UniMAP RIS :: Browsing Malaysian Journal of Ergonomics (MJEr) by Issue Date

Publication

Correlation analysis between ergonomics and stress at the workplace

( 2011-12)

Zafir Mohd Makhbul

The occurrence of work stress is quite rampant in manufacturing organizations which involved blue collar workers. The literature revealed that poor ergonomics workstation environment is among the major contributor to the work stress problems. Thus, This study aims to examine the relationship between ergonomics workstation factors and the work stress outcomes. Five hundred samples of production operators were derived from eleven manufacturing electronics organizations which were registered with Malaysian International Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MICCI) by using proportionate stratified random sampling. Questionnaires were used for the data collections process. The Pearson correlation analysis shows that all ergonomics workstation factors have high significant correlation with the work stress outcomes. Overall, the findings of this research are important to organizations which are in need of healthy and competent human resources in line with the aspiration of a dynamic human capital development.

Publication

The horizontal position of computer keyboard and the upper extremities muscular load among university students

( 2011-12)

Y. Y. Lim

;

M. T. Shamsul Bahri

;

M. N. Mohd Azhar

The effects of the horizontal position of the keyboard on electromyography (EMG) activities of the shoulder and forearm muscles are determined among 100 healthy subjects. The subjects performed a typing task at four difference keyboard placements. [NEAR = the keyboard was placed at 0cm from the edge of the table, MID = the keyboard was placed at 8cm from the edge of the table, FAR = the keyboard was placed at 15cm from the edge of the table, Far with Pad (FWP) = the keyboard was placed at 15cm from the edge of the table with addition of a foam pad]. Surface EMG recordings were done on the upper trapezius (UT) and extensor carpi ulnaris (ECU), both on left and right side. Discomfort level was rated by the subjects by using 100mm visual analogue discomfort scale (VADS). Information of the individual preference for the four keyboard placements was obtained from a set of questionnaire. The result showed significant difference between four horizontal placements of keyboard in the percentage of Maximum Voluntary Contraction (%MVC) of both UT and ECU. However, the %MVC of UT was the lowest values at the NEAR position, whereas the %MVC of ECU was the lowest at FWP position. There was no significant correlation between the forearm length and the muscle contractions. However, the result showed there was significant lower value of the VADS at FWP position compared to NEAR position. There was highest number of subjects who preferred FWP positions due to lowest discomfort level while typing at that position. In conclusion, horizontal position of computer keyboard has an important role in affecting the upper extremity muscle activities.

Publication

Assessment of environmental factors ergonomics and thermal comfort a study at discrete manual automotive assembly line

( 2011-12)

A. R. Ismail

;

N. Jusoh

;

N. K. Makhtar

;

K. A. Zainuddin

;

M. N. Ariffin

The aims of study were to investigate the effects of ergonomics and thermal comfort during the cycle of process works in workplace. The selected workplace was handling the restoration of trouble report. The environment examined was the radiant temperature (oC), humidity (%), wind speed (m/s), air temperature (oC), illuminance (lux), sound (dB) and CO2 (ppm) of the surrounding workstation area. The environmental factors were measured using thermal comfort apparatus, which is capable to measure simultaneously those mentioned environmental factors. The time series data of fluctuating level of factors were plotted to identify the significant changes of factors. Then the thermal comfort of the workers was assessed by using ISO Standard 7730 and thermal sensation scale by using Predicted Mean Vote (PMV). Further Predicted Percentage Dissatisfied (PPD) is used to estimate the thermal comfort satisfaction of the occupant. Finally the PMV were plotted to present the thermal comfort scenario of workers involved in related workstation. The thermal comfort assessment of this workplace which is hot following by thermal sensation and likely to be dissatisfied by the occupant. The result indicated that the activity level and clothing more influenced comfort to the occupants. The workstation must be minor improvement to improve productivity.

