Displaying publications 1 - 20 of 82 in total

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  1. A comparison of hand-arm vibration syndrome between Malaysian and Japanese workers
    Su AT, Fukumoto J, Darus A, Hoe VC, Miyai N, Isahak M, et al.
    J Occup Health, 2013;55(6):468-78.
    PMID: 24162147
    OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to investigate the clinical characteristics of HAVS in a tropical environment in comparison with a temperate environment.

    METHODS: We conducted a series medical examinations among the forestry, construction and automobile industry workers in Malaysia adopting the compulsory medical examination procedure used by Wakayama Medical University for Japanese vibratory tools workers. We matched the duration of vibration exposure and compared our results against the Japanese workers. We also compared the results of the Malaysian tree fellers against a group of symptomatic Japanese tree fellers diagnosed with HAVS.

    RESULTS: Malaysian subjects reported a similar prevalence of finger tingling, numbness and dullness (Malaysian=25.0%, Japanese=21.5%, p=0.444) but had a lower finger skin temperature (FST) and higher vibrotactile perception threshold (VPT) values as compared with the Japanese workers. No white finger was reported in Malaysian subjects. The FST and VPT of the Malaysian tree fellers were at least as bad as the Japanese tree fellers despite a shorter duration (mean difference=20.12 years, 95%CI=14.50, 25.40) of vibration exposure.

    CONCLUSIONS: Although the vascular disorder does not manifest clinically in the tropical environment, the severity of HAVS can be as bad as in the temperate environment with predominantly neurological disorder. Hence, it is essential to formulate national legislation for the control of the occupational vibration exposure.

    Matched MeSH terms: Construction Industry
  2. A new species of karst forest Bent-toed Gecko (genus Cyrtodactylus Gray) not yet threatened by foreign cement companies and a summary of Peninsular Malaysia's endemic karst forest herpetofauna and the need for its conservation
    Grismer LL, Wood PL, Anuar S, Davis HR, Cobos AJ, Murdoch ML
    Zootaxa, 2016 Jan 04;4061(1):1-17.
    PMID: 27395475 DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4061.1.1
    A new species of Bent-toed Gecko, Cyrtodactylus gunungsenyumensis sp. nov. of the sworderi complex, is described from Hutan Lipur Gunung Senyum, Pahang, Peninsular Malaysia and is differentiated from all other species in the sworderi complex by having a unique combination of characters including a maximum SVL of 74.7 mm; low, rounded, weakly keeled, body tubercles; 34-40 paravertebral tubercles; weak ventrolateral body fold lacking tubercles; 38-41 ventral scales; an abrupt transition between the posterior and ventral femoral scales; 20-23 subdigital lamellae on the fourth toe; enlarged femoral scales; no femoral or precloacal pores; no precloacal groove; wide caudal bands; and an evenly banded dorsal pattern. Cyrtodactylus gunungsenyumensis sp. nov. is a scansorial, karst forest-adapted specialist endemic to the karst ecosystem surrounding Gunung Senyum and occurs on the vertical walls of the limestone towers as well as the branches, trunks, and leaves of the vegetation in the associated karst forest. Cyrtodactylus gunungsenyumensis sp. nov. is the seventh species of karst forest-adapted Cyrtodactylus and the sixteenth endemic species of karst ecosystem reptile discovered in Peninsular Malaysia in the last seven years from only 12 different karst forests. This is a clear indication that many species remain to be discovered in the approximately 558 isolated karst ecosystems in Peninsular Malaysia not yet surveyed. These data continue to underscore the importance of karst ecosystems as reservoirs of biodiversity and microendemism and that they constitute an important component of Peninsular Malaysia's natural heritage and should be protected from the quarrying interests of foreign industrial companies.
    Matched MeSH terms: Construction Industry
  3. Investigation of work-related musculoskeletal disorders in wall plastering jobs within the construction industry
    Rahman MN, Rani MR, Rohani JM
    Work, 2012;43(4):507-14.
    PMID: 22927603 DOI: 10.3233/WOR-2012-1404
    The aim of this study was to investigate the work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) among workers in wall plastering jobs within the construction industry.
    Matched MeSH terms: Construction Industry*
  4. Synthesis of methyl esters from waste cooking oil using construction waste material as solid base catalyst
    Balakrishnan K, Olutoye MA, Hameed BH
    Bioresour Technol, 2013 Jan;128:788-91.
