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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: Occupational Health/standards
Health impact assessment from building life cycles and trace metals in coarse particulate matter in urban office environments

Othman M, Latif MT, Mohamed AF

Ecotoxicol Environ Saf, 2018 Feb;148:293-302.
PMID: 29080527 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2017.10.034

This study intends to determine the health impacts from two office life cycles (St.1 and St.2) using life cycle assessment (LCA) and health risk assessment of indoor metals in coarse particulates (particulate matter with diameters of less than 10µm). The first building (St.1) is located in the city centre and the second building (St.2) is located within a new development 7km away from the city centre. All life cycle stages are considered and was analysed using SimaPro software. The trace metal concentrations were determined by inductively couple plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). Particle deposition in the human lung was estimated using the multiple-path particle dosimetry model (MPPD). The results showed that the total human health impact for St.1 (0.027 DALY m-2) was higher than St.2 (0.005 DALY m-2) for a 50-year lifespan, with the highest contribution from the operational phase. The potential health risk to indoor workers was quantified as a hazard quotient (HQ) for non-carcinogenic elements, where the total values for ingestion contact were 4.38E-08 (St.1) and 2.59E-08 (St.2) while for dermal contact the values were 5.12E-09 (St.1) and 2.58E-09 (St.2). For the carcinogenic risk, the values for dermal and ingestion routes for both St.1 and St.2 were lower than the acceptable limit which indicated no carcinogenic risk. Particle deposition for coarse particles in indoor workers was concentrated in the head, followed by the pulmonary region and tracheobronchial tract deposition. The results from this study showed that human health can be significantly affected by all the processes in office building life cycle, thus the minimisation of energy consumption and pollutant exposures are crucially required.

Matched MeSH terms: Occupational Health
Protecting the health of medical students on international electives in low-resource settings

Johnston N, Sandys N, Geoghegan R, O'Donovan D, Flaherty G

J Travel Med, 2018 01 01;25(1).
PMID: 29394388 DOI: 10.1093/jtm/tax092

Background: Increasingly, medical students from developed countries are undertaking international medical electives in developing countries. Medical students understand the many benefits of these electives, such as the opportunity to develop clinical skills, to gain insight into global health issues and to travel to interesting regions of the world. However, they may be much less aware of the risk to their health and wellbeing while abroad. Compounding this problem, medical students may not seek advice from travel medicine practitioners and often receive inadequate or no information from their medical school prior to departure.
Methods: The PubMed database was searched for relevant literature relating to the health of medical elective students. Combinations of the following key words were used as search terms: 'international health elective', 'medical student' and 'health risks'. Articles were restricted to those published in English from 1997 through June 2017. A secondary review of the reference lists of these articles was performed. The grey literature was also searched for relevant material.
Results: This narrative literature review outlines the risks of clinical electives in resource-poor settings which include exposure to infectious illness, trauma, sexual health problems, excessive sun exposure, mental health issues and crime. Medical students may mitigate these health risks by being informed and well prepared for high-risk situations. The authors provide evidence-based travel advice which aims to improve pre-travel preparation and maximize student traveller safety. A safer and more enjoyable elective may be achieved if students follow road safety advice, take personal safety measures, demonstrate cultural awareness, attend to their psychological wellbeing and avoid risk-taking behaviours.
Conclusion: This article may benefit global health educators, international elective coordinators and travel medicine practitioners. For students, a comprehensive elective checklist, an inventory of health kit items and useful web-based educational resources are provided to help prepare for electives abroad.

Matched MeSH terms: Occupational Health*
Fulltext Overview of occupational noise management in Malaysia

Noraidah Ismail, Sarah Rahmat

International Journal of Allied Health Sciences, 2018;2(3):445-458.
MyJurnal

This paper aims to synthesize available literature on occupational noise in Malaysia and to relate this to the current noise management practices and control. The review focuses on several main
scopes; i) history of occupational noise management in Malaysia; ii) legislative developments and legal precedents of occupational noise in Malaysia ; and iii) the hearing conservation programs (HCP) and hearing loss prevention programs (HLPP). Narrative review and synthesis. Related publications and references were identified through several ways: i) by structured searches in PubMed, Google scholar, Web of Knowledge and Science Direct using the combinations of ‘occupational noise’, ‘noise induced hearing loss; ‘hearing’, ‘knowledge’, awareness’, ‘hearing conservation program’, ‘hearing protection devices’ as key words ii) by inspecting the reference lists of relevant articles. The number of publications within the audiology which address this topic, is rather limited. All the above mentioned scopes were discussed and synthesis of literature from other related fields such as medical, health and occupational safety and health were also referred to facilitate the discussion. This paper concludes that there are an emerging trend for the studies of occupational noise Malaysia in the literature. However, the effectiveness of HCP in Malaysia, and to what extent it is accepted and being implemented is yet to be investigated.

