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Fulltext Developing an Ensemble Predictive Safety Risk Assessment Model: Case of Malaysian Construction Projects

Sadeghi H, Mohandes SR, Hosseini MR, Banihashemi S, Mahdiyar A, Abdullah A

Int J Environ Res Public Health, 2020 11 13;17(22).
PMID: 33202768 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17228395

Occupational Health and Safety (OHS)-related injuries are vexing problems for construction projects in developing countries, mostly due to poor managerial-, governmental-, and technical safety-related issues. Though some studies have been conducted on OHS-associated issues in developing countries, research on this topic remains scarce. A review of the literature shows that presenting a predictive assessment framework through machine learning techniques can add much to the field. As for Malaysia, despite the ongoing growth of the construction sector, there has not been any study focused on OHS assessment of workers involved in construction activities. To fill these gaps, an Ensemble Predictive Safety Risk Assessment Model (EPSRAM) is developed in this paper as an effective tool to assess the OHS risks related to workers on construction sites. The developed EPSRAM is based on the integration of neural networks with fuzzy inference systems. To show the effectiveness of the EPSRAM developed, it is applied to several Malaysian construction case projects. This paper contributes to the field in several ways, through: (1) identifying major potential safety risks, (2) determining crucial factors that affect the safety assessment for construction workers, (3) predicting the magnitude of identified safety risks accurately, and (4) predicting the evaluation strategies applicable to the identified risks. It is demonstrated how EPSRAM can provide safety professionals and inspectors concerned with well-being of workers with valuable information, leading to improving the working environment of construction crew members.

Matched MeSH terms: Workplace/standards
Fulltext Psychosocial Work Environment and Teachers' Psychological Well-Being: The Moderating Role of Job Control and Social Support

Ibrahim RZAR, Zalam WZM, Foster B, Afrizal T, Johansyah MD, Saputra J, et al.

Int J Environ Res Public Health, 2021 07 08;18(14).
PMID: 34299757 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18147308

Nowadays, the issue of teachers' psychological well-being causes serious concern, especially in Malaysia. Many studies related to psychological well-being have focused on students rather than on the health and well-being of teachers. Thus, the current study investigated the determinants of psychological well-being (depression, anxiety and stress) from the psychosocial work environment (job control, job demands and social support), and examined the moderating role of job control and social support in the relationship between job demands and psychological well-being among teachers. The design of this study was quantitative research through a survey questionnaire. The sample consisted of 335 high school teachers (23.3%-male; 76.7%-female) who responded to measuring scales of job demands, job control, social support, depression, anxiety and stress, and socio-demographic profile. The data were analyzed using two statistical methods, namely descriptive and inferential statistics. The hierarchical linear regression model was used to analyze the data by assisting the statistical software, i.e., SPSS-23. The results showed that job demands, job control and social support significantly predicted teachers' psychological well-being. Furthermore, the effect of job demands on teachers' depression and anxiety was partially moderated by job control and social support. In conclusion, this study has successfully identified the significant predictors of teachers' psychological well-being and the role of job control and social support as a moderating variable to teachers' psychological well-being in Malaysia. The result provides insights and contributes to the literature of teachers' psychological well-being determinants and involves Malaysian respondents with a collectivistic eastern culture.

Matched MeSH terms: Workplace*
Individual antecedents of workplace victimisation: The role of negative affect, personality and self-esteem in junior doctors' exposure to bullying at work

Samsudin EZ, Isahak M, Rampal S, Rosnah I, Zakaria MI

Int J Health Plann Manage, 2020 Sep;35(5):1065-1082.
PMID: 32468617 DOI: 10.1002/hpm.2985

Previous studies have indicated that junior doctors commonly experience workplace bullying and that it may adversely impact medical training and delivery of quality healthcare. Yet, evidence on the precursors of bullying among them remains elusive. Drawing on the individual-disposition hypothesis, the present paper examined the relationships of negative affect, personality and self-esteem with workplace bullying among junior doctors. Multilevel analysis of a universal sample (n = 1074) of junior doctors working in the central zone of Malaysia using mixed effects logistic regression was performed. The results indicate that participants with moderate (AOR 4.40, 95% CI 2.20-8.77) and high degree (AOR 13.69, 95% CI 6.46-29.02) of negative affect as well as high degree of neuroticism (AOR 2.99, 95% CI 1.71-5.21) have higher odds of being bullied compared to their counterparts. The findings present evidence that individual traits are associated with junior doctors' exposure to bullying. While victim blaming should be avoided, this suggest that antibullying measures with an interpersonal focus should be considered when developing antibullying initiatives targeted at junior doctors. This includes primary intervention such as cognitive training, secondary interventions such as resource enhancement building and conflict management skills training, and tertiary interventions such as counselling.

