LEVEL OF ORGANIZATION AWARENESS ON THE IMPORTANCE OF ERGONOMICS TO HEALTH AND SAFETY AT THE WORKPLACE

4TH INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON BUSINESS AND ECONOMIC

RESEARCH (4TH ICBER 2013) PROCEEDING 04 - 05 MARCH 2013. GOLDEN FLOWER HOTEL, BANDUNG, INDONESIA

ISBN: 978-967-5705-10-6. WEBSITE: www.internationalconference.com.my

970

LEVEL OF ORGANIZATION AWARENESS ON THE IMPORTANCE OF ERGONOMICS

TO HEALTH AND SAFETY AT THE WORKPLACE

Zafirah Ab Muin & Maimunah Sapri Centre for Real Estate Studies

Faculty of Geoinformation and Real Estate

Universiti Teknologi Malaysia

81310 UTM Skudai, Johor, Malaysia

[email protected]

[email protected]

ABSTRACT

In Malaysia, ergonomics has been introduced on December 1, 1992 through the establishment of

ergonomics division in the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH); while its

provision has been stated under Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA) 1994. Although

ergonomics has been carrying out by the government almost centuries ago, but it is not widely

implemented and practiced in Malaysia. Besides, occupational disease consists of human organs

tends to happens mainly due to lack of ergonomics awareness among the people at the workplace.

Ergonomics awareness is the first step to implement ergonomics effectively. Without ergonomics

awareness, effort to endorse ergonomics practice can be tough and lead to injuries and illness; and

directly affects the workers’ productivity, performance and cost. Therefore, this study was attempted

to identify the level of organization awareness on the ergonomics provision under OSHA 1994 and to

evaluate the level of organization awareness on the importance of ergonomics to health and safety at

the workplace specifically at University Teknologi Malaysia (UTM). A quantitative and survey research

design was used. 230 questionnaires was developed and distributed to obtain the data from the

respondents at selected administrative office, which they are divided into two groups; management

and support staff. The results of this study show that respondents having high level of awareness on

the ergonomics provisions and the importance of ergonomics in terms of comfort, health, safety,

productivity, costs, complaints and training. Though, a positive attitude to change and accept the

benefits of ergonomics is the key to generate movement to implement and practice ergonomics in

appropriate way, and it should be in line with increasing the understanding and knowledge about

ergonomics continuously. The outcome of this study hopefully can be used to highlight the importance

and beneficial of ergonomics to assist the accomplishment of health and safety working environment

in Malaysia especially in the context of higher learning public institution.

Field of Research: Importance of Ergonomics; Organization Awareness; Health and Safety;

1. INTRODUCTION

Ergonomics has large impact to health and safety at the workplace. Occupational disease with consists

of cumulative trauma disorders (CTDs) is one of the issues confronting by the organization all around the

world. It became seriously when the rate of occupational disease that comprises musculoskeletal

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injuries at the workplace was greatly increased from year to year; and directly affects the cost and

productivity.

According to International Ergonomic Association (IEA) (2003), ergonomics or human factors is the

scientific discipline concerned with the understanding of interaction among humans and other elements

of a system in order to optimize human well-being and overall system. It is about conforming or fitting

the work, equipment and workplace with the worker that intended to maximize worker’s comfort,

health and safety, productivity and efficiency (Shaliza et. al., 2009).

Ergonomics has introduced in Malaysia on December 1, 1992 through the establishment of ergonomics

division in the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH). This is one of the

government efforts to identify ergonomics hazard at the workplace. Ergonomics hazard means the

physical factors that may endanger musculoskeletal systems due to the weakness of body position, poor

workplace design, fatigue or stress (OSHA, 2008). According to Norashikin et. al. (2011), musculoskeletal

is one of human organs covers the human muscle system involving neck, shoulder, spine, wrist, elbow,

thigh/hips, knees, lower legs, etc.

