The ergonomics of seating design in lecture hall at Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences (FMHS), Universiti Putra Malaysia UPM)

This is a cross-sectional study with the objective to determine the association between complaints Musculoskeletal Disorders(MSDs) and mismatch of the seats in lecture hall of Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences (FMHS), Universiti Putra Malaysia(UPM). A total of 132 respondents whom were undergraduate students were involved in this study consist of 47 male and 85 female. Eight anthropometric measurement (height, weight, popliteal height, buttock-popliteal height, shoulder height, subscapular height,elbow height and hip width while sitting) as well as five (5) furniture parameter dimensions (seat height, seat depth, seat width,upper edge backrest height and desk height) were taken. Instruments used were questionnaire modified from Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire, Martyn anthropometer set, measuring tape, height scale and weighing scale. Findings showed 51.5% mismatch of seat height, 5.3% mismatch of seat depth, 94.7% mismatch of desk height and 18.2% mismatch of upper edge of back rest. For the prevalence MSDs in the past seven (7) days, 61.4% reported low back pain followed by neck pain (50%) and upper back pain (43.9%). There was significant difference between genders in anthropometric body measurement. Significant association were found between MSDs and mismatch χ2 = 5.406, p < 0.05. In conclusion, there was an association between MSDs and ergonomics furniture of lecture halls in FMHS, UPM. Based on the findings, it is recommended that in the event of long lecture hour, intermittent break should be allowed for students to stretch, move or better yet assume different posture such as standing or walk

The association between hand arm vibration syndrome and vibrotactile perception threshold among shipyard workers

A cross sectional study was done among 47 hand-held vibrating tools workers with the objective of obtaining the current prevalence of hand-arm vibration syndrome (HAVS) and the association with vibrotactile perception threshold (VPT) and sensory threshold in a tropical environment. Questionnaire was administered in determining reported related symptoms of HAVS, Pallesthesiometer (EMSON-MAT, Poland) was used in obtaining the sensory threshold of index and little finger. Measurement was done at 31.5 Hz and 125 Hz. Results indicate 49% of the shipyard workers were manifesting HAVS symptoms. Most were exposed to the equally high intensity level of HAVS due to continuous use of vibrating hand-held tools. The VPT values were significantly higher for both fingers and both frequencies compared to the normal healthy population. No significant association was found between the reported HAVS and the level of VPT and (Monofilament) among the workers. As a conclusion, the prevalence of HAVS was high but lower compared to those working in an extreme cold environment. In addition, a higher mean of VPT value and Sensory threshold was observed compared to the normal healthy population

Effects of light`s colour temperatures on visual comfort level, task performances, and alertness among students

Introduction: Correlated colour temperatures (CCT) of the light source in indoor environment plays an imperative role in addressing both psychological and physiological functions of the occupant. As one of the determinants of lighting quality, CCT are off particular importance which affects quality of work and in classroom learning. Objective: The aim of this study is to determine the effects of warm white light (WWL) (CCT = 3,000K), cool white light (CWL) (CCT = 4,000K) and artificial daylight (DL) (CCT=6,500K) on the performances, subjective alertness level, visual comfort level and preferences of student in Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia. Methodology: A laboratory controlled experiment was conducted on total of 47 undergraduate students volunteered to participate in a series of test under three coloured light sources. FrACT software was used to assess visual task performance, modified OLS questionnaire was used to evaluate subjective comfort level and preferences, typing test and KSS alertness level monitoring was conducted. Result: Significant increase was observed in subjective alertness level (p=0.041) and computer-based performances (p=0.001) under DL condition in relative to WWL condition. In terms of typing performances, respondents performed significantly better in term of typing speed under CWL than DL and WWL. Least typing errors were made under DL, followed by CWL and WWL. CWL is the most preferred (p=0.001) and most comfortable (p=0.011) CCT environment where subjects indicated the ability to perform task longer in this coloured-lit environment. Conclusion: The study concludes that the CWL and DL were more beneficial for alertness level and academically activities for both computer-based and paper-based activities

Content validation of flood disaster preparedness action (FDPA) items among small and medium enterprises (SME) business

