A computing task ergonomic risk assessment tool for assessing risk factors of work related musculoskeletal disorders

Observation method remains to be the most widely applied method in assessing exposure to risk factors for work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) related to office works because it is inexpensive and applicable to wide range of office jobs. However, the existing research that applied this method was mainly focused to a limited range of office components and computer accessories such as seat pan, keyboards, mouse, monitor and telephone. In addition, further testing of reliability and validity of the observational method was less reported. This study was conducted to propose the new office ergonomic risk assessment (OFFERA) method to assess a wide range of office risk factors related to WMSDs, which include office components and office environment where this method covers both right and left side of the body part. The initial development of OFFERA method was divided into two stages, the development of OFFERA system components and psychometric properties of OFFERA method. In reliability testing, the results of inter and intra observer reliability recorded good (K=0.62-0.78) and very good (K=0.81-0.96) agreement among the observers. Meanwhile, in validity testing, the relationship of the final score of OFFERA to the musculoskeletal symptoms statistically shows a significant value for wrists/hands (χ²=7.942; p=0.047), lower back (χ²=13.478; p=0.000), knees (χ²=7.001; p=0.008), and ankle/leg (χ²=5.098; p=0.024). The usability testing shows that the OFFERA method was easy and quick to be used (mean 4.48 ± 0.821) and applicable for wide range of office working activities (mean 4.02 ± 0.952). Based on the results obtained, it can be concluded that the OFFERA method was found to be practically reliable and applicable for wide range of office work-related activities

Review on pen-and-paper-based observational methods for assessing ergonomic risk factors of computer work

Background: Computer works are associated with Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs). There are several methods have been developed to assess computer work risk factor related to MSDs. Objective: This review aims to give an overview of current techniques available for pen-and-paper-based observational methods in assessing ergonomic risk factors of computer work. Methods: We searched an electronic database for materials from 1992 until 2015. The selected methods were focused on computer work, pen-and-paper observational methods, office risk factors and musculoskeletal disorders. This review was developed to assess the risk factors, reliability and validity of pen-and-paper observational method associated with computer work. Two evaluators independently carried out this review. Results: Seven observational methods used to assess exposure to office risk factor for work-related musculoskeletal disorders were identified. The risk factors involved in current techniques of pen and paper based observational tools were postures, office components, force and repetition. From the seven methods, only five methods had been tested for reliability. They were proven to be reliable and were rated as moderate to good. For the validity testing, from seven methods only four methods were tested and the results are moderate. Conclusion: Many observational tools already exist, but no single tool appears to cover all of the risk factors including working posture, office component, force, repetition and office environment at office workstations and computer work. Although the most important factor in developing tool is proper validation of exposure assessment techniques, the existing observational method did not test reliability and validity. Futhermore, this review could provide the researchers with ways on how to improve the pen-and-paper-based observational method for assessing ergonomic risk factors of computer work

A systematic review of ergonomic risk factors associated with computer work-related musculoskeletal disorders in office workstations

This review aims to give an overview of ergonomic risk factors associated with computer work-related musculoskeletal disorders in office workstations. Data from 1990 until 2015 was revised using electronic databases.The overview based on computer work, office risk factors, musculoskeletal disorders, working posture, office components and office environment.Epidemiologic studies show that physical exposure has a moderate and strong association with Computer Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders.Sixteen items of risk factors with significant associations with body part exposure outcomes were identified. Ergonomic risks factors involved awkward postures , repetitive movement, excessive force and office environment.This study describes recommended posture angles as well as appropriate distance between office workers and office equipment

Paper plate machine

In recent years natural fibers appear to be the outstanding materials which come as the viable and abundant substitute for the expensive and nonrenewable synthetic fiber. Natural fibers like sugar cane, banana, , oil palm, kenaf and coir has been used as reinforcement in thermoplastic composite for applications in consumer goods, furniture, low cost housing and civil structures. Pineapple leaf fiber (PALF) is one of them that have also good potential as reinforcement in thermoplastic composite. It is the objective of the current research to characterize PALF and to investigate the effect of fiber treatment on the mechanical properties of PALF reinforced polypropylene (PP) composite. Figure 6.1 show the example of pineapple used

A review on prevalence and risk factors of musculoskeletal disorders (Msds) among VDT users