    PMID: 23186664 DOI: 10.1016/j.biortech.2012.10.023
    The current research investigates synthesis of methyl esters by transesterification of waste cooking oil in a heterogeneous system, using barium meliorated construction site waste marble as solid base catalyst. The pretreated catalyst was calcined at 830 °C for 4h prior to its activity test to obtained solid oxide characterized by scanning electron microscopy/energy dispersive spectroscopy, BET surface area and pore size measurement. It was found that the as prepared catalyst has large pores which contributed to its high activity in transesterification reaction. The methyl ester yield of 88% was obtained when the methanol/oil molar ratio was 9:1, reaction temperature at 65 °C, reaction time 3h and catalyst/oil mass ratio of 3.0 wt.%. The catalyst can be reused over three cycles, offer low operating conditions, reduce energy consumption and waste generation in the production of biodiesel.
    Matched MeSH terms: Construction Industry
  5. Fulltext WERA: an observational tool develop to investigate the physical risk factor associated with WMSDs
    Abd Rahman MN, Abdul Rani MR, Rohani JM
    J Hum Ergol (Tokyo), 2011 Dec;40(1-2):19-36.
    PMID: 25665205 DOI: 10.11183/jhe.40.19
    This paper describes the development of the Workplace Ergonomic Risk Assessment (WERA) for investigating the physical risk factor associated with work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs). The initial development of WERA tool involved the following procedures: (1) first stage, development of WERA prototype from literature review, (2) second stage, evaluation of the psychometric properties including (a) validity trials and (b) reliability and usability trials. In the validity trials, the relationship of the individual WERA body part scores to the development of pain or discomfort is statistically significant for the wrist, shoulder and back regions. It shows that the WERA assessment provided a good indication of work-related musculoskeletal disorders which might be reported as pain, ache or discomfort in the relevant body regions. In the reliability trials, the results of inter-observer reliability shows that moderate agreement among the observers while from the feedback questionnaire survey about the usability of WERA tool, all participants including expert and management teams agreed that the prototype of WERA tool was easy and quick to use, applicable to workplace assessment for the wide range of job/task and valuable at work. It was confirmed that there was no need of training required to do WERA assessment. Therefore, the WERA assessment has been designed for easy and quick use, and for those who are trained to use it do not need previous skills in observation techniques although this would be an advantage. As WERA is a pen and paper technique that can be used without any special equipment, WERA assessment can be done in any space of workplaces without disruption to the task that have been observed.
    Matched MeSH terms: Construction Industry
  6. Fulltext Fatal occupational injuries among non-governmental employees in Malaysia
    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*
  7. Dose-response relationship between hand-transmitted vibration and hand-arm vibration syndrome in a tropical environment
    Su AT, Maeda S, Fukumoto J, Darus A, Hoe VC, Miyai N, et al.
    Occup Environ Med, 2013 Jul;70(7):498-504.
    PMID: 23645621 DOI: 10.1136/oemed-2012-101321
    The dose-response relationship for hand-transmitted vibration has been investigated extensively in temperate environments. Since the clinical features of hand-arm vibration syndrome (HAVS) differ between the temperate and tropical environment, we conducted this study to investigate the dose-response relationship of HAVS in a tropical environment.
    Matched MeSH terms: Construction Industry/instrumentation
  8. Fulltext Workplace fatalities in Brunei Darussalam
    Win KN, Trivedi A, Lai AS
    Ind Health, 2018 Nov 21;56(6):566-571.
    PMID: 29973468 DOI: 10.2486/indhealth.2018-0053
    In 2012, there were about 2.3 million deaths worldwide attributed to work. The highest workplace fatality rate (WFR) was reported on construction sites due to high risk activities. Globally, fall from height is the leading cause of fatal injuries for construction workers. The objectives are to determine Brunei Darussalam's demographic distribution of occupational fatality; identify causal agents and industry where occupational fatalities commonly occur; and determine WFR by year. This cross-sectional study retrospectively reviewed records of occupational fatality which were notified to the Occupational Health Division, Ministry of Health, from January 2012 until December 2016. Notified occupational fatalities in Brunei over a five-year period was 50. Most of the cases were in 31-40 age group. 38% of fatality cases occurred in Indonesian workers. 60% were from the Construction industry. 38% were due to fall from height. WFR averaged 5.28 and the highest industry-specific fatality rate was seen in the Construction industry, ranging from 27.94 to 56.45 per 100,000 workers. WFR for Brunei Darussalam from 2012 to 2016 was similar to that of Malaysia, but higher than Singapore and the UK. Industry-specific fatality rate for the Construction and Manufacturing industries were higher than those of Singapore and the UK.