In order to ensure the implementation of ergonomics done effectively, government has taken steps to

clarify the enforcement of ergonomics in Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA) 1994. Refer to

Shikdar and Sawadeq (2003), failure in applying the principle of ergonomic at the workplace will

contribute to physical and mental stress. It will directly affect health quality of the workers and

automatically their productivity will decrease. This problem should be taken seriously where it requires

a comprehensive participation of ergonomics in ensuring health and safety of the workers are always at

an optimum level.

In the field of facilities management, organizational success factors are based on well-management of

people, place, process and technology (Abdul Hakim, Maimunah and Maizan, 2006). These components

must be managed properly in accordance with respective functions where they are considered

important to an organization’s operational success. Quality work environment, healthy and sustainable

help an organization’s core business processes run smoothly. Besides, a good working environment

(workplace) will provide comfort and satisfaction to the user (workers) that lead to maximum

performance in achieving organizational goals and objectives (Raymond and Cunliffe, 1997). Therefore,

implementation of ergonomics at the workplace has also forced organization to become more creative

in the way they structure their human resources to ensure that they are the most productive with the

health and safety workplace is constantly provided.

2. RESEARCH BACKGROUND

Rapid development in science and technology bring up new dimension to the working environment in a

way to enhancing the competitiveness. Through the current changes, employees are emphasis to ensure

administrative system more systematic which is mostly lead to computer-based applications and require

the workers to bond with the machines.

Typically, workers had to adapt any form or arrangement of the workplace such as workstation design

without realizing the potential health risks they had to face. Unfortunately, the human body cannot be

adapted to all situations. Mismatch between the capabilities of employees with the capacity required in





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the workplace will lead to inefficiencies in production; reduction in quality of work; increate rate of

errors; accident and shift work (Marilyn and Philip, 1994).

A musculoskeletal disorder complaint that involves spine and skeleton problems is commonly reported

among office workers around the world and this phenomenon has impact on workers’ health and

productivity. According to Norashikin et. al. (2011), based on a number of follow-up study made

between the periods of 3 months to 5.4 years, the increase in musculoskeletal disorder complaints was

higher among workers with high job stress and the use of keyboard and mouse for a long time. It causes

high muscle tension, especially in the neck and shoulders. Refer to Clifton et al. al. (2003), cumulative

trauma disorders (CTDs) that result in injury to the musculoskeletal, will cause pain and sometimes can

lead to paralysis in which they occur gradually and may take weeks, months or years for an individual to

recognize and know the reason for the disease.

According to Deputy Minister of Human Resources, Senator Datuk Maznah Mazlan (2011) states that,

there are a total of 1221 cases of occupational disease at the workplace have been reported in 2010

compared to 949 cases in 2009. Disease involved organ systems contribute second highest number of

cases due to occupational disease statistics by Social Security Organization (SOCSO) 2010 as mention in

Table 1 below.

Type of Disease 2009 2010

Disease caused by agent 481 551

Disease involved organ systems 252 377

Occupational cancer 19 14

Others diseases 197 279

Total Cases 949 1,221

Table 2.1: Occupational Disease Statistics by Social Security Organization (SOCSO) 2010

Source: Seminar Paper of Safety, Health, Jobs and the Environment (2011)

Consequence from this increasing number of occupational disease, the amount of compensation by

SOCSO also registered an increase. This is according to Minister of Human Resource, YB

Datuk Dr. S. Subramaniam (2011) states that, RM 1.549 billion has paid as compensation to the workers

due to accidents at the workplace in 2012 compared with RM 1.354 billion in 2009. It shows that disease

involved organ systems happened at the workplace subsidize to the cost matters and automatically

smudge the economy of the country. In fact, if there is no action taken to prevent this disease from

happened, it will contribute to the permanent injury or death (NIOSH, 2008). For that reason, the

involvement of ergonomics is said to have a positive impact on the symptoms of musculoskeletal

disorders, reduce injuries and workers' compensation claims and lost workdays or absenteeism due to

illness (Dwayne et. al., 2010).

Ergonomic provision has been enacted under Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA) 1994 almost

20 years ago. Based on the provision, each organizational in Malaysia should well-known and aware of

the ergonomic requirement in order to ensure employees welfare at the workplace. However,

occupational disease which involved organ system keeps increasing from year to year as revealed in

Table 1, even though ergonomics is proved by previous research has valuable contribution to





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organization interest. In addition, total amount of compensation also increase due to this problem and

costly to the organization such as Government to pay it.