Matched MeSH terms: Occupational Health
Fulltext Occupational safety and health practice in school's classroom in Malaysia

Noor Adilah Hamzah, Ahmad Rasdan Ismail, Nor Kamilah Makhtar, Khairul Azhar Mat Daud, Norhidayah Mat Sout

Journal of Occupational Safety and Health, 2018;15(2):13-22.
MyJurnal

Today, more accidents reported in school, resulting not only minor injuries but also severe injuries such as fire in schools, mercury spills and falling from high places. The study was aimed at measuring the level of occupational safety and health practices in schools. The study was conducted at 205 schools in Kelantan, Malaysia. This study is a semi-quantitative study using observation method. Data collection is conducted based on Hazard Identification, Risk Assessment and Risk Control (HIRARC) Guidelines provided by the Department of Occupational Safety and Health, Malaysia. Hazard identification, risk assessment and risk control are determined using the HIRARC form. The findings were measured by determining the discrete data according to the number of low, medium and high-risk levels found. The study found that there were two dominant hazards namely physical hazard and ergonomic hazard. Therefore, the management should increase and improve classroom safety awareness to ensure safety and health of all occupants.

Matched MeSH terms: Occupational Health
Fulltext Job hazard analyses (JHA) for ergonomics risk factors in Malaysian pineapple plantation

Nur Fazrina Mohamad Salleh, Ezrin Hani Sukadarin

Journal of Occupational Safety and Health, 2018;15(1):17-25.
MyJurnal

The prevalence of Musculoskeletal Symptoms (MSS) rapidly increases and it is recognized as a significant health outcome in agricultural sector. Agricultural ergonomics risk factor is one of hazards constantly arising from all job task activities including awkward postures and heavy lifting. Job hazard analyses (JHA) were conducted to assess the exposure of ergonomics risk factors in Malaysia Pineapple Plantation. The analyses performed involved two steps. They were: 1) guidelines and manual book Malaysia Pineapple Plantation as references; and 2) conducting walkthrough observation based on checklist approaches at the plantation. The identified risk factors were prolonged exposure of standing, squatting, stooping and kneeling, highly repetitive motion on the lower limbs, deviation and twisting of wrist and lastly, heavy lifting. The analyses confirmed that the exposure to ergonomics risk factors in pineapple plantation is high. It would be desirable to reduce the risk factors by educating and training the pineapple workers to perform their task with strong consideration of occupational safety and health.

Matched MeSH terms: Occupational Health
Fulltext Transformation of Industrial Relations in Malaysia: The effectiveness on Management of Occupational Safety and Health

NUR FARHANNA SADON

Trends in Undergraduate Research, 2018;1(1):0-0.
MyJurnal

The occupational safety and health of workers are aimed to protect employees.. Safety at workplace is a crucial aspect in a company’s organization. Safety in workplace is important in guaranteeing the worker’s wellbeing. The Malaysia Government has taken the required steps by introducing the Occupational Safety and Health Act 1994 on 25th of February 1994. The responsibilities in enforcing Occupational Safety and Health Act is given to the Occupational Safety and Health Department (OSHD) which is under the Ministry of Human Resource.

Matched MeSH terms: Occupational Health
Prevalence rate of neck, shoulder and lower back pain in association with age, body mass index and gender among Malaysian office workers

Shariat A, Cardoso JR, Cleland JA, Danaee M, Ansari NN, Kargarfard M, et al.