    Matched MeSH terms: Construction Industry/statistics & numerical data
  9. Occupational health and safety issues in the informal economic segment of Pakistan: a survey of construction sites
    Ahmed I, Shaukat MZ, Usman A, Nawaz MM, Nazir MS
    Int J Occup Saf Ergon, 2018 Jun;24(2):240-250.
    PMID: 28795938 DOI: 10.1080/10803548.2017.1366145
    This research covers the current status of occupational health and safety (OHS)-related practices in the informal construction segment of Pakistan. Data were collected, through interviews, from 316 construction sites employing 3577 workers. The results of the study reveal that both employers and workers lack knowledge of OHS laws/standards and no practices of this nature are enacted at these construction sites. Alarmingly, work-related accidents, whenever they happen, are not given due attention and there is no formal injury-report system. The informal construction industry employs a huge portion of the informal workforce, and lack of OHS happens at tremendous human cost. These research findings may thus play their role in strengthening the case for reforms in the sector. This study, if properly utilized, may also enable employers of the sector by increasing their knowledge about OHS practices and, as a result, trying to offer safer environments for their workers.
    Matched MeSH terms: Construction Industry*
  10. Fulltext Prevalence, source and severity of work-related injuries among "foreign" construction workers in a large Malaysian organisation: a cross-sectional study
    Zerguine H, Tamrin SBM, Jalaludin J
    Ind Health, 2018 Jun 01;56(3):264-273.
    PMID: 29398685 DOI: 10.2486/indhealth.2017-0205
    Malaysian construction sector is regarded as critical in the field of health because of the high rates of accidents and fatalities. This research aimed to determine the prevalence, sources and severity of injuries and its association with commitment to safety among foreign construction workers. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 323 foreign construction workers from six construction projects of a large organization in Malaysia, using a simple random sampling method. Data was collected using a structured questionnaire to assess work-related injuries and safety commitment. The collected data was analysed by SPSS 22.0 using descriptive statistics and χ2 test. The prevalence of work-related injuries in a one year period was 22.6%, where most of the injuries were of moderate severity (39.7%) and falls from heights represented the main source (31.5%). The majority of the foreign construction workers had perceived between moderate and high safety commitment, which was significantly associated with work-related injuries. The results also showed a significant association of work-related injuries with the company's interest in Safety and Health, Safety and Health training, and safety equipment. Thus, the implementation of new procedures and providing relevant trainings and safety equipment; will lead to a decrease in injury rates in construction sites.
    Matched MeSH terms: Construction Industry*
  11. Fulltext Nanoparticles in Construction Materials and Other Applications, and Implications of Nanoparticle Use
    Mohajerani A, Burnett L, Smith JV, Kurmus H, Milas J, Arulrajah A, et al.
    Materials (Basel), 2019 Sep 20;12(19).
    PMID: 31547011 DOI: 10.3390/ma12193052
    Nanoparticles are defined as ultrafine particles sized between 1 and 100 nanometres in diameter. In recent decades, there has been wide scientific research on the various uses of nanoparticles in construction, electronics, manufacturing, cosmetics, and medicine. The advantages of using nanoparticles in construction are immense, promising extraordinary physical and chemical properties for modified construction materials. Among the many different types of nanoparticles, titanium dioxide, carbon nanotubes, silica, copper, clay, and aluminium oxide are the most widely used nanoparticles in the construction sector. The promise of nanoparticles as observed in construction is reflected in other adoptive industries, driving the growth in demand and production quantity at an exorbitant rate. The objective of this study was to analyse the use of nanoparticles within the construction industry to exemplify the benefits of nanoparticle applications and to address the short-term and long-term effects of nanoparticles on the environment and human health within the microcosm of industry so that the findings may be generalised. The benefits of nanoparticle utilisation are demonstrated through specific applications in common materials, particularly in normal concrete, asphalt concrete, bricks, timber, and steel. In addition, the paper addresses the potential benefits and safety barriers for using nanomaterials, with consideration given to key areas of knowledge associated with exposure to nanoparticles that may have implications for health and environmental safety. The field of nanotechnology is considered rather young compared to established industries, thus limiting the time for research and risk analysis. Nevertheless, it is pertinent that research and regulation precede the widespread adoption of potentially harmful particles to mitigate undue risk.