Thus, this article attempts to answer the question as to what extent does the organization aware of the

elements of ergonomic stated under Occupational Health and Safety Act (OSHA) 1994. Does the

organization aware of the importance of ergonomic to health and safety at workplace? This is because,

awareness is important in the beginning, during implementation process and until the organization can

obtained the input of ergonomic at maximum level (Dwayne et. al, 2010). Besides, awareness and/or

knowledge of ergonomic are important to prevent musculoskeletal disorder problem from becoming

more severe (Norashikin et. al., 2011). Raising awareness on the implementation contributes to reduce

the incidence of ergonomic injuries (de Looze el. al., 2001).

According to Karwowski (2005), the person who is aware of ergonomic, has knowledge to make choice

and act to practice ergonomic compared to those who not aware of ergonomic. Refer to Alison (2002), if

there is a positive attitude towards health and safety in the organization, the rate of failure to comply

with ergonomic provision will decrease. While Shaliza et. al. (2009) conclude that, one of the major

factor why ergonomic is not well implemented is due to the lack of awareness and application of

ergonomic benefits.

Hence, this article will review the importance of ergonomics and its benefit that can possibly contribute

to organization perquisite and improve workers health and safety; performance and productivity in

appropriate way based on the previous studies. Also, the level of organization ergonomics awareness

analysis will be discussed yet the ergonomics approach can be implementing effectively at an early

stage.

3. LITERATURE REVIEW

3.1 Ergonomics

Ergonomics refers to the complex relationship between workers and their work that infuses every

aspect of the workplace. Derived from the Greek words ‘ergo’, which means work and ‘nomos’, which

means natural laws, ergonomics literally means the laws of work. A review from the previous study, the

authors using a variety of definitions of ergonomics when refer the concept. Commonly, ergonomics

encompassed the relationship between humans, machine systems; job design and the work

environment where it goals is to enable workers to be more effective by matching the requirements and

demands of the job to the abilities and limitations of the workers rather than trying to force the workers

to fit the job (Marilyn and Philip, 1994). In simple understanding, ergonomics can be defined as the

science of fitting the work, equipment and workplace with the worker thereby maximizing worker

comfort, safety, productivity and efficiency. It is the science that makes things comfortable and help to

complete the tasks effectively.

3.2 Concept of Ergonomics

The increasing awareness in ergonomics can be credited to a number of factors. The most obvious is the

rising costs associated with work related injuries or illnesses. Worker injuries and their related costs,





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both direct and indirect, often are the result of some problem with the line between a worker and a

machine system. As technology lead to increase in automation, so too have work-related illnesses

increased by observe the great rise in cumulative trauma disorders, the fastest growing category of

workplace trauma.

For that reason, ergonomics is important to be considered. Ergonomics is often associated with the

needs, capabilities and limitations of the individual against any work done or equipment used. According

to the IEA (2003), the main focus of ergonomics is divided into three parts, physical ergonomics,

cognitive and organizational. According to Karwowski (2005), the three domains of specialization are:

The discipline of ergonomics is focused on understanding the interaction between human and system

which involves all the people around, whether in or outside of their workplace environment (Karwowski,

2005). Ergonomics plays an important role in ensuring the capacity and capability of a person revised to

the work performed. This means that, when a person understands and learns about ergonomics, it helps

to improve the working environment. So that people can work comfortably and use the minimum

amount of energy, properly and efficiently.

3.3 Consideration of Ergonomics Elements to the Worker

Task: An individual has different ability. Workload beyond the ability of individual can contribute to

fatigue and stress (Shaliza, 2007). Short duration time given to complete task, complex directions from

top management can cause health problem (Shaliza, 2007).

Physical environment: There is relationship between employee health with physical environment at the

workplace such as air quality, ergonomic furniture and lighting (Vischer, 2007). Ergonomic working

environment is important to minimize stress (Miles, 2000). Lighting, sound, vibration and temperature

will influence job quality and human error while doing their tasks (Shaliza, 2007). Reduce human error

be able to reduce injury and accident, increase productivity and reliability (Vischer, 2007).