Work, 2018;60(2):191-199.
PMID: 29865103 DOI: 10.3233/WOR-182738

BACKGROUND: Malaysian office workers often experience Musculoskeletal Discomfort (MSD) which is typically related to the low back, shoulders, and neck.
OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study was to examine the occurrence of lower back, shoulder, and neck pain among Malaysian office workers.
METHODS: 752 subjects (478 women and 274 men) were randomly selected from the Malaysian office workers population of 10,000 individuals. The participants were aged between 20-50 years and had at least one year of work experience. All participants completed the Cornell Musculoskeletal Discomfort Questionnaire (CMDQ). Instructions to complete the questinnaire were given to the participants under the researchers supervision in the morning before they started a day of work. The participants were then classified into four categories based on body mas index (BMI) (BMI:≤18.4, 18.5-24.99, 25-29.99, ≥30) and age (Age: 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, ≥50).
RESULTS: There was a significant association between pain severity in gender and right (p = 0.046) and left (p = 0.041) sides of the shoulders. There was also a significant association between BMI and severity of pain in the lower back area (p = 0.047). It was revealed that total pain score in the shoulders was significantly associated with age (p = 0.041).
CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study demonstrated that a significant correlation existed between pain servity for gender in both right and left shoulder. These findings require further scientific investigation as do the identification of effective preventative stratgies.

Matched MeSH terms: Occupational Health/standards
Fulltext Occupational, physical, sexual and mental health and violence among migrant and trafficked commercial fishers and seafarers from the Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS): systematic review

Pocock NS, Nguyen LH, Lucero-Prisno Iii DE, Zimmerman C, Oram S

Glob Health Res Policy, 2018;3:28.
PMID: 30288452 DOI: 10.1186/s41256-018-0083-x

Background: Little is known about the health of GMS commercial fishers and seafarers, many of whom are migrants and some trafficked. This systematic review summarizes evidence on occupational, physical, sexual and mental health and violence among GMS commercial fishers/seafarers.

Methods: We searched 5 electronic databases and purposively searched grey literature. Quantitative or qualitative studies reporting prevalence or risk of relevant outcomes were included. Two reviewers independently screened articles. Data were extracted on nationality and long/short-haul fishing where available.

Results: We identified 33 eligible papers from 27 studies. Trafficked fishers/seafarers were included in n=12/13 grey literature and n=1/20 peer-reviewed papers. Among peer-reviewed papers: 11 focused on HIV/AIDS/sexual health; nine on occupational/physical health; one study included mental health of trafficked fishers. Violence was quantitatively measured in eight papers with prevalence of: 11-26% in port convenience samples; 68-100% in post-trafficking service samples. Commercial fishers/seafarers whether trafficked or not worked extremely long hours; trafficked long-haul fishers had very limited access to care following injuries or illness. Lesser-known risks reported among fishers included penile oil injections and beriberi. We found just one work safety intervention study and inconclusive evidence for differences in the outcomes by nationality. Findings are limited by methodological weaknesses of primary studies.

Conclusion: Results show an absence of high-quality epidemiological studies beyond sexual health. Formative and pilot intervention research on occupational, physical and mental health among GMS commercial fishers and seafarers is needed. Future studies should include questions about violence and exploitation. Ethical and reporting standards of grey literature should be improved.

Trial Registration: Review registration number: PROSPERO 2014: CRD42014009656.

Matched MeSH terms: Occupational Health
Fulltext Creating a culture of prevention in occupational safety and health practice: perceived body discomfort in two sitting positions

Sukadarin, E.H., Qian, F.S., Zakaria, J., Deros, B.M., Nawi, N.S.M.

Malaysian Journal of Public Health Medicine, 2018;18(102):47-51.
MyJurnal

Prolonged sitting is one of the factors for back discomfort. Sitting in the same position for long periods of time is worse.
This experimental based study was conducted to achieve three objectives. There were to 1) identify whether is there any
differences between perceived body discomfort among respondents before and after upright sitting, 2) identify whether
is there any differences between perceived body discomfort among respondents before and after slump sitting and 3)
compare the level of perceived body discomfort among respondents after two sitting postures. Thirty young and healthy
adults were recruited as study respondents. Each respondent was asked to sit in a posture either upright or slump for 30
minutes. Respondents were then rated their body discomfort using Borg CR-10 scale before and after sitting. Another
sitting posture was carried out after one day interval. There is a significant difference between perceived body
discomfort among respondents before and after upright and slump sitting. Body discomfort of upright sitting was shown
significantly greater than slump sitting. Although, slump sitting caused less discomfort than upright, but it proven by
previous studies did not provide benefit to occupational safety and health practice in preventing occupational health
related disease.

Matched MeSH terms: Occupational Health
Fulltext The effectiveness of the Occupational Safety and Health Master Plan 2015 (OSH-MP 15) in enhancing government leadership and preventive workplace

Norhafizah Yaacob, Shamsul B.M. Tamrin, Ng, Yee Guan, How, Vivien, Rozanah A. Rahman, Zerguine, Haroun, et al.