Publication

Biomechanics analysis on ankle during instep kicking

( 2011-12)

A. R. Ismail

;

M. F. M. Ali

;

B. M. Deros

;

M. S. N. M. Johar

Soccer sport in Malaysia has yet far to reach the targeted achievement. It was noted that it had only managed to be in the ranking of 160 in the FIFA and also in the 29th place in the football confederation Asia (AFC) giving indication that the national soccer team is expected to strive harder for better achievement. After being examined, the national soccer team is proven to be weak in the kicking techniques. This paper will focus on the biomechanics analysis of the national soccer players as well as identifying their kicking action and technique using the instep kicking. Two subjects had been chosen to perform instep kick whom both of them are the experts in the Malaysian football league, with the first subject having the capability to use his right leg and the other subject being comfortable of using his left leg. Data management and analysis adapting Silicon Pro Coach software whereas the statistical analysis was carried out using Minitab software. Image of instep kicking was captured during the study and is useful to get the data of the style of kicking so that it can be analyzed. From here, the data for velocity, acceleration, angle of ankle and distance involved in kicking activity is possible to be identified. Based on the findings, the velocity and distance was identified as significant to the force model. This study has shown that the highest average distance and the modelling equation produced in the force model analysis undergone three-step run.

Publication

Prevalence and risk factors of musculoskeletal disorders of motorcyclists

( 2011-12)

M. I. Mohd Hafzi

;

S. Rohayu

;

P. Noor Faradila

;

S. V. Wong

A cross-sectional study was conducted to explore the prevalence and risk factors of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) among non-occupational motorcyclists (NMCs) and occupational motorcyclists (OMCs). Results: By using self-administered questionnaires, information pertaining health history, work environment and demographic profiles were obtained from 884 respondents; NMCs (N=560) and OMCs (N=324) including mail deliveries (N=189), dispatch boy (N=53) and traffic enforcement officers (N=82). There was significant difference in mean body mass index (BMI), daily riding time, daily mileage, monthly riding time and posture score between the two groups with OMCs reported higher mean values. The most commonly affected body regions (>50%) among the motorcyclists for the past 7 days and 12 months prior to the study were lower back, neck, shoulder, upper back and hips/thighs/buttocks. Low back pain (LBP) was the most reported symptom with a 12-month prevalence whereby OMCs denoted a higher prevalence of 82.3% as compared with NMCs (62.8%). In addition to that, OMCs experienced higher frequencies and longer duration of LBP together with a higher percentage of absenteeism from work due to LBP. After adjusting for the effects of demographic characteristics and lifestyle factors, we found that riding time, posture score, smoking status and past accident were the major factors significantly associated with higher LBP prevalence in motorcyclists. Conclusions: A high prevalence of MSDs in motorcyclists was found particularly among OMCs. The prevalence of LBP among the motorcyclists in this study is comparable and for some cases, is higher to that of other studies carried out on drivers.

Publication

Redesign and development of a student’s chair parameter at lecture hall for Malaysian University

( 2011-12)

Y. M. Shahir

;

M. Y. Nang Marfara Idayu

This paper discussed on redesign and development of the existing student’s chair at lecture hall in Malaysian University, The main objectives of this study were to identify the current problems of existing student’s chair in lecture hall, observed and analyzed the existing design to find the critical parameter that effect their perceived level of body discomfort, and propose appropriate measures of new seat parameters according to the ergonomic requirements associated with the student’s population using standard Anthropometry’s data of Malaysian students and literature guidelines. Methods: Ninety students were participated in this cross-sectional study. The data was collected through the observation, distributing the questionnaire, and also interviews. Results: The results from questionnaire were analyzed with regard to the sitting posture in the lecture hall, student age, seat parameter and their weight and their correlation with the back pain. The prevalence of back pain among students was 76.67%. It was found that there are a few problems face by students while they were sitting on the chair. The most critical parameter were observed from simulation analysis, where the seating height is too high and also the seat back angle that is not suitable which may caused discomfort and back pain. The MannequinPRO software was used to analyse the current posture of students while sitting and comparison has been made for current and new seat parameters using RULA analysis. This study indicated that using the new seat parameters, the score for RULA analysis is reduce from four/five to two/two. Conclusion: Therefore, some recommendation for the new seat parameters according to guidelines suggested in literature associated with Malaysian Anthropometry for seat design was made such as adjustability of seat height, footrest and armrest in order to reduce the fatigue and backpain among Malaysian University students.