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Workspace: Floor configuration and furniture layout have direct influence to worker’s performance and

satisfaction (Vischer, 2007). Equipment modification to suit employee in doing their job be able to

minimize illness and give them more comfortable. This accomplishment will lead to increase the

productivity (Wickens et. al., 2004)

Organization and Procedure: Top management plays an important role in promoting ergonomic culture

within an organization (Flin et. al. (2000) and Yule et. al. (2001), besides participation from employee

also needed to implement ergonomic effectively at the workplace (Alison, 2002). Research by Douglas

et. al. (2004) states that organizational commitment on the ergonomic is shown by effort to ensure all

operations such as equipment, procedure, training and work schedule is routinely assessed.

• Activities

• Physiological

• Forces/ pressure

• Information

• Equipment

• Tools

• Workspace

design

• Seating

• Furniture

Figure 3.4: Ergonomic Job Considerations

• Lighting

• Heat/cold

• Humidity

• Air Quality

• Medical

Management

• Management

Style

• Working hours

• Training

• Worker input

Source: Marilyn and Philip (1994) - Modified from Occupational Ergonomics, Ontario Federation

of Labour, Vol. 1 No.

3.4 Relationship between Facilities Management and the Importance of Ergonomics

According to Abdul Hakim, Maimunah and Maizan (2006), facility management is defined as a profession

that encompasses various disciplines to ensure functionality built environment through the integration

between people, places, processes and technology. Based on the definition, facility management has

four key elements; work (process), workplace (place), the employee or human (people) and technology

where it is in parallel to ergonomics goals to fit work, workplace and the technology with the workers

(people). Thus, the correlation of facility management in the implementation of ergonomics can be seen

in terms of the importance of ergonomics as follows.

Comfort Aspect: According to McDougall et al. al. (2002), post occupancy evaluation (POE) in terms of

facility performance measurement is intended to evaluate the satisfaction level of employees to their

work environment in a building. In this performance evaluation, ergonomics is one of the parameters

that are of concern to achieve a level of comfort required by the occupants of the building. While

Vischer (2007) stated that comfort was used as a basis setting environmental standards in building that





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have been developed. According to Izran Sarrazin (2011), a building designed with ergonomic

considerations will lead to enhance the ability of employees to perform duties effectively, minimize

stress and fatigue, and ensure building occupants are comfortable, free from the risk of occupational

disease and injury. With the involvement of facility management during the selection of ergonomic

furniture, it helps organizations make the best decisions that take into account the quality and value in

each assessment.

Figure 3.4.1: Summary of Building Performance Criteria and Parameters for Performance Occupant

Evaluation (POE)

Health Aspect: Cumulative trauma disorders (CTDs) that result in injury to musculoskeletal will cause

pain and sometimes lead to paralysis (Clifton et. al., 2003). According to Mircea and Shrawan (2003),

typing work can lead to back pain problem where this impact can cause employee suffering for a long

period. In addition, Karwowski (2005) states that health problem such as musculoskeletal disorder could

affect the productivity of the workers indirectly and reduce the level of quality of well-being. In the field

of facility management, risk management, such as the probability that an injury occurs are important

factors that seriously emphasized. Preparation of control measures to ensure that customers continue

to be faithful to use the service while controlling operational costs.

Safety Aspect: Insecure workplace will give strain to the employee and this situation will lead them to

shift work (Becker and Steel, 1995). Insecure working environment will break off employee focus on

their work and this situation will reduce the productivity of the worker and organization (Nik Hazlina,

2010). Through the provision of secure facilities such as the installation of closed circuit television

(CCTV) and access control in a systematic way, it will contributing to increased levels of concentration

and productivity of employees while at work.





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Productivity Aspect: Nik Hazlina (2010) state that, good physical environment will concern to good

health that can contribute in increasing productivity. Providing ergonomic equipment at the workplace

is one of the investments (Marilyn and Philip, 1994) where the return is based on the increasing of

productivity and effectiveness by employees in doing their job (Shikdar and Sawadeq, 2003).

