Malaysian Journal of Ergonomics (MJEr)

Addressing Labour Ergonomics through Automation in Oil Palm Plantation Activities: A Necessity for Sustainable Agriculture

Azuwir Mohd Nor, Mohd Sazli Saad, Mohamad Ezral Baharudin, Mohd Zakimi Zakaria — Tue, 31 Dec 2024 00:00:00 +0000

A key element of the potential of robotics is understanding how effective automation can improve labour-intensive jobs while also considering worker ergonomics. These sectors often depend on manual labour, which exposes employees to considerable ergonomic stress, especially musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) that can result from repetitive and physically demanding activities like harvesting, pruning, and lifting heavy items. By coordinating automation tools such as harvesters, unloaders, and driverless carts with the various manual tasks that workers perform, we can significantly lower safety risks. The main objective of introducing automation is to reduce the physical strain on workers, which not only aims to alleviate MSD-related health problems but also helps to lessen worker fatigue. Effectively integrating artificial intelligence (AI) and big data analytics will improve workforce efficiency, making the Brightfield industry stronger. Transitioning from manual tasks to automated solutions is just the initial step toward enhancing production in this field. By tackling these ergonomic issues through automation, this paper highlights the dual advantages of promoting worker health and increasing productivity in the industry

Examining the Influence of Riding Distraction on Risky Riding Behavior among P-Hailing Riders in Malaysia: The Mediating Role of Moral Disengagement

Tue, 31 Dec 2024 00:00:00 +0000

Road traffic accidents involving motorcyclists are a significant public health issue in Malaysia, with p-hailing riders particularly vulnerable. This study investigates the influence of riding distraction on risky riding behavior among p-hailing riders in Malaysia, focusing on the mediating role of moral disengagement. Drawing on Bandura’s Moral Disengagement Theory and the Job Demand-Resources (JD-R) model, this research explores how distractions, such as mobile phone use and navigation adjustments, contribute to moral disengagement and subsequently lead to risky riding behaviors. A sample of 200 p-hailing riders, representative of the broader rider population, was analyzed using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) to test the hypothesized relationships. The findings reveal that riding distraction significantly increases risky riding behavior and that this relationship is partially mediated by moral disengagement. These results underscore the importance of addressing external distractions and cognitive justifications to improve road safety among p-hailing riders. The study recommends implementing specific interventions such as strict mobile phone usage policies and targeted training programs to reduce risky behaviors. These findings have the potential to inform policy and enhance safety practices for p-hailing riders, thereby reducing the incidence of road traffic accidents in this high-risk group.

Smart Wearables in Ergonomic Applications: Recent Advances and Challenges in Human-Machine Integration.

Tue, 31 Dec 2024 00:00:00 +0000

Smart wearables have become increasingly integral to ergonomic applications, particularly in healthcare, industrial work, and rehabilitation. These technologies offer significant benefits in enhancing human performance, reducing the risk of injury, and improving user comfort. Exoskeletons, one of the key smart wearable technologies, have seen widespread adoption in industrial settings, assisting workers in physically demanding tasks by alleviating muscle strain and promoting ergonomic posture. The application of machine learning within these wearables further enhances their adaptability, allowing for personalized support based on real-time feedback. In healthcare, wearable sensors provide critical insights into physiological and postural data, enabling continuous monitoring that supports long-term health and rehabilitation efforts. These wearables can track muscle activity, heart rate, and other vital signs, improving patient outcomes through ergonomic design that minimizes discomfort. In addition, soft robotic suits and passive exoskeletons have been developed to assist in mobility rehabilitation, offering a blend of comfort and functionality. Despite these advancements, challenges remain. Smart wearables must balance functionality with comfort, especially as many devices can be bulky or restrictive. The integration of artificial intelligence and machine learning offers solutions to some of these challenges, enabling wearables to adapt dynamically to user needs. However, technical issues such as data processing, sensor accuracy, and battery life continue to limit their widespread adoption. Future developments must focus on miniaturization, energy efficiency, and user adaptability to overcome these barriers, ensuring that smart wearables are both effective and practical for diverse ergonomic applications.