Malaysian Journal of Medicine and Health Sciences, 2018;14(2):57-66.
MyJurnal

Background: Occupational Safety and Health Master Plan for Malaysia 2015 was intended to increase awareness, knowledge and commitment to Occupational Safety and Health in all undertaking to reduce the number of injuries, diseases and fatalities. Objectives: The purpose of this study is to determine the effectiveness of Occupational Safety Health Master Plan for Malaysia 2015 (OSH-MP 15) in enhancing government leadership and preventive workplace culture. Methods: This cross sectional study covered all the states in Malaysia, constituting of 309 employers, 350 Occupational Safety Health practitioners and 360 employees as respondents. There were three questionnaires for three different groups which were employers, Occupational Safety Health practitioners and general employees. The respondents were selected through random sampling. Results: For strategy 1, there was a significant difference in mean of effectiveness of OSH-MP15 between sectors for general workers [F (11, 348) =12.06, p= =

Matched MeSH terms: Occupational Health
Fulltext Introduction to customized occupational safety and health website and its effectiveness in improving Psychosocial Safety Climate (PSC) among police officers

Irniza Rasdi, Nadia Farhana Ismail, Andy, Shin Shyen Kong, Suhainizam Muhammad Saliluddin

Malaysian Journal of Medicine and Health Sciences, 2018;14(2):67-73.
MyJurnal

Introduction: The prevalence of stress among Malaysian police is high in which 38.8% polices have severe stress related to work resources and workplace environment. Psychosocial safety climate is one of the indicators that can be used to avoid psychosocial health problems. Objective: This study was conducted to determine the risk factors of psychosocial safety climate and to measure the effectiveness of a customised safety website in improving the safety climate. Methodology: This study involved 105 police officers who were randomly selected from nine different departments in PDRM Bukit Aman. A survey adapted from previous study was used to determine the psychosocial safety climate levels among respondents. Then, occupational safety website was introduced to the respondents and being used for two weeks. Lastly, post survey was done to see the difference of psychosocial safety climate before and after the use of the website. Results and Discussion: Findings showed that team psychological safety (r=0.381, p= , p=

Matched MeSH terms: Occupational Health
Fulltext Mobile apps application to improve safety and health knowledge, attitude and practice among university students

Sharifah Norkhadijah Syed Ismail, Josfirin Uding Rangga, Irniza Rasdi, Umi Raihana Abd Rahman, Mohd Armi Abu Samah

Malaysian Journal of Medicine and Health Sciences, 2018;14(101):47-55.
MyJurnal

Introduction: The application of M-learning or mobile application (app) as a tool to disseminate occupational safety and health (OSH) information among students and staff in the university, to replace the use of conventional noticeboard was assessed in this study. Materials and Methods: Study was conducted between February to March 2016 and involved 124 respondents from health sciences program in Universiti Putra Malaysia. OSH information was incorporated into a mobile-app using online software and respondents were requested to use the app for fourteen days. A self-administered questionnaire was used to assess the level of knowledge, attitude and practice of respondents before and after using the app. Results: The mobile app has significantly increased the knowledge score among respondents (z = -7.331, p

Matched MeSH terms: Occupational Health
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).

Matched MeSH terms: Occupational Health
Fulltext Knowledge, attitude and practice on leptospirosis among undergraduate students in University Putra Malaysia

Siti Maryam Abu Bakar, Haliza Abdul Rahman

Malaysian Journal of Medicine and Health Sciences, 2018;14(102):0-0.
MyJurnal

Leptospirosis is an infectious and zoonotic disease caused by pathogenic bacteria called leptospires which can be transmitted through the exposure to the urine or excretion of infected animals, and also water or soil that being contaminated with secretion of the infected animals. Leptospirosis remains a concern in Malaysia, as the number of cases had steadily increased. This study aims to determine the knowledge, attitude and practice (KAP) among final year students of selected programmes in Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM). Methods: A cross sectional study was conducted among students of Environmental and Occupational Health (ENVOCH) (57 students), Nursing (22 students) and Veterinary Medicine (97 students). Thus, the total sample sizes were 170, however the response rate were 81.76%. Questionnaire was used as the study instrumentation. Results: There was a significant association between race and knowledge, also gender and attitude with p