    Matched MeSH terms: Construction Industry
  12. Fulltext Sustainable management using recycle and reuse of construction waste materials in Malaysia
    Shaharin Hamid, Che Maznah Mat Isa, Shamer N. Felix, Nur Kamaliah Mustaffa
    ESTEEM Academic Journal, 2020;16(1):47-58.
    MyJurnal
    Ineffective construction waste management has become a serious problem that impacted significantly to environmental pollutions especially in a developing country like Malaysia. Despite the enactment of law by the government, Malaysia is still far behind as compared to other countries like Denmark and Hong Kong in terms of implementation of recycling and reuse of construction waste. Recycling and reuse of waste materials seems to be a profitable method that will boost the
    lifetime of landfills and cut down the usage of virgin natural resources. This paper discusses the practices of recycling and reuse of construction waste materials in the Klang Valley. A questionnaire survey was administered to 117 respondents from construction companies. The most common types of construction waste materials that can be recycled and reused are concrete, metal, asphalt, brick, plastic, cardboard, timber and glass. A descriptive analysis using Relative Important Index (RII) was used to rank the items asked in the survey. It was found that the most frequent types of recycling and reuse of construction waste materials based on ranking is timber,
    while the key benefit of recycle and reuse of construction waste is reduction of landfill space. On the other hand, the key challenge that affects recycling and reuse of construction waste is the risk of contamination. This study is beneficial for all parties involved in construction activities to achieve a more sustainable construction in Malaysia and throughout the world.
    Matched MeSH terms: Construction Industry
  13. Fulltext Properties of a New Insulation Material Glass Bubble in Geo-Polymer Concrete
    Shahedan NF, Abdullah MMAB, Mahmed N, Kusbiantoro A, Tammas-Williams S, Li LY, et al.
    Materials (Basel), 2021 Feb 08;14(4).
    PMID: 33567696 DOI: 10.3390/ma14040809
    This paper details analytical research results into a novel geopolymer concrete embedded with glass bubble as its thermal insulating material, fly ash as its precursor material, and a combination of sodium hydroxide (NaOH) and sodium silicate (Na2SiO3) as its alkaline activator to form a geopolymer system. The workability, density, compressive strength (per curing days), and water absorption of the sample loaded at 10% glass bubble (loading level determined to satisfy the minimum strength requirement of a load-bearing structure) were 70 mm, 2165 kg/m3, 52.58 MPa (28 days), 54.92 MPa (60 days), and 65.25 MPa (90 days), and 3.73 %, respectively. The thermal conductivity for geopolymer concrete decreased from 1.47 to 1.19 W/mK, while the thermal diffusivity decreased from 1.88 to 1.02 mm2/s due to increased specific heat from 0.96 to 1.73 MJ/m3K. The improved physicomechanical and thermal (insulating) properties resulting from embedding a glass bubble as an insulating material into geopolymer concrete resulted in a viable composite for use in the construction industry.
    Matched MeSH terms: Construction Industry
  14. Fulltext Dataset on leaching properties of coal ashes from Malaysian coal power plant
    Beddu S, Abd Manan TSB, Zainoodin MM, Khan T, Wan Mohtar WHM, Nurika O, et al.
    Data Brief, 2020 Aug;31:105843.
    PMID: 32596432 DOI: 10.1016/j.dib.2020.105843
    Coal combustion by-products (CCPs) (i.e. fly (FA) and bottom (BA) ashes) generated by power plants contain heavy metals. This research presents leaching properties of coal ashes (FA and BA) collected from Jimah coal-fired power station, Port Dickson, Negeri Sembilan using USEPA standard methods namely toxicity characteristic leaching procedure (TCLP), and synthetic precipitation leaching procedure (SPLP). Heavy metals like lead (Pb), zinc (Zn), copper (Cu) and arsenic (As) were quantified using atomic absorption spectrometer (AAS). The leached of heavy metals fluxes were Cu < Zn < Pb < As. As leached the most whilst indicating of possible contamination from As. Overall, the ranges of leached concentration were adhered to permissible limits of hazardous waste criteria for metal (Pb and As) and industrial effluent (Zn and Cu). The presented data has potential reuse as reference for the coal ash concrete mixed design application in construction industries.
