest of more than 2 times at the half of day, and more than 5 minutes for each rest
    should be given to workers.
  18. Murad MS, Farnworth L, O’Brien L, Chien CW
    MyJurnal
    Introduction: This study explores the health status of injured workers in return to work (RTW) programs based on their ability and capacity. Injured workers were diagnosed with work-related musculoskeletal disorders. The findings will help not only the service provider plan a specific strategy but also allow stakeholders to review their role in the RTW program.

    Methods: 102 participants were chosen from a national RTW program, and categorized into three groups based on different phases of the RTW program: off-work (n=30, 29.4%), work re-entry (n=44, 43.1%) and maintenance (n=28, 27.5%). Self-report questionnaires identified demographic data, health surveillance via SF-36 and perceived physical and psychological workload by 10-point numerical scales. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Kruskal-Wallis Test was employed to examine the differences in three phases of the RTW program. Paired t-test analyzed the differences of related samples of physical and psychological workload before and after injuries.

    Results: The domains of health status are below the average compared to the norm-based population. Mental health component summary is better than physical health. At the domain level, there are significant differences among injured workers, specifically in the three RTW program phases. The SF-36 domains are: role-physical, vitality, bodily-pain, general health, and mental health (p ! 0.049). In contrast, non-significant differences were found in physical and social functioning, and role of emotion status. Moreover, their self-perceived physical and psychological work-load significantly worsened after injuries (p ! 0.020).

    Conclusions: The case manager-coordinated RTW program provided further opportunities to improve injured workers’ health status when looking at their differences for different phases of RTW. Other health professionals like occupational therapists, ergonomists and psychologists should become involved in the RTW program. Specific guidelines and regulations have to be implemented to ensure full participation with all parties in the workplace.
  19. Shamini Rengasamy, Tan, Yik Yee
    MyJurnal
    Two EU directives which are RoHS and WEEE have restricted the usage of certain hazardous substances in
    electrical and electronic equipment. This has led to the introduction of green compound which is halogen free. The
    non-halogenated molding compound with different recipes was developed by compound manufacturers without
    compromising the reliability performance of electronic packages. The focus, often, has been on product reliability
    performance while qualifying new materials which overlook relevant safety and health concerns that might incur
    during the production stage. This paper is intended to study the forming of crystalline deposits which are found at
    the exhaust inlet of the Post Mold Cure Oven (PMC) arising from the usage of this green compound. The writers will
    investigate the underlying reasons and the impact on the work environment and the potential risk on health. From the
    initial evaluation result, the writers have indentified Compound A as the cause of this deposition. Data analyzed from
    the Thermo-Gravimetric Analysis (TGA) revealed higher weight loss which was 0.26% for compound A compared to
    other green compounds which are also used. Differential Scanning Calorimetric (DSC) test shows melting temperature
    of crystallized particle at 139°C while cold crystallization temperature at 80°C. The temperature in the interior of the
    oven is 180°C while the temperature at the exhaust inlet which is exposed to room temperature, and thus, providing
    the opportunity for this deposition. Further study carried out using Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy
    on one of the ingredient of the green compound (material C) observed a 95% spectrum matching compared to the
    crystallized particle. Material C is a catalyst added to the mold compound for epoxy-phenolic reaction. It is also
    considered to have the capability to enhance flame retardation. This paper will discuss in detail the characteristics of
    Compound A green compound and its impact on human and environment.
  20. Nur Aisyah binti Alias, Ng, Yee Guan
    MyJurnal
    This is a cross-sectional study with the objective to determine the association between complaints Musculoskeletal Disorders
    (MSDs) and mismatch of the seats in lecture hall of Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences (FMHS), Universiti Putra Malaysia
    (UPM). A total of 132 respondents whom were undergraduate students were involved in this study consist of 47 male and 85 female.
    Eight anthropometric measurement (height, weight, popliteal height, buttock-popliteal height, shoulder height, subscapular height,
    elbow height and hip width while sitting) as well as five (5) furniture parameter dimensions (seat height, seat depth, seat width,
    upper edge backrest height and desk height) were taken. Instruments used were questionnaire modified from Nordic Musculoskeletal
    Questionnaire, Martyn anthropometer set, measuring tape, height scale and weighing scale. Findings showed 51.5% mismatch of
    seat height, 5.3% mismatch of seat depth, 94.7% mismatch of desk height and 18.2% mismatch of upper edge of back rest. For the
    prevalence MSDs in the past seven (7) days, 61.4% reported low back pain followed by neck pain (50%) and upper back pain (43.9%).
    There was significant difference between genders in anthropometric body measurement. Significant association were found between
    MSDs and mismatch χ2 = 5.406, p < 0.05. In conclusion, there was an association between MSDs and ergonomics furniture of lecture
    halls in FMHS, UPM. Based on the findings, it is recommended that in the event of long lecture hour, intermittent break should be
    allowed for students to stretch, move or better yet assume different posture such as standing or walk.
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