Publication

Ergonomic and sociodemography risk factors for low back pain among faculty staff

( 2011-12)

Anita A. R.

;

Sasikumar M.

;

Nurul Husna Z.

;

Hayatul Naimah M. K.

;

Nooraziana A.

;

Kamal I.

;

Mohd Yusof A.

;

Mohd Yunus A.

Low back pain (LBP) is a common condition. While most of those affected by acute episodes recover, many develop recurrent back problems and some have poor functional outcome. Because of this, it is considered the second leading cause of work absenteeism which results in more lost productivity than any other medical condition. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of LBP and its associated factors among faculty staff in a local university. Methods: A cross sectional study was carried out and a modified Standardized Nordic Questionnaire (SNQ) was used to collect the data. The questionnaire includes questions pertaining to sociodemographic factors, life styles, occupational factors, and presence of back pain for the last 12 months. Height and weight of each respondent was also measured. Results: The one-year prevalence of LBP during the last 12 months of working life among faculty staff was 70.1%. There was significant association between LBP and three occupational factors; prolonged sitting (p<0.001), prolonged standing (p=0.031) and awkward posture (p=0.003). However, association with sociodemographic factors and life style were not significant. Conclusion: This study highlighted the high prevalence of LBP among faculty staff with significant association with work postures. Hence, problems related to back pain need to be pursue with necessary ergonomic work improvement to maintain a safe and healthy workplace.

Publication

Prevalence of back pain among taxi drivers in Klang Valley

( 2011-12)

Baba Md. Deros

;

Noor Sazarina Mad Isa @ Yahya

;

Dian Darina Indah Daruis

;

Regunathan Parasuraman

;

Ahmad Rasdan Ismail

A study on back pain among taxi drivers has been conducted in Klang Valley. It was done to identify the risk factors and the effects of back pain among taxi drivers. This study was conducted using a set of questionnaire developed based on the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire (NMQ). One hundred taxi drivers were randomly selected as respondents from three different taxi stations; Bandar Kajang taxi station, Kuala Lumpur Central Station, and Bandar Serdang taxi station. The result of this study shows smoking habits, no regular exercise, lifting passenger’s luggage, prolonged sitting, twisting and bending during driving, long duration of driving and lack of education and knowledge are the factors that can be associated with the prevalence of back pain among taxi drivers. As a result from back pain, most taxi drivers had reported that they have difficulty when lying in bed, walk slower than before and often absent from work.

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Publication

Ergonomic intervention study among woodball players

( 2020)

M. F. Abd Razak

;

A. H. Mazelan

;

Syamir Alihan Showkat Ali

;

Suhizaz Sudin

This paper proposed a feasibility study on the ergonomics intervention among the Woodball athletes. The objectives of this study are to identify the ergonomics risk factors that may cause harm to Woodball athlete by using the Initial Ergonomic Risk Assessment (ERA) and the Advanced ERA method. The ergonomic assessment of an athlete was focussed on the three different woodball exercises, namely the tee-off comprising of short tee-off, medium tee-off and long tee-off. The advanced ergonomic risk assessments were performed on the upper body part of an athlete such as the neck, shoulder, upper arm, hand or wrist and upper back by using the RULA employee assessment worksheet. Based on the findings and assessment done, the proper body posture is then proposed through the observation from the results of the initial and advanced ERA. A simulation using the Human Digital Modelling (HDM) was also performed to better analyse the ergonomic aspect of the selective body postures. The results of the simulation were then compared to the results of the RULA assessment. The improvised results from the RULA analysis were found to be able to reduce the ergonomics risk of the current and improvised posture. The improvised posture will be useful for future studies in order to obtain a more ideal body posture for the Woodball players.