Matched MeSH terms: Workplace*
Fulltext Work-life balance amongst dental professionals during the COVID-19 pandemic-A structural equation modelling approach

Pai S, Patil V, Kamath R, Mahendra M, Singhal DK, Bhat V

PLoS One, 2021;16(8):e0256663.
PMID: 34428247 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0256663

BACKGROUND: The Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak in 2019, has shocked the entire world. As an effort to control the disease spread, the Indian government declared a nationwide lockdown on March 25th, 2020. As dental treatment was considered high risk in the spread of COVID-19, dentistry became one of the most vulnerable professions during this time. Dental professionals had to face job layoffs, salary cuts in professional colleges, closure of private clinics resulting in huge psychological, moral, and financial crises. Studies during the previous and present pandemics have shown mental issues among health care workers necessitating institutional reforms, along with early care and support. A balance in the work-life amongst professionals is the key to better efficiency and, was majorly affected during the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown due to sudden unexpected changes. Hence this study was conducted to understand the changes they underwent both at home and professional front with a hypothesis that physical and mental health, activities, relationship status, and workplace influence the work-life balance.
METHODS: A pre-validated questionnaire survey was done on dentists across India. Structural Equation Modelling and path analysis were applied to the data collected.
RESULTS: The results of the study supported the hypothesis that factors like physical and mental health, activities, relationship status, and workplace influenced the work-life balance directly. A significant imbalance was seen amongst the female dentists.
CONCLUSION: The present study proved the unpreparedness among dental professionals. Hence an evolutionary phase in every field with better working protocols, robust mental health support, and a focus on strategies to face future such emergencies is required.

Matched MeSH terms: Workplace/psychology
Systematic review of universal and targeted workplace interventions for depression

Wan Mohd Yunus WMA, Musiat P, Brown JSL

Occup Environ Med, 2018 01;75(1):66-75.
PMID: 29074553 DOI: 10.1136/oemed-2017-104532

Depression is increasingly being recognised as a significant mental health problem in the workplace contributing to productivity loss and economic burden to organisations. This paper reviews recently published randomised controlled trials (RCTs) of universal and targeted interventions to reduce depression in the workplace. Studies were identified through searches of EMBASE, MEDLINE/PubMed, PsycINFO, PsycARTICLES Full Text, and Global Health and Social Policy and Practice databases. Studies were included if they included an RCT of a workplace intervention for employees targeting depression as the primary outcome. Twenty-two published RCTs investigating interventions utilising various therapeutic approaches were identified. The cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) approach is the most frequently used in the workplace, while interventions that combine different therapeutic approaches showed the most promising results. A universal intervention in the workplace that combines CBT and coping flexibility recorded the highest effect size (d=1.45 at 4 months' follow-up). Most interventions were delivered in group format and showed low attrition rates compared with other delivery formats. Although all studies reviewed were RCTs, the quality of reporting is low. Interventions using different therapeutic approaches with different modes of delivery have been used. Most of these interventions were shown to reduce depression levels among employees in the workplace, particularly those that combine more than one therapeutic approaches.

