Malaysian Journal of Ergonomics (MJEr)

Beyond Comfort: Ergonomics in Engineering Education and Design

Dr Ahmad Humaizi Hilmi, Dr Asna Rasyidah Hamid — Mon, 01 Jan 2024 00:00:00 +0000

In "Beyond Comfort: Ergonomics in Engineering Education and Design," this review looks at how ergonomic points help make health care places better. It checks how training programs can help reduce hard physical work troubles and stop bone and muscle problems. In terms of teaching, the paper looks at how ergonomic ideas are added into courses, focusing on new teaching ways for better worker performance. It also talks about differences in new learning places, like learning through computer-made realities, and old-style classrooms in engineering teaching. The paper points out many ergonomic problems professionals face in different areas like health care during big health crises, building places, farm work, and fixing railway systems. There are also talks of new tools and changes, like better wheelbarrows and different hospital beds, to make things easy and safe for users. The main idea of the book is to talk about the design and change of tools, work systems, and teaching plans to make ergonomics strong, reduce health problems, and make work output better.

Development of Qiblat Finder Assisted Device for Visual and Hearing-Impaired Person

M.F Mohd Fauzi, N. Nasir, H. Rashid, R. Balan — Sun, 31 Dec 2023 00:00:00 +0000

For the visual and hearing-impaired person, finding intended direction would be a challenging task due to their inability to sense effectively with their eyes and ears. This study aims to develop a prototype development of a smart qiblat finder to help disabled people finding direction anywhere independently. This smart qiblat finder are developed by using Arduino UNO as microcontroller, compass sensor and Global Positioning System (GPS). To determine the qibla direction, latitude and longitude data form by GPS module while the compass module used to show the qibla direction. As for the positioning of the qibla, the prototype can detect qibla at range 291° until 293° angle to match the place of data collection. Once detected, indicators (buzzer, vibration motor and LEDs) will alert the user with continuous sound, vibrations and lighting sequences. The prototype was tested indoor and outdoor at few locations in university campus and Seksyen 7 Shah Alam Mosque. The result showed high accuracy (99.3% to 100%) in detecting the direction of qibla and successfully alerted the user through buzzer sound and vibration and LED.

Exploring Determinants of Safety Behavior in Malaysian SMEs Manufacturing Firms: An Extended Conceptual Model

Nur Shazliaida Shaidan, Muhammad Asyraf Mohd Kassim — Sun, 31 Dec 2023 00:00:00 +0000

Occupational accidents have resulted in numerous fatalities and injuries across industrialized and developing nations. Every year, millions of workers lose their lives and suffer from non-fatal injuries due to occupational accidents. Inadequate documentation and notification systems, particularly in developing countries, have resulted in ineffective measures to address occupational accidents, leading to the absence of globally recognized standards for addressing occupational accidents. Organizations still rely on baseline occupational safety measures statistics to enhance worker safety, despite the underreporting of accident data. This study aimed to develop an extended safety model to investigate the effects of safety behavior in small and medium enterprises (SMEs) manufacturing in Malaysia. Research priorities and questions on determinants of workplace safety behavior can be explored by utilizing the model, resulting in a more focused and efficient approach to improving workplace safety. This model serves as a valuable tool for informing policies and practices necessary to protect and enhance workplace safety and workers' well-being.

Innovations in Ergonomic Risk Assessment and Intervention in Material Handling

Dr Ahmad Humaizi Hilmi, Dr Asna Rasyidah — Sun, 31 Dec 2023 00:00:00 +0000

This review paper delves into the complex facets of ergonomic risk evaluation and reduction across various industrial sectors. The focus is on identifying the hazards linked to manual labor, especially those contributing to physical risks and musculoskeletal disorders among workers, and proposing inventive solutions to mitigate these threats. The review brings together insights from different studies, emphasizing the application of automation, virtual modeling, Kinect-based evaluations, and other innovative tools in repetitive tasks and material handling operations. It also explores the usage of back-support exoskeletons, observational checklists, and workspace redesigns to decrease risks in construction, manufacturing, vegetable transportation, clothing accessories, and other sectors. The development of risk assessment frameworks for specific roles such as container terminal operators and the examination of musculoskeletal disorders in diverse worker demographics, including older female farmers and factory workers, are also featured. The comprehensive approach of the journal sets the stage for future research, aiming to further reduce the prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders through continued innovation and cross-sector collaboration.