Publication

Simon says: the influence of handedness on Simon effect and considerations for ergonomics research and practice

( 2020)

Nor Diana Mohd Mahudin

Studies have established that left and right actions are carried out faster when they spatially correspond to the stimulus signalling them, demonstrating the Simon effect. While the focus has been primarily on investigating this effect with a wide range of stimulus variations and cognitive abilities, limited research is available on investigating the influence of handedness on performance in the Simon task. The present study hypothesised that reaction times in the Simon task would differ across three groups (left-handed: n = 29, right-handed: n = 30, and ambidextrous: n = 26). Participants completed an online-based Simon task, in which they responded to the direction of left or right-pointing arrow appearing left or right from a fixation point. The Simon effect was larger in right-handed participants when the position of the arrow and the direction of the arrow were similar. Right-handed participants were also slowest in all conditions, irrespective of the position of the stimuli. However, the average speed of correct responses and percentage errors did not significantly differ when compared between the handedness groups. Further analyses showed that reaction times were fastest in the congruent condition and slowest in the incongruent condition. The results are discussed in light of the implications that they pose for ergonomics research and practice. Recommendations for future work are also presented.

Publication

Ergonomics work system and occupational safety and health performance in the manufacturing sector

( 2020)

Fatin Nur Alia Hamid

;

Mohd Nasir Selamat

In the era of Industrial Revolution 4.0, an ergonomic work system, occupational safety and health performance are an important element that needs to be integrated into an organisation's management strategy. These two elements are capable of increasing the productivity of the organisation, but also to provide benefits, especially in the manufacturing sector as a guideline in implementing occupational sickness and occupational stress measures. Isolated performance sparked various problems, especially from the aspect of accidents, sickness, absences and occupational stress due to lack of applications and implementation of three key elements in the organization management system. Therefore, this study is aimed to find the relationship between ergonomic work systems and occupational safety and health performance. Respondents of the study comprised 252 production operators, the centre and the support staff in five organisations in the manufacturing sector around Selangor, Negeri Sembilan and Johor. The survey method employed in this study is to administer the questionnaire form to the manufacturing company required. The measurement of these elements used questionnaires adapted from previous studies focusing on occupational sickness, occupational stress and demographic data. The results showed that the task factor and ergonomics of the machines and equipment factor had an influence on occupational sickness. Further, the task factor also affects significant occupational stress. Established along the findings obtained, this subject area is able to provide information and knowledge to employees from engaging in occupational accidents and occupational health matters. In summation, this field would also cause an impingement on the manufacturing sector in Malaysia as a guideline in building the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) to enforce and apply ergonomic aspects at the workplace.

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Publication

Effect between cadence and lower extremity muscle activity during uphill cycling to cyclist performance

( 2020)

Yvonne Koay Ee Vorn

;

Ahmad Faizal Salleh

;

U.N.N. Abdullah

;

Mohammad Shahril Salim

;

Hamzah Sakeran

Cycling is an exercise performing in a vertically reciprocating movement using bicycle which usually serves as sport equipment for training and as transport. Great quantity of lower extremity muscle contraction involved in uphill cycling. In the past few decades, research related to cycling includes study of lower limb muscle activity by various situation applied. However, few research studies on the lower limb muscle activation level with varying cadence during uphill cycling. Thus, this task proposes to investigate the effect of pedalling cadence and tilting angle of cycling on lower extremity muscle activity, and to compare the muscle activation level between genders. Three pedalling cadences (70rpm, 80rpm and 90rpm) and two tilting angles of cycling inclination (10° and 30°) were set. Electromyography (EMG) measurements of the vastus lateralis and vastus medialis in quadriceps were done and collected from 5 males and 5 females during cycling. ANOVA analysis was performed, and results indicated that pedaling cadence had significant influence on the lower extremity muscle activity (p < 0.05). Increasing pedaling cadence caused a significant increase in the muscle activation of the vastus lateralis. For gender effect, females tend to have a higher muscle activation level and significantly greater vastus lateralis muscle activity than males during cycling. On the other hand, no significant differences in peak muscle activity at both tilting angles of cycling and no significant interaction effect in all group comparison.