This review aims to to identify the prevalence of computer work related to musculoskeletal disorders among Video Display Terminal users.The association between risk factors and musculoskeletal disorders was also identified. Data from 1990 until 2015 was retrieved using electronic databases. The review was done based on computer work, office risk factors, musculoskeletal disorders, working posture, office components and office environment. Epidemiology studies show that physical exposure has a moderate and to strong association with Computer Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders. Sixteen risk factors for office workstations with significant associations with body part exposure outcomes were identified. Through the studies, it was found that computer-related risk factors correspond with Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs) including awkward postures, long duration of computer use, work involving repetitive processes and the office environmen

Feedback Survey on the Usability of the OFFERA Method for Assessing an Exposure Risks of Computer Work Related to WMSDs

The OFFERA method was designed to assess the exposure of the office workstation risk factors associated with WMSDs. This method involved six domains which include chair, desk, input device, monitor, accessories, and the environment. The purpose of this study was to assess the usability of the OFFERA method for assessing exposure risks of computer work related to WMSDs. The participants were trained to conduct the OFFERA method. Trial assessments on three different office jobs were conducted. The usability of the OFFERA method was identified based on the feedback questionnaire survey obtained from 44 practitioners (undergraduate students) after the training. From the usability test, the OFFERA method was found be easy to use (mean 4.48 ± 0.698) and quick to use (mean 4.48 ± 0.821). However, the observers found that the font used was too small hence it was difficult to read the instruction (mean 3.93 ± 1.096). The pictures or illustrations in the OFFERA tool were also recorded as unclear based on the relatively low score for 18 items (mean 3.73± 1.128). Besides that, all participants agreed that OFFERA method is user-friendly, cost effective and applicable to a wide range of office-related activities

Feedback Survey on the Usability of the OFFERA Method for Assessing an Exposure Risks of Computer Work Related to WMSDs

The OFFERA method was designed to assess the exposure of the office workstation risk factors associated with WMSDs. This method involved six domains which include chair, desk, input device, monitor, accessories, and the environment. The purpose of this study was to assess the usability of the OFFERA method for assessing exposure risks of computer work related to WMSDs. The participants were trained to conduct the OFFERA method. Trial assessments on three different office jobs were conducted. The usability of the OFFERA method was identified based on the feedback questionnaire survey obtained from 44 practitioners (undergraduate students) after the training. From the usability test, the OFFERA method was found be easy to use (mean 4.48 ± 0.698) and quick to use (mean 4.48 ± 0.821). However, the observers found that the font used was too small hence it was difficult to read the instruction (mean 3.93 ± 1.096). The pictures or illustrations in the OFFERA tool were also recorded as unclear based on the relatively low score for 18 items (mean 3.73± 1.128). Besides that, all participants agreed that OFFERA method is user-friendly, cost effective and applicable to a wide range of office-related activities

Antimicrobial effect of Malaysian vegetables against enteric bacteria

Objective: To investigate the antibacterial activities of green vegetables (pennywort, mint, garlic, parsley and celery) against four common enteric bacteria [Salmonella enterica (ATCC 25957) (S. enterica), Shigella flexneri (ATCC 12022) (S. flexneri), Escherichia coli (ATCC 43889) (E. coli) and Enterobacter cloacae (ATCC 13047) (E. cloacae)] as an alternative medicine for controlling food borne diarrhea disease and the synergistic effect of green vegetables against those bacteria. Methods: Five common vegetables (pennywort, mint, garlic, parsley and celery) were purchased and extracted. The antimicrobial activities of these extracts were tested against four common enteric bacteria (S. enterica, S. flexneri, E. coli and E. cloacae). Ten different concentrations of the extracts (from 640 to 1.25 mg/mL) were prepared and used for the study. The minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) was determined by the broth dilution method. The antimicrobial activities were assessed by using both well diffusion and disc diffusion methods. Results: Garlic extract showed excellent inhibitory effects on all enteric bacteria. Other plants (parsley, celery, mint and pennywort) were not effective against enteric bacteria. The MIC of garlic against S. flexneri and E. cloacae was 40 mg/mL. The MIC of S. enterica and E. coli were 20 and 10 mg/mL, respectively. The performance of the well diffusion method was better than that of the disc diffusion method with clear and sharp inhibition zones of tested bacteria against plant extracts. Conclusions: Garlic had excellent antimicrobial effects against enteric bacteria and was recommended to be given to patients with gastroenteritis. The other vegetables (pennywort, mint, parsley and celery) showed no inhibitory effects on enteric bacteria but still can be used for its richness in vitamins and fibers. The performance of the well diffusion method was better than that of the disc diffusion method in detecting the antibacterial effects of green vegetables