Displaying publications 1 - 20 of 84 in total

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  1. Siti Nadia Mohd Bakhori, Mohamad Zaki Hassan, Feiruz Ab’lah, Aadil Nausherwan, Mohd Azlan Suhot, Mohd Yusof Daud, et al.
    MyJurnal
    The construction industry is one of the major sectors in Malaysia. Apart from providing
    facilities, services and goods it also offers employment opportunities to local and
    foreign workers. In fact, the construction workers are exposed to high risk of noises
    being generated from various sources including excavators, bulldozers, concrete mixer
    and piling machines. Previous studies indicated that the piling and concrete work were
    recorded as the main source that contributed to the highest level of noise among
    others. Therefore, the aim of this study is to obtain the level of noise exposure during
    piling process and to determine the awareness of workers against noise pollution at
    the construction site. Initially, the reading of noise level was obtained at construction
    site by using a digital sound level meter (SLM) and noise exposure to the workers was
    mapped. Readings were taken from four different distances; 5, 10, 15 and 20 meters
    from the piling machine. Furthermore, a set of questionnaire was also distributed to
    assess the knowledge of regarding noise pollution at the construction site. The result
    showed that the mean noise level at 5 meters distance was more than 90 dB, which
    exceeded the recommended level. Although the level of awareness of regarding the
    effect of noise pollution is satisfactory but majority of workers (90%) still did not wear
    ear muffs during working periods. Therefore, the safety module guidelines related to
    noise pollution controls should be implemented to provide a safe working environment
    and prevent initial occupational hearing loss.
    Matched MeSH terms: Construction Industry
  2. Saleem MS, Isha ASNB, Benson C, Awan MI, Naji GMA, Yusop YB
    Front Public Health, 2022;10:1086843.
    PMID: 36620270 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2022.1086843
    INTRODUCTION: Buildings and infrastructure are the primary focus of the construction industry, which also includes related activities such as design, planning, demolition, renovation, maintenance, and repair. Safety performance is crucial to the industry's ability to work effectively in spite of hazardous conditions on the job site during any given project. Improving construction workers' safety performance in Malaysia requires an in-depth examination of the interplay between workers' psychological capital, work pressure, employee engagement, and safety participation.

    METHODS: Administrative and field workers from different divisions across Malaysia's six regions were randomly sampled to collect data for this study. The workers were given a total of 500 questionnaires, of which 345 were returned to the team of researchers. Based on the data analysis, there is an effective interaction between the factors tested toward safety performance.

    RESULTS: According to findings, psychological capital positively and significantly affected workers' work engagement. Also, work engagement greatly impacted both workers' safety performance outcomes. Also, as expected, worker pressure significantly and negatively affected workers' safety performance.

    DISCUSSION: Insights gained from this research have helped us better organize work and involve employees in safety activities/policies to boost workplace safety performance. The study also suggested that firms should reduce their employees' workloads because doing so would not lower their Psychological Capital but would instead fortify them to better carry out their duties in a risk-free manner.

    Matched MeSH terms: Construction Industry*
  3. Kanadasan J, Fauzi AFA, Razak HA, Selliah P, Subramaniam V, Yusoff S
    Materials (Basel), 2015 Sep 22;8(9):6508-6530.
    PMID: 28793579 DOI: 10.3390/ma8095319
    The agricultural industry in Malaysia has grown rapidly over the years. Palm oil clinker (POC) is a byproduct obtained from the palm oil industry. Its lightweight properties allows for its utilization as an aggregate, while in powder form as a filler material in concrete. POC specimens obtained throughout each state in Malaysia were investigated to evaluate the physical, chemical, and microstructure characteristics. Variations between each state were determined and their possible contributory factors were assessed. POC were incorporated as a replacement material for aggregates and their engineering characteristics were ascertained. Almost 7% of density was reduced with the introduction of POC as aggregates. A sustainability assessment was made through greenhouse gas emission (GHG) and cost factor analyses to determine the contribution of the addition of POC to the construction industry. Addition of POC helps to lower the GHG emission by 9.6% compared to control specimens. By channeling this waste into the construction industry, an efficient waste-management system can be promoted; thus, creating a cleaner environment. This study is also expected to offer some guides and directions for upcoming research works on the incorporation of POC.
    Matched MeSH terms: Construction Industry
  4. Zermane A, Tohir MZM, Baharudin MR, Yusoff HM
    J Safety Res, 2023 Jun;85:492-506.
    PMID: 37330899 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsr.2023.05.003
    INTRODUCTION: Falling from heights can be a serious and potentially life-threatening hazard. In Malaysia, falls from heights are one of the leading causes of workplace accidents and fatalities. The Malaysian Department of Occupational Safety and Health (DOSH) reported that the year 2021 recorded an alarmingly high number of fatalities, of which the majority of the injuries were due to falls from heights.

    OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study is to understand the relationship between the different variables associated with fatal falls from heights, which will help identify potential areas to work on to prevent these types of injuries.

    METHODS: The study analyzed 3,321 fatal falls from height accidents from 2010 to 2020 DOSH data. Data were cleaned and normalized to extract relevant information for analysis, with agreement on variables and reliability achieved through independent sampling.

    RESULTS: This study found that general workers were the most vulnerable category to fatal falls, with a 32% yearly average, whereas supervisors were the least vulnerable, with 4%. Roofers recorded a yearly fatal falls average of 15.5%, followed by electricians with 12%. Cramer's V results ranged from negligible, weak, and strong correlations; strong to moderate correlation between the dates of injuries and the factors used in this study, whereas the direct and root causes recorded a weak to negligible correlation with the rest of the variables.

    CONCLUSIONS: This study provided a better understanding of the working conditions of the Malaysian construction industry. By analyzing fall injury patterns and uncovering the factors, direct and root causes relationship with other variables, it was clear how severe the Malaysian workplace conditions were.

    PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: This study will help better understand fatal fall injuries in the Malaysian construction industry and help develop prevention measures based on the uncovered patterns and associations.

    Matched MeSH terms: Construction Industry*
  5. Yahaghi J
    Sci Eng Ethics, 2018 02;24(1):331-332.
    PMID: 28155096 DOI: 10.1007/s11948-017-9871-9
    The durability of buildings which depends on the nature of the supervisory system used in their construction is an important feature of the construction industry. This article tries to draw the readers' attention to the effect of untrained and unprofessional building supervisors and their unethical performance on the durability of buildings.
    Matched MeSH terms: Construction Industry/education; Construction Industry/ethics*
  6. Bruno Lot Tanko, Fadhlin Abdullah, Zuhaili Mohamad Ramly, Wallace Imoudu Enegbuma
    MyJurnal
    Value management explicitly targets to optimize value by providing necessary
    functions at the least cost without sacrificing quality and performance. However, the
    activities/methods of this technique in emerging economies are here and there
    related to informal methodology. Therefore, the occurrence of these activities in an
    evolving economy requires investigation. The exploration of the extent to which the
    measured variables influenced the latent factors informed the need for this study.
    Data was retrieved via self-administered questionnaire from 344 registered and
    practicing construction professionals in Nigeria. The data was analyzed using SPSS for
    descriptive analysis and Structural Equation Modelling (SEM). Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin
    measure of sampling adequacy revealed that the internal consistency of the
    developed research instrument was appropriate. Confirmatory factor analysis
    indicates satisfactory goodness of fit among acknowledged determinants of the
    model. Furthermore, the study revealed three (3) phases of the activities/methods of
    value management in the Nigerian construction industry which include: information,
    information/function analysis, and creativity/evaluation/development/presentation
    phases. This means that value management activities and methods are being
    practiced in Nigeria, however not as per the typical methodology or standard. The
    need to carry out the practice according to the formal value management
    methodology is therefore recommended.
    Matched MeSH terms: Construction Industry
  7. Fediuk R, Mugahed Amran YH, Mosaberpanah MA, Danish A, El-Zeadani M, Klyuev SV, et al.
    Materials (Basel), 2020 Oct 22;13(21).
    PMID: 33105753 DOI: 10.3390/ma13214712
    The incessant demand for concrete is predicted to increase due to the fast construction developments worldwide. This demand requires a huge volume of cement production that could cause an ecological issue such as increasing the rates of CO2 emissions in the atmosphere. This motivated several scholars to search for various alternatives for cement and one of such alternatives is called sulfur-based concrete. This concrete composite contributes to reduce the amount of cement required to make conventional concrete. Sulfur can be used as a partial-alternate binder to Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC) to produce sulfur-based concrete, which is a composite matrix of construction materials collected mostly from aggregates and sulfur. Sulfur modified concrete outperforms conventional concrete in terms of rapid gain of early strength, low shrinkage, low thermal conductivity, high durability resistance and excellent adhesion. On the basis of mentioned superior characteristics of sulfur-based concrete, it can be applied as a leading construction material for underground utility systems, dams and offshore structures. Therefore, this study reviews the sources, emissions from construction enterprises and compositions of sulfur; describes the production techniques and properties of sulfur; and highlights related literature to generate comprehensive insights into the potential applications of sulfur-based concrete in the construction industry today.
    Matched MeSH terms: Construction Industry
  8. Abu Aisheh YI, Alaloul WS, Alhammadi SA, Tayeh BA
    Int J Occup Saf Ergon, 2023 Dec;29(4):1358-1367.
    PMID: 36177998 DOI: 10.1080/10803548.2022.2131123
    The construction industry is one of the hazardous fields due to its exceptional environment. Therefore, this work aimed to assess the essential drivers needed for employing safety management in the Palestinian construction industry. The drivers for safety management were recognized from earlier literature, where the questionnaires were dispersed to professionals from construction projects. The exploratory factor analysis (EFA) technique was then performed to contextually adjust the identified drivers. The results showed that safety management drivers could be categorized into three constructs: management, awareness and policy. In addition, partial least squares structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM) was performed to generate the safety management driver's model. The results indicated that management drivers were vital drivers for adopting safety management. The study's findings would act as a reference for construction stakeholders to decrease danger and enhance the construction project's success via implementing safety management drivers.
    Matched MeSH terms: Construction Industry*
  9. Leong TK, Zakuan N, Mat Saman MZ, Ariff MS, Tan CS
    ScientificWorldJournal, 2014;2014:591361.
    PMID: 24701182 DOI: 10.1155/2014/591361
    This paper proposed seven existing and new performance indicators to measure the effectiveness of quality management system (QMS) maintenance and practices in construction industry. This research is carried out with a questionnaire based on QMS variables which are extracted from literature review and project performance indicators which are established from project management's theory. Data collected was analyzed using correlation and regression analysis. The findings indicate that client satisfaction and time variance have positive and significant relationship with QMS while other project performance indicators do not show significant results. Further studies can use the same project performance indicators to study the effectiveness of QMS in different sampling area to improve the generalizability of the findings.
    Matched MeSH terms: Construction Industry*
  10. Adeleke AQ, Bahaudin AY, Kamaruddeen AM, Bamgbade JA, Salimon MG, Khan MWA, et al.
    Saf Health Work, 2018 Mar;9(1):115-124.
    PMID: 30363069 DOI: 10.1016/j.shaw.2017.05.004
    Background: Substantial empirical research has shown conflicting results regarding the influence of organizational external factors on construction risk management, suggesting the necessity to introduce a moderator into the study. The present research confirmed whether rules and regulations matter on the relationships between organizational external factors and construction risk management.