Advancements in Cognitive Ergonomics: Integration with Human-Robot Collaboration, Workload Management, and Industrial Applications

Tue, 31 Dec 2024 00:00:00 +0000

Cognitive ergonomics is increasingly essential in modern industries, particularly in human-robot collaboration (HRC), where it addresses mental workload, decision-making, and overall worker well-being. As industrial systems transition into Industry 4.0 and Industry 5.0, the integration of robotics and artificial intelligence (AI) into human-centered processes necessitates the management of cognitive load. Cognitive ergonomics enhances workplace efficiency by optimizing human-system interactions, reducing mental strain, and improving task performance in complex environments. By focusing on real-time workload management, including the use of biosensors and eye-tracking technologies, industries can monitor cognitive strain, allowing for immediate task adjustments to maintain productivity and safety. Cognitive ergonomics also plays a pivotal role in enhancing human factors in HRC by aligning machine design with human mental capabilities. Effective human-machine interfaces (HMIs) based on cognitive ergonomic principles improve decision-making, reduce errors, and enhance user satisfaction. As industries continue to adopt advanced robotics, the mental demands on workers increase, making cognitive ergonomics crucial for mitigating risks associated with cognitive overload. Future trends point toward the integration of cognitive ergonomics with emerging technologies like AI, wearable devices, and virtual reality (VR), offering new avenues for workload management and decision support. These advancements aim to balance the cognitive demands on workers, ensuring that systems are designed to enhance performance without causing mental fatigue or stress. Overall, cognitive ergonomics remains a vital component in ensuring the well-being and efficiency of workers in technologically advanced industrial environments.

Recent Advances in Ergonomic Studies on Material Handling: Mitigating Musculoskeletal Risks and Enhancing Worker Safety

Tue, 31 Dec 2024 00:00:00 +0000

Manual material handling (MMH) tasks are a significant contributor to work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs), particularly in industries where repetitive motions, awkward postures, and excessive loads are common. Recent advances in ergonomic interventions aim to mitigate these risks, enhancing worker safety and reducing the incidence of injuries. The integration of automation technologies, such as robotic assistants and human-machine interfaces, has proven effective in reducing human involvement in monotonous tasks, thereby alleviating physical strain. Additionally, passive back-support exoskeletons have emerged as promising tools to provide mechanical support during heavy lifting, bending, and repetitive movements, effectively reducing musculoskeletal risks. Technological innovations, including wearable sensors and AI-driven tools, have further improved ergonomic assessments by providing real-time monitoring and feedback on workers’ posture and movements. These advancements allow for timely adjustments and preventive measures, ensuring a safer and more efficient working environment. However, challenges remain regarding the long-term effects and user acceptance of exoskeletons and other ergonomic interventions. Studies also highlight the importance of ergonomic risk assessments, utilizing tools such as the Rapid Entire Body Assessment (REBA) and fuzzy logic models to identify and mitigate high-risk tasks.

Recent Advancements in Ergonomic Risk Assessment: Integration of Artificial Intelligence, Wearable Technology, and Industry-Specific Approaches

Ahmad Humaizi Hilmi, Asna, Warawi — Tue, 31 Dec 2024 00:00:00 +0000

Ergonomic risk assessment is crucial in preventing work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) across various industries. Traditional methods, while effective, have limitations, such as reliance on manual observations and a lack of real-time monitoring. Recent technological advancements, including artificial intelligence (AI), wearable sensors, and industry-specific solutions, are addressing these gaps. AI and machine learning techniques enable real-time data analysis, providing more accurate and proactive ergonomic assessments. Wearable technology, such as inertial measurement units and pressure sensors, offers continuous monitoring of worker movements and postures, helping to prevent injuries in sectors like healthcare, construction, and manufacturing. These tools also allow for personalized ergonomic interventions by assessing individual risk factors in real-time. Industry-specific approaches have also emerged, particularly in high-risk fields such as healthcare and mining, where the integration of ergonomic and psychosocial stressors provides a comprehensive risk assessment model. In addition to physical ergonomics, advancements now incorporate psychosocial factors, addressing issues like organizational culture and job stress, which significantly influence musculoskeletal health. Finally, technological innovations such as simulation and modeling tools further enhance ergonomic assessments by simulating worker movements and identifying high-risk postures. However, challenges remain in standardizing these tools and integrating them into existing workflows. The evolution of ergonomic risk assessments towards more automated, precise, and real-time systems promises to reduce WMSDs and improve overall workplace safety.