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Publication

Study on ergonomics of working posture and workstation design in XYZ fact ory

( 2021)

Muhammad Syafiq Syed Mohamed

;

Akmal Hafiz

;

Azani

;

Lokman Abdullah

;

Ruzaidi Zamri

;

Mohd Nazmin Maslan

;

Mahasan Mat Ali

;

Mohammad Nazriq Ilias

;

Maslan Zainon

;

Noorazizi Mohd Samsuddin

Manufacturing sector is one of the highest risk industries contributing to the development of work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs). These problems have attracted much attention in recent years and is becoming more and more wide-spread. The source of concern is in most industrialized countries. The phenomenon of WMSDs must be treated very seriously as it can have a considerable social-economic impact. The study was conducted at XYZ Sdn Bhd in Malaysia where the general manufacturing activities involve cleaning, loading and unloading, turning process, grooving process, measuring process, collecting data and packing activities. Different employees are exposed to risk factors depending on their job and task. The objectives of this research are to identify the critical activities that affect to the musculoskeletal disorder among XYZ employees by observation and evaluation of the critical activities, to perform the analysis work posture and to propose and improve posture and workplace design at XYZ Sdn Bhd. The data for this study were collected via observation and discomfort survey to the XYZ employees. Other informal data such as experience-posture with photos were taken during their task. Further analysis based on Rapid Upper Limb Analysis (RULA) and Rapid Entire Body Assessment (REBA) were implemented by entering the scores according to the initial degree of body position. Lastly, RULA and REBA tables on the form were then used to compile the risk factor variables, generating a single score that represents the optimum solution of the correct working posture for XYZ employee. In addition, the finding of the study will provide as useful information and reference to the potential researchers, especially in the manufacturing industry. Nevertheless, employer must take serious action to implementing effective improvements in ergonomics in the workplace in future such by expanding education and training programs to assist employees and employers in understanding and utilizing the range possible workplace designed to reduce work-related musculoskeletal disorders. This may indirectly help to optimize human efficiency, effectiveness, health, safety, and well-being within the context of system performance.

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Publication

The effect of a n overweight backpack towards comfortability and L5s1 among primary school student

( 2021)

M.S. Kasim

;

N.A. Syaherah

;

R. Izamshah

;

W.N.F. Mohamad

;

M.S.A. Hafiz

;

Mohd Al-Hafiz Mohd Nawi

The issue of overweight pupils’ school bag has been a subject of vast of discussion by the parents which may associate to back pain. This paper presents the effect of the weight of the backpack towards the lumbosacral joint (L5/S1) and conformability among primary student. A total of 10 respondents from the primary school students were involved in this study. Questionnaires of psychophysical experience with eight areas of body surveys were distributed as to obtain the comfortable feedback. The participants were required to perform three activities; standing without load; standing and climbing with load. The pupils are required to carry a backpack in symmetrical manner. These three activities will be recorded by using a digital camera. Due to safety measure during COVID-19 pandemic, the ImageJ Software was used to measure the joint angles and gait parameters. Based on the data measured by the software, a static and dynamic analysis were applied to calculate the torque and force for the trunk muscle, compressive and a shear force acting on the lumbosacral joint. Based on the result, It was found the student to carry 17% of their body weight, which is beyond of the 10-15% recommendation threshold. The survey shows, 40% of the students feel very uncomfortable especially at their low back, shoulder, head, and neck area due to heavy backpack. It shows the compression force on L4L5 during climbing slightly exceed the recommendation limit by NIOSH, while the others within the acceptable level. The related stakeholder should provide solutions, which conducive in order to prevent and control the occurrence of low back pain among primary student.

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Publication

Current issues related to anthropometry in engineering

( 2022)

Ahmad Humaizi Hilmi

;