    Methods: Based on discouragement and organizational control theory, this research examined the effects of organizational external factors and rules and regulations on construction risk management among 238 employees operating in construction companies in Abuja and Lagos, Nigeria. A personally administered questionnaire was used to acquire the data. The data were analyzed using partial least squares structural equation modeling.

    Results: A significant positive relationship between organizational external factors and construction risk management was asserted. This study also found a significant positive relationship between rules and regulations and construction risk management. As anticipated, rules and regulations were found to moderate the relationship between organizational external factors and construction risk management, with a significant positive result. Similarly, a significant interaction effect was also found between rules and regulations and organizational external factors. Implications of the research from a Nigerian point of view have also been discussed.

    Conclusion: Political, economy, and technology factors helped the construction companies to reduce the chance of risk occurrence during the construction activities. Rules and regulations also helped to lessen the rate of accidents involving construction workers as well as the duration of the projects. Similarly, the influence of the organizational external factors with rules and regulations on construction risk management has proven that most of the construction companies that implement the aforementioned factors have the chance to deliver their projects within the stipulated time, cost, and qualities, which can be used as a yardstick to measure a good project.

    Matched MeSH terms: Construction Industry
  11. Yahaghi J, Sorooshian S
    Sci Eng Ethics, 2018 04;24(2):819-820.
    PMID: 28281150 DOI: 10.1007/s11948-017-9892-4
    Matched MeSH terms: Construction Industry
  12. Islam R, Nazifa TH, Yuniarto A, Shanawaz Uddin ASM, Salmiati S, Shahid S
    Waste Manag, 2019 Jul 15;95:10-21.
    PMID: 31351595 DOI: 10.1016/j.wasman.2019.05.049
    Associated with the continuing increase of construction activities such as infrastructure projects, commercial buildings and housing programs, Bangladesh has been experiencing a rapid increase of construction and demolition (C&D) waste. Till now, the generation rate of C&D waste has not been well understood or not explicitly documented in Bangladesh. This study aims to provide an approach to estimate C&D waste generation using waste generation rates (WGR) through regression analysis. Furthermore, analyses the economic benefit of recycling C&D waste. The results revealed that WGR 63.74 kg/m2 and 1615 kg/m2 for construction and demolition activities respectively. Approximately, in financial year (FY) 2016, 1.28 million tons (0.149 construction and 1.139 demolition) waste were generated in Dhaka city, of which the three largest proportions were concrete (60%), brick/block (21%) and mortar (9%). After collection they were dumped in either landfills or unauthorized places. Therefore, it can be summarized as: waste is a resource in wrong place. The results of this study indicate that rapid urbanization of Dhaka city would likely experience the peak in the generation of C&D waste. This paper thus designates that C&D waste recycling is an entrepreneurial activity worth venturing into and an opportunity for extracting economic and environmental benefits from waste. The research findings also show that recycling of concrete and brick waste can add economic value of around 44.96 million USD. In addition, recycling of C&D waste leads to important reductions in CO2 emissions, energy use, natural resources and illegal landfills. Therefore, the findings of WGR and economic values provide valuable quantitative information for the future C&D waste management exercises of various stakeholders such as government, industry and academy.
    Matched MeSH terms: Construction Industry*
  13. Hussein Md Zan, Shapie, Sinatu Sadiah, Rahim Ishak, Md Saifuddin Yusop, Seri Rahayu Kama
    MyJurnal