    Matched MeSH terms: Construction Industry
  15. Fulltext SYNTHESIS, CHARACTERISATION AND CORROSION INHIBITION SCREENING: Cu[EtBenzdtc]2 AND Cu[BuMedtc]2
    Nur Alia Atiqah Alias, Nabilah Syakirah Zolkifli, Mimi Wahidah Mohd Radzi, Nur Nadia Dzulkifli
    Journal of Academia Universiti Teknologi MARA Negeri Sembilan, 2021;9(1):56-65.
    MyJurnal
    Mild steel plays an essential part in many construction industries due to its low cost and excellent mechanical properties. However, the use of strong acid in pickling, construction, and oil refining processes adds to a serious corrosion problem for mild steel. Two Cu(II) dithiocarbamate (DTC) complexes were successfully synthesised, namely Cu(II) ethyl-benzyl DTC (Cu[EtBenzdtc]2) and Cu(II) butyl-methyl DTC (Cu[BuMedtc]2) complexes, by a condensation reaction and subsequently used to scrutinise the corrosion resistance activity towards mild steel in acidic media. The proposed structures of complexes were characterised by using the Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) and ultraviolet-visible (UV-Vis) spectroscopies. The melting point for Cu[EtBenzdtc]2 was found around 362–375°C, and 389–392°C for Cu[BuMedtc]2. The percentages of Cu(II) found in Cu[EtBenzdtc]2 and Cu[BuMedtc]2 were 7.6% and 7.5%, respectively. Both complexes were non-electrolyte based on the molar conductivity analysis. Their corrosion inhibition performances were tested by using a weight loss measurement. Cu[BuMedtc]2 showed a good result as a corrosion inhibitor compared to Cu[EtBenzdtc]2. The complexes showed good effectiveness in sulfuric acid (H2SO4) compared to hydrochloric acid (HCl) solution. Furthermore, Cu[BuMedtc]2 showed a good result as a corrosion inhibitor compared to Cu[EtBenzdtc]2 with the highest percentage of corrosion inhibition recorded at 91.8%. Meanwhile, the highest percentage of corrosion inhibition shown by Cu[EtBenzdtc]2 was only 86.9%. The lowest corrosion rate shown for Cu[BuMedtc]2 was 8.1944×10-4 cm-1 h-1. Meanwhile, the Cu[EtBenzdtc]2 showed the lowest corrosion rate only at 1.3194×10-3 cm-1 h-1. This implies that Cu[BuMedtc]2 showed lower corrosion rate but higher inhibition efficiency compared to Cu[EtBenzdtc]2.
    Matched MeSH terms: Construction Industry
  16. A Survey on Work-related Musculoskeletal Disorders (WMSDs) among construction workers
    Isa Halim, Rohana Abdullah, Ahmad Rasdan Ismail
    Journal of Occupational Safety and Health, 2012;9(1):15-19.
    MyJurnal
    Work-related Musculoskeletal Disorders (WMSDs) are common occupational injuries among workers in the construction industry. Epidemiological studies indicated that WMSDs include neck pain, lower back pain, knee pain, leg fatigue as well as ankle and feet discomfort. The objectives of this study are to identify the WMSDs experienced by the workers during construction works and discuss the causes of those WMSDs. Subjective approach associated with modified Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire (NMQ) was applied to identify the symptoms of WMSDs. A case study was conducted in several construction sites situated at the southern region of Peninsular Malaysia. During the study, 37 construction workers with different age and scope of works were interviewed to determine the WMSDs that they have experienced. Based on distributed questionnaire, almost all workers experienced pain in the region of lower back, upper back and biceps. These pains were contributed by manipulation of heavy load and high force exertion. Based on discussed causations, control measures via engineering controls method and administrative controls method were proposed to alleviate the risk of WMSDs among construction workers.
    Matched MeSH terms: Construction Industry
  17. Safety in the construction industry: are we barking at the wrong tree?
    Khairuddin Sulaiman, Norhayati Mahyuddin
    Journal of Occupational Safety and Health, 2005;2(1):30-36.