Cost Aspect: According to Marilyn and Philip (1994), ergonomic management is a process that has a

positive impact on company profits by reducing costs, improving quality and performance yet increase

productivity. While Beevis (2003) states that, ergonomic with widely implemented will reduce cost

through the low rate of accident, human error, absenteeism and medical cost. In facilities management,

a business is considered successful when the investment returns positively made due to the effective

financial management (Abdul Hakim, Maimunah and Maizan, 2006). Preparation of an ergonomic facility

is one form of investment gains (Miles, 2000).

3.5 Beneficial Contributions of Ergonomics at the Workplace

According to OSHA (2012), there are some ergonomic benefits that can be obtained directly and

indirectly identified in studies by previous researchers and are summarized as follows:

Table 3.5.1: Direct and Indirect Ergonomic Benefits

Source: OSHA (2012)

Discipline of ergonomics has more than 10 years ago is studied by previous researchers with focus on

occupational health and safety aspects (OSHA, 2012). Many studies link ergonomic benefits to costs and

productivity. The findings were summarized as shown in Table 3.5.2.





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Table 3.5.2: Ergonomics Outcome Based on Previous Researchers

Source: MacLeod (1995) in the OSHA (2012)

3.6 Ergonomics Awareness

Ergonomics knowledge: An individual who has the basic knowledge of the philosophy of human-

centered design and principles for accommodating human limitations.

Ergonomics ways of thinking and acting: An individual who has knowledge will seeks information about

benefits and risks of artifacts and systems (consumer products, services, etc.)

Practical Ergonomics: An individual can identify and solve simple task (job)-related design problems at

work and can apply basic ergonomics concepts to make informed judgments about usability of items

and the related risks and benefits of their use.





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Figure 3.6.1: Desired goals for ergonomics literacy

3.7 Enforcement of Ergonomics in Malaysia Legislation

Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA) has been enacted on February 25, 1994. The aims of this act

establishment is to ensure the safety, health and welfare of all people in the workplace are control

under the legislation. Ergonomic provision is stated as one of the OSHA existing purpose. Refer to the

Act; ergonomics is the fourth purpose of act establishment which stated as:

“…to promote a working environment for employees that are customized to the needs of their

physiological and psychological”.

By this provision, it is directly stated that ergonomics is important to be implemented and become the

responsibility of employer (organization) to follow it to ensure a safety and health working environment

is available to employees. This provision is also intended to prevent occupational disease from happens

because due to the problem, it will contributing to the increase in compensation costs, reduced

productivity as well as rising rates of injuries and fatalities in the workplace. Under Section 15 and 17,

OSHA 1994, failure of employers to comply with the provisions stated shall be convicted to a fine or

penalty, whether in the form of money (RM 50,000.00), or imprisonment or both.

4. RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

Research methodology is a collective term for the structured process of conducting research. There are

many different methodologies used in various types of research and the term is usually considered to

include research design, data gathering and data analysis. Part of the research methodology is

concerned with the how the research is conducted to achieve the objectives of the study. Quantitative

method was used in this study to collect the data because it is flexible to get the data more systematic

when involved the large number of respondents. Besides, this method has an advantage where it helps

to collect data in short period and save the cost whereas all the data and information were obtained by

using questionnaire as the instrument.


4TH INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON BUSINESS AND ECONOMIC RESEARCH (4TH ICBER 2013) PROCEEDING 04 - 05 MARCH 2013. GOLDEN FLOWER HOTEL, BANDUNG, INDONESIA


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Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) was selected as the study area. Sample of the respondents were

selected using cluster sampling where the selection is comprised of the management and support staff.

Based on Roscoe (1975), size of sample more than 30 and lower than 500 is suitable to any of the

research. Therefore, 230 questionnaires were distributed to the staff at administrative office in UTM.