Mechanical Design and Analysis of Medical Gloves Remover

Muhammad Ikman Ishak, Mike Darren Jamba Sikam, Wan Nur A'tiqah Wan Draman — Sun, 31 Dec 2023 00:00:00 +0000

Medical gloves play a pivotal role in ensuring clinical and hospital safety, as well as optimizing performance. Throughout the medical field, it has been traditionally understood that medical gloves function as a vital barrier, safeguarding both healthcare providers and patients, thereby diminishing the transmission of infections. Presently, healthcare personnel take off their medical gloves manually, using their hands, before discarding them. Should healthcare workers not diligently follow post-precautionary practices, including thorough handwashing and sanitization, the potential for infection increases significantly. Consequently, it is imperative for this study to explore methodologies for the proper removal of used medical gloves from hands, eliminating the need for direct contact prior to disposal. The primary goal of this study was to design and analyse a removal tool for used medical gloves tailored to minimize the risk of infection. Primary and secondary data were procured through the utilization of observation, interviews, and scholarly journal articles. This was succeeded by a progressive sequence involving the evolution of design concepts, the creation of three-dimensional models, rigorous analytical procedures, and comprehensive assessments of usability. The results of our investigation indicate that the suggested configuration of the medical gloves remover is deemed acceptable with regard to its incorporated features, including the adaptable gloves remover structure, main housing, front panel, disposal bin, and bracket for attachment. However, potential refinements may be requisite to amplify the design’s overall efficacy in facilitating the touchless removal of used medical gloves.

Musculoskeletal discomfort (MSD) in female office workers: An exploratory investigation

M. Ismail, V. Peter, H.Y. Azizi — Sun, 31 Dec 2023 00:00:00 +0000

Abstract: Predictors associated with musculoskeletal discomfort (MSD) are multi-factorial, including physical, psychosocial, and individual factors. However, with most of the studies on musculoskeletal disorders being undertaken in developed countries; it is plausible that the findings might not be relevant due to differences in work culture and organizational practices in various developing countries. Given this, the current study aimed to examine the prevalence rate of MSD among female office workers in public organizations. A questionnaire survey was employed to measure job satisfaction, work-life balance, mental health, and MSD levels among female office workers (N=333) from four public sector organizations. The 6 months MSD prevalence was 93.4% (95%CI = 90.9-95.8%). Besides, the most frequently experienced MSD among participants in this present study was on the neck/shoulder (92%), lower back (87.5%), lower extremity (82.4%), and hand/fingers (75%). The findings suggested that female office workers in Malaysia did experience MSD and suffer from it in various body regions. In addition, the results further demonstrate the need to develop MSD risk management in the workplace, particularly among female office workers. Nevertheless, further examination of MSD in various types of occupations that employed women to minimize MSD at the workplace is also needed.

Musculoskeletal Disorders: Industrial Insights and Ergonomic Interventions

Dr Ahmad Humaizi Hilmi, Dr Asna Rasyidah Hamid — Sun, 31 Dec 2023 00:00:00 +0000

In response to the rising incidence of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) across diverse work environments, extensive research has been undertaken. Within the apparel sector, initiatives have included workstation redesigns to alleviate worker strain. Emphasis has also been placed on formulating explicit ergonomic risk assessment standards, particularly for roles associated with heavy machinery, exemplified by container terminal operators. The agricultural domain, particularly manual farming activities in Haryana, India, has been studied to comprehend the distinct challenges encountered. The ergonomic implications for fish processing laborers, subjected to cold, damp conditions and repetitive tasks, have also been examined. Notably, the integration of biomechanics instrumentation in occupational health offers insights into refining human work-related movements for improved health. Scrutiny has been extended to varied workplaces, like flour production units and oil and gas enterprises, to discern MSD origins and propose corrective measures. With technological advancements, ergonomics now employs sophisticated tools such as computerized dynamometers for precise risk evaluations. Detailed biomechanics assessments further elucidate the physical demands on workers. Other industries, including textiles, have seen ergonomic appraisals aiming to diminish manual task strains, while the labor-intensive dairy farming sector has also been evaluated. Cumulatively, these comprehensive research endeavors pave the way for a more informed approach, suggesting preventive and mitigative strategies against MSDs across sectors.