    Precast concrete panel is one of the Industrial Building System (IBS) components currently used in modern construction industry, especially, in a highly populated urban area in Malaysia, owing to its cost and time efficiency in a project completion. However, the constraints lie in Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs) when IBS workers manually lift the concrete panel repeatedly. The aim of this study is to analyze the recommended weight limit (RWL), lifting index (LI) and physiological experience among workers while lifting precast concrete panel with 3300mm x 600mm size and compressive strength of 40MPa. The methods involved include a survey through the Nordic questionnaires, interview sessions, NIOSH lifting index calculation, recommended work limit calculation, Rapid Upper Limb Assessment (RULA) and video recording. The results yielded the MSDs problem. The guidelines of recommended weight limit and lifting index are produced. They benefit workers and increase their awareness on the MSDs issues.
    Matched MeSH terms: Construction Industry
  14. Abas AB, Mohd Said DA, Aziz Mohammed MA, Sathiakumar N
    Am. J. Ind. Med., 2013 Jan;56(1):65-76.
    PMID: 22544443 DOI: 10.1002/ajim.22056
    BACKGROUND: In Malaysia, surveillance of fatal occupational injuries is fragmented. We therefore analyzed an alternative data source from Malaysia's Social Security organization, the Pertubuhan Keselamatan Sosial (PERKESO).
    METHODS: We conducted a secondary data analysis of the PERKESO database comprised of 7 million employees from 2002 to 2006.
    RESULTS: Overall, the average annual incidence was 9.2 fatal occupational injuries per 100,000 workers. During the 5-year period, there was a decrease in the absolute number of fatal injuries by 16% and the incidence by 34%. The transportation sector reported the highest incidence of fatal injuries (35.1/100,000), followed by agriculture (30.5/100,000) and construction (19.3/100,000) sectors. Persons of Indian ethnicity were more likely to sustain fatal injuries compared to other ethnic groups.
    CONCLUSIONS: Government and industry should develop rigorous strategies to detect hazards in the workplace, especially in sectors that continuously record high injury rates. Targeted interventions emphasizing worker empowerment coupled with systematic monitoring and evaluation is critical to ensure success in prevention and control measures.
    Matched MeSH terms: Construction Industry/statistics & numerical data*
  15. Nurazzi NM, Asyraf MRM, Khalina A, Abdullah N, Aisyah HA, Rafiqah SA, et al.
    Polymers (Basel), 2021 Feb 22;13(4).
    PMID: 33671599 DOI: 10.3390/polym13040646
    Even though natural fiber reinforced polymer composites (NFRPCs) have been widely used in automotive and building industries, there is still a room to promote them to high-level structural applications such as primary structural component specifically for bullet proof and ballistic applications. The promising performance of Kevlar fabrics and aramid had widely implemented in numerous ballistic and bullet proof applications including for bullet proof helmets, vest, and other armor parts provides an acceptable range of protection to soldiers. However, disposal of used Kevlar products would affect the disruption of the ecosystem and pollutes the environment. Replacing the current Kevlar fabric and aramid in the protective equipment with natural fibers with enhanced kinetic energy absorption and dissipation has been significant effort to upgrade the ballistic performance of the composite structure with green and renewable resources. The vast availability, low cost and ease of manufacturing of natural fibers have grasped the attention of researchers around the globe in order to study them in heavy armory equipment and high durable products. The possibility in enhancement of natural fiber's mechanical properties has led the extension of research studies toward the application of NFRPCs for structural and ballistic applications. Hence, this article established a state-of-the-art review on the influence of utilizing various natural fibers as an alternative material to Kevlar fabric for armor structure system. The article also focuses on the effect of layering and sequencing of natural fiber fabric in the composites to advance the current armor structure system.
    Matched MeSH terms: Construction Industry
  16. Jaafar MH, Arifin K, Aiyub K, Razman MR, Ishak MIS, Samsurijan MS
    Int J Occup Saf Ergon, 2018 Dec;24(4):493-506.
    PMID: 28849991 DOI: 10.1080/10803548.2017.1366129
    The construction industry plays a significant role in contributing to the economy and development globally. During the process of construction, various hazards coupled with the unique nature of the industry contribute to high fatality rates. This review refers to previous published studies and related Malaysian legislation documents. Four main elements consisting of human, worksite, management and external elements which cause occupational accidents and illnesses were identified. External and management elements are the underlying causes contributing to occupational safety and health (OSH), while human and worksite elements are more apparent causes of occupational accidents and illnesses. An effective OSH management approach is required to contain all hazards at construction sites. An approach to OSH management constructed by elements of policy, process, personnel and incentive developed in previous work is explored. Changes to the sub-elements according to previous studies and the related Malaysian legislation are also covered in this review.