Questionnaire was developed and it is divided into four sections where:

Section A - Background of Respondent

Section B - Level of organization awareness on the ergonomic provision stated under OSHA 1994

Section C - Level of organization awareness on the importance of ergonomic to safety and health

Section D - Level of importance of the ergonomic from respondent perspective

10 set of questionnaires were given to 13 faculties and another 10 administrative offices were chosen

using cluster random sampling. In this mode of sampling, the naturally occurring groups are selected for

being included in the sample. The total population is divided into samples or groups after which, a

sample of the groups is selected. After this process, relevant and required data from all the elements of

all the groups is collected. At times, instead of collecting information from each group, information can

be collected from a sub-sample of the elements. Only 143 set of questionnaires with completed answer

were return to be analyzed. Statistical Package for the Social Science Software (SPSS) is used to analyze

the data. Due to the feedback, there were 57 from the management and 86 from the support staff

Techniques of data analysis of this study are Frequency, Mean and Importance Index Analysis to perform

the outcome of the study.




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IDENTIFY ISSUES OR PROBLEMS

In this stage issues related to the topic of this study is identify.

GENERATE RESEARCH QUESTION

i. Does the organization aware of the elements of ergonomic stated under

Occupational Health and Safety Act (OSHA) 1994?

ii Does the organization and employees aware of the importance of ergonomic

RESEARCH OBJECTIVE

i. To identify level of organization awareness on the ergonomic provision

under OSHA 1994 at the workplace

ii. To evaluate level of organization and employees awareness on the

importance of ergonomic to health and safety at the workplace

First Stage: Preliminiary Study

LITERATURE REVIEW

i. Consideration of Ergonomics Elements to the Worker

ii. Relationship between Facilities Management and the Importance of

Ergonomics

iii. Beneficial Contributions of Ergonomics at the Workplace

iv. The Need for Ergonomics Awareness

Second Stage: Theoritical Study

DATA COLLECTION

Quantitative Method

Survey Technique

Questionnaire as Main Instrument

Third Stage: Data Determination and Collection

DATA ANALYSIS

Data from the survey were analyzed within the scope of the study. Discussion was

made based on finding and it was related to literature review.

Fourth Stage : Research Outcome and Analysis

FINDINGS, CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

In this stage, findings were discussed from the analysis of the data that has been

made. Conclusions was made for the overall of the study. Suggestion for

Fifth Stage : Conclusion and Recommendation

Figure 4.1: Work Process Flow Chart




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5. DATA ANALYSIS

Quantitative study was conducted where the questionnaire was used as the instrument to collect

the data from the respondent. Survey question was provided as a framework for the respondent to

answer questions according to the research objectives as stated in this study. Questionnaire was divided

into four sections where for Section B, each item using 2-point Guttman scale (Yes/No) to get decisive

answer and this section was analyzed using frequency analysis. While Section C and D, each item using a

5-point Likert scale, in form (1) strongly disagree, (2) disagree, (3) normal, (4) agree and (5) strongly

agree. This section used mean score to analyze the data. The compilation of all items in this section use

combination of positive and negative items. Coding was used to each of the items in the table to make it

easy to be analyzed based on aspects that have been divided for each section below.

Figure 5.1: Measurement Aspects of Organization Awareness Level on the Ergonomic Provision




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Figure 5.2: Measurement Aspects of Organization Awareness Level on the Importance of

Ergonomics to Safety and Health

Figure 5.3: Measurement Aspects of the Importance of Ergonomics from Respondent Perspective

6. FINDINGS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

6.1 Objective 1: Organization Awareness Level on the Ergonomic Provision

Awareness is an important factor that plays a key role in human behavior. Thus, in implementing an

effective ergonomics, awareness is much needed (Dwayne et. al., 2010). Based on Table 6.1 and Figure

6.1, the analysis found that the level of organization awareness in UTM is high on the elements of

ergonomics provisions under OSHA 1994. According to Alison (2002), the rate of failure to comply with

the provisions laid down in the legislation would not increase if a culture of positive attitude on health

and safety exists in all human beings. And based on the de Looze et al. al. (2010), awareness contributed

to the reduction in the incidence of injury.