    MyJurnal
    The construction industry is an important industry in the Malaysian’s economy. Much has been said about the quality of the product as well as the image of the industry due to the small percentage of local workers on site. The industry’s welfare and safety record is not at all encouraging. To stop the rot, the government has taken important and significant steps by the establishment of the Malaysian Construction Industry Development Board (CIDB) and the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH). These efforts have shown some significant positive improvement in the perception and action of those involved in the industry but we are still far from the standard shown in other developed countries in terms of site safety. This paper is to discuss the roles and responsibilities of the key players in the industry be it the clients, consultants or contractors. The focus is on the ‘upstream’ activities i.e. the pre-construction stage, rather than the ‘downstream’ i.e. the construction phase of a project.
    Matched MeSH terms: Construction Industry
  18. Fulltext Development of physical workload and heat stress questionnaire for construction industry in Malaysia
    Solehan Imran Shariffudin, Jafri Mohd. Rohani, Mohd Firdaus Mohd Taib, Roseni Abd. Aziz
    Journal of Occupational Safety and Health, 2016;13(2):93-97.
    MyJurnal
    Geographically, Malaysia is situated in the equatorial region, thus having a climate of hot and humid throughout the
    year. Effect of heat stress and physical work load at construction industry need to be investigated because of the high number of
    accidents. Thus, perception of physical workload and heat stress by the construction workers in Malaysia needed to be investigated
    and documented. The aim of this paper is to establish a set of questionnaires containing the item generation regarding on physical
    workload and the heat stress perception of construction workers. Physical workload factors such as fatigue, risks, concentration,
    work rhythm, responsibility, satisfaction, and autonomy are inserted as the items in assessing the physical workload. While heat
    stress are assessed using heat risk factors such as temperature, humidity, heat radiation, air movement, workload, clothing and
    acclimatisation. A questionnaire has been developed resulted from various reviewing of literatures on physical workload and heat
    stress and better suited to the Malaysia working environment.
    Matched MeSH terms: Construction Industry
  19. California bearing ratio tests of enzyme-treated sedimentary residual soil show no improvement
    Tanveer Ahmed Khan, Mohd Raihan Taha, Ali Asghar Firoozi, Ali Akbar Firoozi
    Sains Malaysiana, 2017;46:1269-1267.
    Environmental concerns have significantly influenced the construction industry regarding the identification and use of environmentally sustainable construction materials. In this context, enzymes (organic materials) have been introduced recently for ground improvement projects such as pavements and embankments. The present experimental study was carried out in order to evaluate the compressive strength of a sedimentary residual soil treated with three different types of enzymes, as assessed through a California bearing ratio (CBR) test. Controlled untreated and treated soil samples containing four dosages (the recommended dose and two, five and 10 times the recommended dose) were prepared, sealed and cured for four months. Following the curing period, samples were soaked in water for four days before the CBR tests were administered. These tests showed no improvement in the soil is compressive strength; in other words, samples prepared even at higher dosages did not exhibit any improvement. Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy tests were carried out on three enzymes in order to study the functional groups present in them. Furthermore, X-ray diffraction (XRD) and field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) tests were executed for untreated and treated soil samples to determine if any chemical reaction took place between the soil and the enzymes. Neither of the tests (XRD nor FESEM) revealed any change. In fact, the XRD patterns and FESEM images for untreated and treated soil samples were indistinguishable.
    Matched MeSH terms: Construction Industry
  20. Accidents in Malaysian construction industry: statistical data and court cases
    Chong HY, Low TS
    Int J Occup Saf Ergon, 2014;20(3):503-13.
    PMID: 25189753
    Safety and health issues remain critical to the construction industry due to its working environment and the complexity of working practises. This research attempts to adopt 2 research approaches using statistical data and court cases to address and identify the causes and behavior underlying construction safety and health issues in Malaysia. Factual data on the period of 2000-2009 were retrieved to identify the causes and agents that contributed to health issues. Moreover, court cases were tabulated and analyzed to identify legal patterns of parties involved in construction site accidents. Approaches of this research produced consistent results and highlighted a significant reduction in the rate of accidents per construction project in Malaysia.
    Matched MeSH terms: Construction Industry/legislation & jurisprudence*; Construction Industry/statistics & numerical data*
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