Recent Advances in Ergonomic Posture Research: Assessing Innovations in Occupational Health and Musculoskeletal Disorder Prevention

Tue, 31 Dec 2024 00:00:00 +0000

This review paper explores recent advances in ergonomic posture research, focusing on innovations aimed at improving occupational health and preventing musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs). The study covers multiple sectors, including agriculture, manual labor, healthcare, and office environments, highlighting the critical role of ergonomics in mitigating physical strain and enhancing worker well-being. Ergonomic interventions tailored to specific industries have demonstrated significant reductions in physiological strain, improved posture, and increased workplace safety and productivity. In agriculture and manual labor, ergonomic adjustments, such as redesigning operator workstations and utilizing ergonomic tools, have proven effective in reducing the physical demands placed on workers, particularly among traditionally underserved groups like female agricultural workers. In healthcare settings, research emphasizes the importance of posture in surgical and clinical environments, where static postures can lead to MSDs. Wearable technologies and real-time biofeedback systems have emerged as valuable tools for improving ergonomic awareness and reducing the physical toll on workers in these high-demand professions. Office ergonomics has also advanced with the development of dynamic seating systems and posture correction devices that encourage movement and reduce strain caused by prolonged sitting. Such innovations help prevent common MSDs, including back and neck pain, while also enhancing cognitive function and productivity in office environments. This review highlights the growing integration of technological innovations, such as artificial intelligence (AI) and wearable sensors, in posture monitoring and risk assessment. These tools enable real-time feedback, improving both the accuracy of ergonomic interventions and worker safety. The review underscores the need for continued research, uniform ergonomic standards, and the implementation of tailored interventions across industries to promote healthier workplaces and reduce the prevalence of MSDs.

Human-Centered Ergonomics: Advancements, Challenges, and Future Directions in Industrial and Occupational Settings

Tue, 31 Dec 2024 00:00:00 +0000

The field of human-centered ergonomics has evolved significantly, especially in industrial and occupational settings, where the focus is on optimizing worker performance and well-being through the integration of advanced technologies. This review paper explores the key advancements, challenges, and future directions in ergonomics as they relate to Industry 4.0, cognitive ergonomics, aging workforces, and sustainable manufacturing. With the rise of Industry 4.0, technologies such as motion capture, virtual reality, and autonomous systems have proven to be invaluable tools in addressing ergonomic risks while improving productivity. These innovations enable better task design and human-machine interactions, reducing both physical strain and cognitive load. However, the integration of technology also presents challenges, particularly for the aging workforce, which is more susceptible to ergonomic stressors. Ergonomic interventions such as assistive devices, like exoskeletons, and tailored workspace designs are critical for maintaining productivity and health among older workers. Furthermore, the review discusses the role of ergonomics in sustainable manufacturing, highlighting how ergonomic principles contribute to environmental goals by reducing energy consumption, waste, and physical strain. Cognitive ergonomics, which addresses mental workload and human-computer interaction, is another crucial area explored in this paper. As automation increases, optimizing human cognitive performance is essential to reducing errors and enhancing safety in complex work environments. In conclusion, while advancements in technology offer promising solutions to many ergonomic challenges, the future of human-centered ergonomics will require continued research and innovation to address the evolving needs of workers in diverse and technologically advanced environments. The ongoing development of ergonomic interventions that balance human well-being with industrial efficiency will remain central to the future of work.

Current Trends and Risk Factors in Low Back Pain: An Ergonomic Perspective on Prevention and Management

Tue, 31 Dec 2024 00:00:00 +0000

Low back pain (LBP) is a global health concern, impacting individuals across various professions and age groups. This review explores the critical role of ergonomic factors in the prevention and management of LBP. Occupational risk factors, including heavy lifting, prolonged sitting, non-neutral postures, and repetitive motions, contribute significantly to the rising prevalence of LBP. Professions such as healthcare, law enforcement, and office work are particularly vulnerable due to their physical demands and static postures. Ergonomic interventions, including task redesign, assistive technologies, and workplace modifications, have proven effective in reducing the incidence of LBP. Dynamic seating, lumbar support devices, and wearable technology are among the innovations that have been introduced to promote healthier postures and reduce musculoskeletal strain. Additionally, ergonomic training programs focusing on proper body mechanics and posture correction are essential for long-term prevention. Beyond physical factors, psychosocial and lifestyle elements, such as stress, sedentary behavior, and smoking, also play a role in the development of LBP. Combining ergonomic interventions with health-promoting behaviors, such as regular physical activity and stress management, can significantly reduce the burden of LBP. Technological advancements, including mobile applications and wearable devices, support adherence to home exercise programs, offering continuous feedback for posture correction and movement. This comprehensive review underscores the need for a multidisciplinary approach that integrates ergonomic interventions, technological tools, and lifestyle modifications to manage and prevent LBP effectively in both occupational and everyday settings.