Asna Rasyidah Abdul Hamid

Anthropos and Metrikos both mean "human" in Greek, which is where the term anthropometry comes from. Anthropometry is employed in a variety of fields, including apparel and textile design. For anthropometric evaluations, a current, thorough, and community-specific anthropometric normative-reference standard is necessary. In health care, ergonomic design is utilised to reduce pain and illness. Misalignments between humans and machines result in pain, accidents, biomechanical stress, tiredness, and musculoskeletal injuries. Designing for the anthropometrics of end users improves long-term viability. The human body comes in a wide range of sizes and shapes. Manual measurement and 3D scanning procedures, on the other hand, are inefficient and expensive, making precise body measurements difficult. This is especially true for head-worn medical devices. Manual measurement and 3D scanning are inefficient and expensive, making precise body measurements difficult. Grip strength and force were determined using hand measurements. Anthropometric parameter estimate is more precise when a 3D model is used to boost pinnae features. While numerous anatomical features have been gathered to aid in the ergonomic design of wearable devices, there is still a lot more work to be done. In three dimensions, the segment masses and torso Centre of Mass (COM) may be calculated. Researchers tracking mobility would benefit greatly from the ability to locate the body COM using a weighted sum of segment masses. Design features such as comfort and usefulness are crucial. Ergonomic characteristics like taller seats with front slopes and saddle chairs encourage good posture, movement, and alternation. In the creation of wearable technologies, using outdated anthropometric reference standards may be insufficient. This review discuses common issues related to anthropometry in engineering which includes the human body, anthropometric parameters, anthropometric measurements, the force plate method, ergonomic design, and body dimension. The goal is to give a broad overview of the subject.

Publication

Current issues related to biomechanics in engineering

( 2022)

Ahmad Humaizi Hilmi

;

Asna Rasyidah Abdul Hamid

Motion capture was employed by Eadweard Muybridge and Etienne-Jules Marey. Industry standard for computing joint kinematics is motion capture. Kinematic analysis is a technique used in biomechanics and mechanical engineering to quantify stiff body motion. A joint moment can be computed in one of two ways: bottom-up or top-down. Joint moments measure muscle and joint tension indirectly. Researchers predicted joint moments using kinematic-based characteristics and machine learning outside of the biomechanics lab.Ankle osteoarthritis causes significant biomechanical issues in the foot and lower leg. Patients' 3D multi-segment kinematic foot models were studied. The technique used is Openpose, which recognises the human body from a single photograph.Falling fear is linked to decreased activity, despondency, and anxiety in the elderly. They adopt a hip approach to manage their GRFs and balance. The lateral ankle technique corrects minor foot placement problems by swiftly moving the pressure point. Angular momentum is affected by foot placement and ground reaction forces. Changing the body's centre of mass along a curved trajectory implies large changes in both ground reaction force impulses and ground reaction force.Lens stiffness and a ciliary muscle anterior/inward displacement produce presbyopia. By 55, the majority of folks have lost their ability to accommodate. Cataracts become common around this time, reaching over 70% by 75. The circumferential and meridional stiffnesses rose with anisotropy from pole to equator, but dropped with distance. The Holzapfel model accurately fits the data from inflation and uniaxial mechanical tests.Anatomical motions of the femur during knee flexion were examined. The data revealed morphological and physiological knee kinematic characteristics. The data led to several hypotheses about axial femoral condyle rotation. This review discusses lower limbs, foot positioning, lens capsule, femoral condyle, muscle activation, collagen fibre, knee joint, and walking speed. The purpose is to provide a general overview on the subject matter.

Publication

DMAIC steps application to improve ergonomics problem: a case study in coffee manufacturing industry

( 2022)

Nurul Najwa Mansor

;

Shaliza Azreen Mustafa

;

R Badlishah Ahmad

;

Mohd Asyraf Che Doi

;

Tan Chan Sin

;

Mohd Asri Jusoh

The health issue related to Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs) faced by manufacturing industries’ workers affects the work quality and productivity, commonly due to the tasks performed with unsuitable posture. This study was carried out to assess the level of Ergonomics Risk Factors (ERFs) among shop-floor workers in a coffee manufacturing company, located in northern peninsular of Malaysia. The Six Sigma approach was applied based on Define, Measure, Analyze, Improve and Control (DMAIC) steps. Observation, interviews and self-report surveys were conducted in the Define step to identify the potential tasks that lead to the high level of ergonomics risk. In the Measure step, the Rapid Upper Limb Assessment (RULA) and Rapid Entire Body Assessment (REBA) tools were then used to assess the level of ERF on twenty-three tasks that practice at eight workstations. In the Analyze step, assessment results were evaluated, thus identifying that the lifting task (mixing workstation) has the highest ergonomics risk level (score level 11) and follows by root cause identification. Then, the Improve step focuses on a simple invention proposal, where the optimal solution that fulfills the principles of proper height working procedure and reducing excessive force is applied. The proposed solution shows a significant improvement in ergonomics risk level based on the score value of 3. Lastly, the Control step focuses on sustaining the improved version performance by revising the working procedure according to the solution principles proposed in the previous step.