Matched MeSH terms: Occupational Health
Fulltext Knowledge and Risk Perceptions of Occupational Infections Among Health-care Workers in Malaysia

Subramanian GC, Arip M, Saraswathy Subramaniam TS

Saf Health Work, 2017 Sep;8(3):246-249.
PMID: 28951800 DOI: 10.1016/j.shaw.2016.12.007

Health-care workers are at risk of exposure to occupational infections with subsequent risk of contracting diseases, disability, and even death. A systematic collection of occupational disease data is useful for monitoring current trends in work situations and disease exposures; however, these data are usually limited due to under-reporting. The objective of this study was to review literature related to knowledge, risk perceptions, and practices regarding occupational exposures to infectious diseases in Malaysian health-care settings, in particular regarding blood-borne infections, universal precautions, use of personal protective equipment, and clinical waste management. The data are useful for determining improvements in knowledge and risk perceptions among health-care workers with developments of health policies and essential interventions for prevention and control of occupational diseases.

Matched MeSH terms: Occupational Health*
Fulltext Agents of change: The role of healthcare workers in the prevention of nosocomial and occupational tuberculosis

Nathavitharana RR, Bond P, Dramowski A, Kotze K, Lederer P, Oxley I, et al.

Presse Med, 2017 Mar;46(2 Pt 2):e53-e62.
PMID: 28256382 DOI: 10.1016/j.lpm.2017.01.014

Healthcare workers (HCWs) play a central role in global tuberculosis (TB) elimination efforts but their contributions are undermined by occupational TB. HCWs have higher rates of latent and active TB than the general population due to persistent occupational TB exposure, particularly in settings where there is a high prevalence of undiagnosed TB in healthcare facilities and TB infection control (TB-IC) programmes are absent or poorly implemented. Occupational health programmes in high TB burden settings are often weak or non-existent and thus data that record the extent of the increased risk of occupational TB globally are scarce. HCWs represent a limited resource in high TB burden settings and occupational TB can lead to workforce attrition. Stigma plays a role in delayed diagnosis, poor treatment outcomes and impaired well-being in HCWs who develop TB. Ensuring the prioritization and implementation of TB-IC interventions and occupational health programmes, which include robust monitoring and evaluation, is critical to reduce nosocomial TB transmission to patients and HCWs. The provision of preventive therapy for HCWs with latent TB infection (LTBI) can also prevent progression to active TB. Unlike other patient groups, HCWs are in a unique position to serve as agents of change to raise awareness, advocate for necessary resource allocation and implement TB-IC interventions, with appropriate support from dedicated TB-IC officers at the facility and national TB programme level. Students and community health workers (CHWs) must be engaged and involved in these efforts. Nosocomial TB transmission is an urgent public health problem and adopting rights-based approaches can be helpful. However, these efforts cannot succeed without increased political will, supportive legal frameworks and financial investments to support HCWs in efforts to decrease TB transmission.

Matched MeSH terms: Occupational Health Services/organization & administration
Fulltext Adoption of responsible care program in Malaysian chemical industries: current status and way forward

NurKhairlida Muhamad Khai, Khai EL, Mazlin Mokhta, Choo TG, Marlia Mohd Hanafiah, Chan PW, et al.

Malaysian Journal of Public Health Medicine, 2017;17 Special(1):1-6.

Chemical industry is one of the important industries in the world. However, incidents happened due to the release of hazardous materials, toxic and poisonous chemicals in the chemical industries can cause fatal to human and destruction of the environment. Learning from the Bhopal disaster's experience, chemical industries have developed a program - Responsible Care, aiming to regain public trust through improving the environment, health and safety performances. Malaysia has adopted Responsible Care program since 1994 under the stewardship of the Chemical Industries Council of Malaysia (CICM). Six codes of management practices have been developed by the CICM, covering distribution, community awareness and emergency response, pollution prevention, process safety, employee health & safety and product stewardship. It has been more than 20 years since its inception. However, to date, there are only 125 companies have signed the pledge to adopt Responsible Care program. The CICM has also conducted several initiatives to encourage participation of chemical companies to adopt Responsible Care program in Malaysia. Therefore, it is the aim of this paper to review the current status of Responsible Care program in Malaysia and also deliberate the way forward of this program.

Matched MeSH terms: Occupational Health
Fulltext Awareness on health and safety among municipal workers on solid waste collections: a case study in Malaysia

Sekhon PS, Karthigesu IT

Malaysian Journal of Public Health Medicine, 2017;17 Special(1):19-27.