    Matched MeSH terms: Construction Industry/methods; Construction Industry/organization & administration*
  17. Jimmus, Melsie Enn, Salinah Dullah
    MyJurnal
    Waste materials from the agricultural and industries can cause problems to human health and the environment when improperly disposed and managed. Due to rapid development in construction, the demand of cement in concrete has increased dramatically. Therefore, wastes such as rice husk, eggshell, glass, fly ash and many more can be used in construction industry to minimize the environmental impact and producing new material on construction industry. Many studies have been conducted as an effort to find replacement materials to substitute cement in concrete.
    Matched MeSH terms: Construction Industry
  18. Jawatin, Easther Lynn Jolly, Salinah Dullah
    MyJurnal
    Waste materials from the agricultural and industries can cause problems to human health and the environment when improperly disposed and managed. Due to rapid development in construction, the demand of cement in concrete has increased dramatically. Therefore, wastes such as rice husk, eggshell, glass, fly ash and many more can be used in construction industry to minimize the environmental impact and producing new material on construction industry. Many studies have been conducted as an effort to find replacement materials to substitute cement in concrete.
    Matched MeSH terms: Construction Industry
  19. Ahmad Fuad Ab Ghani, Azrin Ahmad, Nor Salim Muhammad, Reduan Mat Dan, Rustamreen Jenal
    MyJurnal
    This study describes the review on maintenance related issues during design and construction stage
    within construction industry. The paper highlights the causes and errors made during design and
    construction stage and their impact during the operation/production/occupancy stage as well as the
    maintenance costs associated with it. The study identifies the mistakes in the working processes within
    design and construction stage leading to the errors that affect the durability, performance, reliability,
    maintainability, availability and safety of the systems. The paper presents a comprehensive review of
    the published literatures, journals, technical papers in the related areas in the construction field. The
    review highlights the new approaches and decision framework which link the designers and
    construction personnel that could reduce the errors and defects in construction which then lead to
    maintenance issues and asset management. The factors of accessibility, materials, design and
    documentation standardization have been discussed thoroughly for better understanding in improving
    maintenance and physical asset management in project commissioning.
    Matched MeSH terms: Construction Industry
  20. Mohammad Fazley Hossain, Chowdhury, Rusli, Bin Ahmad
    MyJurnal
    Like many other parts of the globe, in Malaysia, construction industry has a vital support to
    the national economy, even though statistics indicates that, at the same time, it is an extremely
    risky profession due to high accident rate. In addition, current evidences suggest that, in
    general, safety in Sarawak construction industries lack attention. As, human behavior is regarded
    as the principal component that contributes to accidents in this industry, this study
    intends to explore existing barriers in development and maintaining safety performance behavior
    as well as possible coping strategies. A qualitative analysis of in-depth interview (N=4)
    among different levels of professions within industries in Kuching, Sarawak reveals that,
    price sensitive subcontracting, short-term projects, irregular cash flow, dependency on larger
    companies, less managerial and supervisory engagement, and priority on progress alone create
    obstacles for safety behavior. On the other hand, possibly, the challenges can be managed
    through integration of safety into contracts as compliance, associated disbursement, and introducing
    incentives.
    Matched MeSH terms: Construction Industry
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