Based on frequency and percentage in Table 6.1, respondents have high positive answer for all aspect of

ergonomic provision awareness except for B6 code. That means, respondents are aware on the

existence of OSHA 1994, contents and use of OSHA, and responsibility of all parties bonded under OSHA.

They are also aware on the existence of ergonomics provision under OSHA, obligation of ergonomics

implementation and the compliance duty on ergonomics provision. However, respondents have low

positive answer on enhancement of understanding and knowledge of OSHA provision. This result may

be due to the sentence arrangement stated under the Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA) 1994.

Most of provision in any Act used the Legal language which it requires high understanding and

explanation by the parties involved. The provision of ergonomic stated in the following legislation as:




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".... To promote a working environment for employees that is customized to the needs of their

physiological and psychological”.

This provision does not provide a clear explanation about what was said with an ergonomic working

environment. In addition, no further explanation that describes what is meant by physiological and

psychological needs. Therefore, the parties involved in the OSHA Act 1994 such as Department of Health

and Safety is responsible for providing the necessary information about the ergonomics of each

organization in Malaysia as a whole. A simple and interactive guideline also recommended to be used to

promote the effort in enhancing ergonomics awareness and knowledge.

The involvement of all parties is required in implementing the ergonomics provisions effectively and

comprehensive (Alison, 2002). If the overall participation is obtained, the possibility of occupational

disease rates would fall. This is according to Tim and David (2010), the organization who has a culture of

positive health and safety are more likely to do an effective preventive action. Individual attitudes

played a role. A person who has knowledge of a matter, will think and act for gain more information,

then will practice to change for the better (Karwowski, 2005). However, if there is no desire to change,

all the efforts are in vain. However, these behavior changes can happen if individuals are aware of the

ergonomics for many aspects.

Table 6.1: Frequency and Percentage Distribution for Organization Awareness

on Ergonomics Provision

** Coding was separate by the aspects based on yellow line in the table.

Code Frequency Percentage

Yes No Yes No

B1 129 14 90.2 9.8

B2 95 48 66.4 33.6

B3 100 43 69.9 30.1

B4 105 38 73.4 26.6

B5 112 31 78.3 21.7

B6 46 97 32.2 67.8

B7 119 24 83.2 16.8

B8 81 62 56.6 43.4

B9 80 63 55.9 44.1

B10 108 35 75.5 24.5

B11 96 47 67.1 32.9

B12 96 47 67.1 32.9

B13 96 47 67.1 32.9

B14 77 66 53.8 46.2

B15 94 49 65.7 34.3

B16 92 51 64.3 35.7




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6.2 Objective 2: Organization Awareness Level on the Importance of Ergonomics

Referring to result found that respondents who participated in this study had high levels of awareness in

which the average of the respondents agree that the aspects of comfort, health, safety, productivity,

costs, complaints and training is the root cause why the ergonomics is important. Based on this study, it

can be explained that the respondents agreed ergonomics has the importance to human activities

especially at the workplace and give impact to them.

For example, respondents agreed that discomfort working environment cause them to lose their focus

and placed pressure on the job. These findings support the statement of Chu and Warnock (2002),

discomfort environment caused by distracting noise lead to high work pressure and increase rate of

human error. Respondents also agreed that ergonomics working environment help to increase their

productivity. According to Zafir et. al. (2008), a healthy and safe working environment will affect the

productivity of workers due to the ability to perform their jobs well. In addition, respondents agreed

that training and ergonomic programs are very important in ensuring a safety and health working

environment. This is supported by Norashikun et. al. (2011) that ergonomic training is a good starting

strategy for preventing injuries and to increase knowledge on the ergonomics applications and benefits.

Comfort Aspect

Table 6.2.1 shows that the level of

respondentsawareness on the importance

of ergonomics for comfort aspects is

high. This approved by frequency

analysis where most respondents agree

with the statement. Overall mean score

derived from questions items is 4.03.

Health Aspect

Table 6.2.2 shows respondents are aware

that ergonomics is important to the

health. Overall mean score derived from

questions items is 4.07.

Safety Aspect

Table 6.2.3 shows respondents are aware

that ergonomics is important to the safety.