Solid waste collection has been a major challenge for local council Municipal workers in urban areas where the population is growing rapidly and the need for local councils to ensure they provide service to clear solid waste in a timely manner without disrupting the existing system. This case study is a review of awareness of health and safety among municipal workers on solid waste collection. The study is an examination of such awareness in Malaysia which involves the Petaling Jaya City Council in the state of Selangor. We review the operating system of the Petaling Jaya City Council and the risks which are being exposed to the municipal workers in their daily operations. Health and Safety of municipal workers in the areas of public health, safety, and industrial hygiene has been a concern for a long time. In most cases the majority of municipal workers exposed are from the contractual aspect of outsourced labour. It is important to understand how large the area of a solid waste is and to identify, evaluate, and eliminate or control risks and hazards across the operation zone of the municipal workers which involves environmental and occupational demands. The data we find provides the latest perspectives on topics of widespread concern such contractors management, ergonomic safety, confined space, motor vehicle safety, machinery safety, fall hazard safety, electrical safety and emergency response. Management of legal requirements is also discovered to be important to ensure any organization conducting business is not in violation of any law, and if there is a change of process how is this being addressed. Finally, we look at the control measures needed to support a operation on a large scale where it will not endanger the health and safety of municipal workers when they are involved in solid waste management. The recommendation we have based on the review are to ensure there is a holistic approach and systems in place to address all the concerns that will be faced by the local municipal council in their daily operations and responsibilities at every level of the organization. Conclusion: Research material and data related to this area is limited and we hope future holistic research can be conducted to future enhance the study of health and safety effecting the municipal workers. Health and Safety management system and procedures are the key elements in ensuring a successful organization.

Matched MeSH terms: Occupational Health
Fulltext Web-based KAP Intervention on Office Ergonomics: A Unique Technique for Prevention of Musculoskeletal Discomfort in Global Corporate Offices

Madhwani KP, Nag PK

Indian J Occup Environ Med, 2017 Jan-Apr;21(1):18-22.
PMID: 29391743 DOI: 10.4103/ijoem.IJOEM_145_17

Aims: The purpose of this study was to evaluate web-based Knowledge, Attitude and Practice (KAP) intervention on office ergonomics - a unique method for prevention of musculoskeletal discomfort (MSD) - in corporate offices that influences behavior modification.

Background: With the increasing use of computers, laptops and hand-held communication devices globally among office employees, creating awareness on office ergonomics has become a top priority. Emphasis needs to be given on maintaining ideal work postures, ergonomic arrangement of workstations, optimizing chair functions, as well as performing desk stretches to reduce MSD arising from the use of these equipment, thereby promoting safe work practices at offices and home, as in the current scenario many employees work from home with flexible work hours. Hence, this justifies the importance of our study.

Objective: To promote safe working by exploring cost-effective communication methods to achieve behavior change at distant sites when an on-site visit may not be feasible.

Materials and Methods: An invitation was sent by the Medical and Occupational Health Team of a multinational corporation to all employees at their offices in Sri Lanka, Singapore, and Malaysia to take up an online Nordic questionnaire, a screening tool for musculoskeletal symptoms, shared in local languages on two occasions - baseline evaluation (n = 240) and a follow-up evaluation after 3 months (n = 203). After completing the baseline questionnaire, employees were immediately trained on correct postures and office ergonomics with animation graphics. The same questionnaire was sent again after a 12-week gap only to those employees who responded to the baseline questionnaire on initial assessment.

Statistical Analysis Used: Data collected were analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 20.0 software and variables were compared using odds ratio as well as Chi-square test.

Results: Of the 203 employees who responded, 47.35% had some musculoskeletal symptoms. Among them 58.7% had lower back pain, 46.9% had upper back pain, 44.1% had wrist pain, 39.5% had shoulder pain, and 37% had knee pain. The percentages are high as some participants had multiple complaints i.e. 2 or 3 complaints. However, only 40% of these employees had ongoing symptoms at the time of evaluation (past 7 days). A subsequent 3-month evaluation after web-based intervention showed a significant 41-50% decline in ongoing symptoms.

Conclusions: We conclude that newer technology using web-based animation graphics is a highly efficient technique to create office ergonomics awareness and has the potential to become a best practice in countries where language is a communication barrier and an on-site visit may not be feasible due to meagre resources.

Matched MeSH terms: Occupational Health

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