Publication

A comparison o f RULA, REBA assessment on work activity o f installing safety tape o n floor surf ace using assistive tools

( 2022)

Wan Nur A'tiqah Wan Draman

;

M.H.H.A. Rodzi

Safety tape used to mark hazardous, high risk machine and low hanging object in factories, hospital and so on. With the tape, it can warn people to be careful and not play around the area. Additionaly, nowadays the tape is used at all pemises as warning to people to keep social distancing at least 1 meter. Currently, people are installing the safety tape on the floor manually, without any proper assistive tools to apply, measure and cut the safety tape. Unfortunately, this method is time-consuming, and the worker faces body aches such as in the waist, knees, and arms as they need to bend over and be in an uncomfortable posture while laying the tape. The main objective of this research is to evaluate the RULA and REBA assessment of the current method of safety tape installation. The data will contribute to the design and development of assistive tools to install the tape. The tool is assessed using Theory and Innovative Problem Solving and Universal Design Principles (TRIZ-UDP) intervention tools. This tool will contribute towards design features which are deemed suitable to improve the element of universal design. From the UDP-TRIZ, UDP1a has suggested that the product be designed with TRIZ inventive principle "6 Universality". This tool is equitable for Malaysians by making the tools fit the users' height and size. The improvement toward UDP3b and UDP6a contribute towards ergonomic performance. Further after the development, the prototype is later tested, and another set of RULA and REBA assessments is executed to evaluate the improvement. Results of the RULA and REBA assessment onto the task with using the assistive tool has managed to lower the risk, and it can save working time to 34.5%

Publication

Prevalence and correlates of low back pain among university students during Covid 19 home conf inement a cross sectional study

( 2022)

N. A. Majeedkutty

;

M. A. Jabbar

Students have been confined to their homes to attend online classes during Covid-19 pandemic. This study aimed to estimate the effect of the Covid-19 Home Confinement on the prevalence and associated risk factors of low back pain, among university students in Malaysia. A total of 366 university students (155 males and 211 females) aged between 18 and 25 years participated in this cross-sectional study. A self-administered structured questionnaire on socio-demographic factors and associated risk factors was used. The prevalence of low back pain among university students before Movement Control Order (MCO) was 22.7%, while after MCO, the prevalence was 37.2%. The prevalence of LBP in females was 45.0% and males was 26.5%. Stepwise regression analysis showed that prolonged sitting, prolonged standing, being female, third year student and being obese significantly contributed to the occurrence of low back pain among university students during Covid-19 home confinement. The Covid-19 Home Confinement resulted in a significant increase in the prevalence of low back pain.

Publication

Critical success factors of service learning in tertiary education: challenge of online learning approach in ergonomics product design course

( 2022)

Norashiken Othman

;

Ummi Noor Nazahiah Abdullah

This study intent to investigate critical success factors of implementing online learning approach in ergonomics product design course embedding SULAM Project during COVID-19 pandemic. The first objectives are to interrogate suitable teaching approach implemented for PDET. Next is to assess students' satisfaction with the course in comparison to their grades after SULAM was embedded in SULAM in PBL component, as well as the impact of the pandemic on satisfaction levels. The third aims are to evaluate student perceived and experiences, as well as to discover relevant student recommendations that may be integrated into the next course offering. To achieve the study aims, a systematic literature review was conducted to investigate the current teaching and learning implementation in PDET course. OMR Forms and User Experience Questionnaire (UEQ) were distributed to access students’ satisfaction and perceive experiencing in online learning approach. As a results, the course has been identified commonly deploys an inclusive design approach and integrating an interdisciplinary approach. However online learning and team cognition approach has been a significant change during COVID- 19 pandemic outbreak. This study extends significantly to the preparation of teaching and assessment techniques for future students, especially in unpredictable conditions such as pandemic and endemic scenarios, when lectures and students confronting various problems.

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Malaysian Journal of Ergonomics (MJEr)

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