Overall mean score derived from

questions items is 4.05.

Productivity Aspect

Ergonomics is very important in

improving workers performance and

productivity. Most respondents are agreed

with that where overall mean is 3.99.




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Cost Aspect

Ergonomics is very important in

improving workers performance and

productivity. Most respondents are agreed

with that where overall mean is 3.99.

Complaint Aspect

Ergonomics complaining should be taken

seriously to avoid worse injury among the

workers. Prevention action based on

complaining is immediately require at the

workplace. Overall mean is 3.89.

Training Aspect

Awareness and training is the important

part to implement ergonomics effectively.

Organization should accommodate such

ergonomics training to evaluate the

knowledge among the workers. Overall

mean is 3.90.




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Figure 6.1: Summary of Organization Awareness Level on Ergonomics and

Other Provision under OSHA, 1994




988

mary of Organ zat on reness Leve on the mportance of Ergonom cs

Figure 6.2: Sum i i Awa l I i




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6.3 Organization Awareness on the Importance of Ergonomics

Figure 6.3: Ranking of Importance of Ergonomics Working Environment

Based on Figure 6.3, it shows the importance index value on the importance of ergonomics working

environment from the highest to lowest value. It can be seen that the highest value reported as 0.569,

0.547 and 0.502. Based on opinions received from the respondents, the importance of ergonomics is

seen to reduce the rate of injuries, accidents and occupational diseases. In addition, the ergonomics are

important in fitting the furniture and workstations with workers as well as ergonomics is important to

overcome the loss of concentration and pressure at work. Although the level of awareness on the

importance of ergonomics respondents are ordered by the importance index value from top to bottom,

but it does not mean the items that are in the lower position do not have significance. There is no

outsized difference between each aspect of the ergonomics importance because the highest values fall

within the range of 0.5 and the next to lowest value is still within the range of 0.4. This result shows that

ergonomics is important to all aspect in human activities.

This finding is support by the previous study where the ergonomics is cover many aspects and has

beneficial contribution to human safety and health activities mainly at the workplace. For example,

according to Zafir et. al. (2008), workers with achieved the comfort of physical environment, has the

positive attitudes towards their works, more productive and energetic during do their task. While refer

to Marilyn and Philip (1994), an effective ergonomics management helps to improve the quality,

productivity, efficiently, morale, satisfaction and loyalty of the workers towards organization. In

addition, ergonomics with good implementation will reduce the cost of organization including medical

cost and absenteeism.




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7. CONCLUSION

Level of organization awareness at UTM on the importance of ergonomics to health and safety at the

workplace is high. Based on research, the organization are aware on the ergonomics provision and other

provision under OSHA 1994. But unfortunately, they have lack of awareness in enhancing their

knowledge and understanding about the ergonomic provision. Involvements of all parties in the

organization are required to implement ergonomics. Ergonomics promotion and training should be done

at every organization in a way to implement ergonomics efficiently. To raise the awareness of the

ergonomic, individual should know the importance of ergonomic. From the previous study, there a lot of

effect when the ergonomic is not fully implemented. By this research, finding shows that the

organization has high level of awareness on the importance of ergonomics. So, there is no excuse why

occupational disease still occur even increase from year to year. Awareness is a fundamental aspect

influencing every individual behavior. It is such as precondition to implement ergonomics effectively and

efficiently. Person who has knowledge of ergonomics will think and act to implement it. However, if

there is no existence positive attitude on the health and safety, it is hard to implement ergonomics. This

is because, individual’s willingness and ability to change his or her health habits may influence

willingness to change health behaviors and maintain the changed behavior.

ACKNOWLEDGMENT

The author would like to extend her special thanks to all, especially to her supervisor, Dr. Maimunah bt

Sapri for her valuable guidance, ideas and time through the entire journey to completing this study.

Author also would like to express the appreciation to the panel Prof. Dr. Abdul Hakim b Mohammed and

Dr. Choong Weng Wai who give the comments and ideas in improving her thesis writing. Additionally,

the author is grateful for the support and assistance given by her family and friends to perform the work

of this research.

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