Purpose: This paper aims to present the process of construction and content validity of flood disaster preparedness action (FDPA) items to measure flood preparedness characteristics and activities among the small and medium enterprises (SME). Design/methodology/approach: The content validity process involved the act of conceptualization, development and validation. In short, it was implemented to develop the FDPA items that were used to measure flood preparedness at the SME level. The steps began with literature review (adopt and adapt) and judgment of expert panel on the item development process. The list of 54 items was developed. A panel of eight experts rated its content validation during a focus group discussion. Findings: In total, 52 items were acceptable to be passed on to the next stage of data collection. The items content validity (I-CVI) measurement of the items was within an acceptable range of more than 0.75, except for two items: Q38 and Q39. The scale content validity (S-CVI) value gave an excellent score of 0.95. Several items with low I-CVI score values for relevancy and clarity were subject to modification. Practical implications: Content validity ensured accurate interpretations of results. To support the construct validity of an instrument, documenting findings from content validity was essential. Originality/value: This paper demonstrated the initial phase of scale development on FDPA items. This newly developed item allows the integration of several flood disaster preparedness activities construct by review and judgment process by the panel of experts in the field

Review of knowledge, attitude, and practice among laboratory workers towards occupational safety and health

Laboratory workers exposed to diverse occupational exposures to accidents. Evidently, extant, yet very limited empirical underpinnings suggest that knowledge, practices and awareness of safety precautions are uncharacteristically poor among laboratory workers. As such, their demonstration of safety-related attitudes and practices have remained questionable. This paper, thus presents a systematic search of the literature on laboratory workers’ safety-related knowledge, attitudes, and practices. Specifically, literature published between 2007 and 2017 that characteristically attempted to evaluate knowledge, attitudes and practices among laboratory workers on Occupational Safety and Health were reviewed. Evidently, results from the review indicate poor knowledge, attitude and practice among the laboratory workers. It is critical that strategies be put in place by the management of the health facilities to institute and undertake activities in the form of training, improved safety management practices, organizational commitment and improved safety culture

Development of flood disaster preparedness activity (FDPA) items: a preliminary study using Rasch analysis

Introduction: Not only does flood affects the household community, but it also has an impact on business entities, particularly small and medium enterprises (SMEs) located in flood-prone areas. In order to assist SMEs to prepare for a flood disaster effectively, the set-up of a disaster preparedness plan is essential. The purpose of this study is to develop a validated instrument for identifying the different levels of disaster preparedness among SMEs in their readiness to face a flood disaster. Methods: In this preliminary study, 26 items of flood disaster preparedness activities (FDPA) reviewed from works of literature were adopted and adapted to be randomly administered to 30 respondents (SME business owners) located in the Temerloh province, Malaysia, which is identified as a flood-prone area. A Rasch analysis technique was used to identify the psychometric properties of the instrument. Results: Using the Rasch measurement analysis technique, the instrument used was able to categorise the SMEs into two level of preparedness: low and moderate. About 25 items were found to possess good psychometric features in determining the flood preparedness level of SMEs despite the lack of items on measuring high-level preparedness activities. Conclusion: The results of this preliminary study have served to highlight the strength of the instrument and gaps identified for further improvement in the near future

The effect of using dual screen computer panel to the neck-shoulder muscle activity among group of students

Background: Workstation design has shift from using single monitor screen to dual monitor screens, which may impose some impacts towards the muscles activity. This study aimed to determine the effect of using dual monitor screen computer to the neck-shoulder muscle activity among computer user. Method: This experimental study was conducted in 2015 among 28 healthy students in University Malaysia Perlis. The muscle activity of sternocleidomastoid and trapezius were recorded using surface electromyography (sEMG) as the participants perform two types of computer task: (1) proofreading task for 10 minutes (2) typing task for 20 minutes in setting; single and dual monitor screens. Results: There was a significant reduction in the median frequency of the left trapezius muscle (t=-2.515, P=0.018). Sternocleidomastoid muscle activity for both sides also showed a significant reduction in the median frequency where right SCM (t=-2.579, P=0.016) and left SCM (t=-2.345, P=0.027). When compared between both setup of screen display, it is showed that dual screen gave a lower trend of muscle activity compared to single screen. Conclusions: Using dual screen may results in increasing the movement frequency and reducing the static strain in the neck-shoulder muscle area

Systematic review on the prevalence of illness and stress and their associated risk factors among educators in Malaysia

Background Despite evidence of physical (illness) and mental (stress) health problems, there appears to be a lack of studies or concern regarding occupational safety and health among educators in Malaysia. Objective To review the prevalence of illness, stress, and corresponding risk factors among educators in Malaysia. Method Scopus, ProQuest, PubMed, ScienceDirect, CAB, and other computerized databases were searched according to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines to identify studies published between January 2013 and April 2019 on the prevalence and associated risk factors of illness and stress among educators (S1 Checklist). The keywords used included educator, teacher, lecturer, academic staff, teaching profession, university staff, academician, faculty, illness, injury, disease, pain, WMSD, dysphonia, hoarseness, stress, mental health, strain, health problem, disorder, and/or Malaysia. Selected studies were evaluated by quality assessment. Results Twenty-two articles fulfilled the eligibility criteria. The prevalence of illness and stress was determined for low back pain (33.3–72.9%); upper back pain (33.33–56.4%); neck/shoulder pain (40.4–80.1%); upper arm discomfort (91.3%); forearm pain (89.6%); wrist pain (16.7–93.2%); hip pain (13.2–40.9%); thigh discomfort (91.8%); lower leg discomfort (90.5%); knee pain (23.7–88.0%); ankle/feet pain (19.3–87.7%); elbow pain (3.5–13.0%); voice disorder (10.4–13.0%) and stress (5.5–25.9%). Sex, education level, teaching experience, quality of life, anxiety, depression, coping styles, and others were reported as associated risk factors across the studies. Conclusions There appears to be a cause for concern regarding musculoskeletal disorders, voice disorder, and stress reported among educators in Malaysia. While most risk factors matched those reported in studies elsewhere, others such as school characteristics (school level, government or private school, and location [rural/urban]) have not been investigated

Comparison of diagnostic method of evaluating vibration induced sensorineural impairment among shipyard's grinders

The objectives of this study are to investigate diagnostic value of two different tests amongst tests highly recommended and used for diagnosis of HAVS of the sensorineural component; Semmes Weinstein Monofilament (SWM) and Purdue Pegboard (PP) tests using vibrotactile perception threshold (VPT) test as standard objective quantitative test. For the method, a total of 176 grinders as vibration exposed respondent of a shipyard's fabrication participated in this study. Questionnaire and vibration exposures data were collected for all respondents where 67 respondents further performed the three quantitative sensorineural testing. The result showed that mean acceleration magnitude of grinding tools used were 4.9 ms-2, exceeding recommendation by European Commission. Both cut-off point methods of mean plus two times standard deviation (mean + 2sd) and z-score (at 75th percentile) show significant difference among healthy and HAVS (p < 0.001). Correlation between SWM with VPT and PP with VPT was weak. However, results suggests progressive pathological damage to sensorineural component of the digits starts with fast-adapting II (FA II) mechanoreceptors indicated with significant correlation primarily at 125 Hz. Analyses of sensitivity and specificity found that monofilament at 0.16g force best discriminate HAVS from healthy. In the other hand, Purdue Pegboard test shows best diagnostic value of indicating HAVS at minimum insert of 16 pin and 14 pin respectively for dominant and non-dominant hand. Both Semmes Weinstein Monofilament and Purdue Pegboard tests has limited diagnostic value to be used as screening tools for early detection of HAVS

Subjective preference of new prototypes safety helmets device among palm oil plantation harvesters in Sandakan, Sabah

Introduction: Safety helmets are one of the personal protective equipment (PPE) that to decrease the impact of any falling object to the skull and to avoid head and brain injury by many industries, including palm oil plantation. Nevertheless, the level on the usage of the current safety helmet is very low due to a few factors that lead to the discomfort. Among the common issues for the non-compliance of safety helmets are their discomfort, ventilation, weight and safety. This study aims to determine subjective preference of the new prototypes’ safety helmets device among palm oil plantation harvesters. Methods: A cross-sectional study conducted among 124 harvesters in three palm oil plantations located in Sabah, Malaysia. A set of questionnaires used to collect data on their socio-demographic background, perceptions toward existing safety helmets and their subjective preference of new safety helmets prototypes. Apart from that, six harvesters were randomly choosing to attend an interview session for qualitative study. Results: The descriptive analysis indicate that among the emphasized issues regarding non-compliance of existing safety helmet were due to discomfort (66.1%), poor ventilation (97.6%), load of safety helmet (83.3%) and safety issues (68.5%). In terms of new safety helmets prototypes, 72.6% of the harvesters preferred Design C to be worn for work in the plantation. Conclusion: It can be suggested that the existing safety helmet is uncomfortable and was not design ergonomically namely loose size and discomfort. Design C was the most preferred to be worn for work in the palm oil plantation