Matched MeSH terms: Workplace*
Fulltext Unplanned Absenteeism: The Role of Workplace and Non-Workplace Stressors

Mat Saruan NA, Mohd Yusoff H, Mohd Fauzi MF, Wan Puteh SE, Muhamad Robat R

Int J Environ Res Public Health, 2020 08 24;17(17).
PMID: 32846878 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17176132

Unplanned absenteeism (UA), which includes medically certified leave (MC) or emergency leave (EL), among nurses may disturb the work performance of their team and disrupt the quality of patient care. Currently, there is limited study in Malaysia that examines the role of stressors in determining absenteeism among nurses. Therefore, apart from estimating the prevalence and the reasons of UA among nurses in Malaysia, this study aims to determine its stressor-related determinants. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 697 randomly sampled nurses working in Selangor, Malaysia. Most of them were female (97.3%), married (83.4%), and working in shifts (64.4%) in hospital settings (64.3%). In the past year, the prevalence of ever taking MC and EL were 49.1% and 48.4%, respectively. The mean frequency of MC and EL were 1.80 (SD = 1.593) and 1.92 (SD = 1.272) times, respectively. Meanwhile, the mean duration of MC and EL were 4.24 (SD = 10.355) and 2.39 (SD = 1.966) days, respectively. The most common reason for MC and EL was unspecified fever (39.2%) and child sickness (51.9%), respectively. The stressor-related determinants of durations of MC were inadequate preparation at the workplace (Adj.b = -1.065) and conflict with doctors (adjusted regression coefficient (Adj.b) = 0.491). On the other hand, the stressor-related determinants of durations of EL were conflict with spouse (Adj.b = 0.536), sexual conflict (Adj.b = -0.435), no babysitter (Adj.b = 0.440), inadequate preparation at workplace (Adj.b = 0.257), lack of staff support (Adj.b = -0.190) and conflict with doctors (Adj.b = -0.112). The stressor-related determinants of the frequency of MC were conflicts over household tasks (Adj.b = -0.261), no time with family (Adj.b = 0.257), dangerous surroundings (Adj.b = 0.734), conflict with close friends (Adj.b = -0.467), and death and dying (Adj.b = 0.051). In contrast, the stressor-related determinants of frequency of EL were not enough money (Adj.b = -0.334), conflicts with spouse (Adj.b = 0.383), pressure from relatives (Adj.b = 0.207), and inadequate preparation (Adj.b = 0.090). In conclusion, apart from the considerably high prevalence of unplanned absenteeism and its varying frequency, duration and reasons, there is no clear distinction in the role between workplace and non-workplace stressors in determining MC or EL among nurses in Malaysia; thus, preventive measures that target both type of stressors are warranted. Future studies should consider longitudinal design and mixed-method approaches using a comprehensive model of absenteeism.

Matched MeSH terms: Workplace*
Fulltext Joint ICOH-WOPS & APA-PFAW global roundtable perspectives: exploring national policy approaches for psychological health at work through the 'National Policy Index' lens

Potter RE, Ertel M, Dollard MF, Leka S, Jain A, Lerouge L, et al.

Ind Health, 2024 Nov 26;62(6):353-366.
PMID: 39085135 DOI: 10.2486/indhealth.2024-0092

Worker psychological health is a significant global imperative that requires national policy action and stakeholder engagement. While national policy is a critical lever for improving worker psychological health, some countries are more progressive than others in relation to policy development and/or implementation. At the Joint Congress of the International Commission on Occupational Health, Scientific Committee on Work Organization and Psychosocial Factors and the Asia Pacific Academy for Psychosocial Factors at Work in Tokyo (September 2023), a Global Roundtable was held that to initiate international dialogue and knowledge exchange about national policy approaches for work-related psychological health. The Global Roundtable involved experts from diverse regions alongside an engaged audience of congress attendees and facilitators. Qualitative data were analysed against the five components of the National Policy Index tool comprising, policy priority, specific laws, nation-wide initiatives, sector-oriented initiatives, national survey and/or studies. Analysis revealed that while work-related psychological health is a policy priority across many countries, at the same time, there are global gaps in both legislation specificity and active regulation across different countries. For future policy development across countries, it will be beneficial to continue and deepen international discourse and for countries to share their approaches with others.

Matched MeSH terms: Workplace/psychology
Fulltext The adoption of 5S practice and its impact on safety management performance: a case study in a university environment

Rhaffor, Kauthar A., Nurul Hafieza Azizul, Rahim Jamian, Jum’azulhisham Abdul Shukor

Journal of Occupational Safety and Health, 2019;16(1):9-17.
MyJurnal

he practice of 5S has been adopted by many organizations as a method to organize the workplace towards reducing waste and improving productivity. Moreover, the practice also promotes a safe and efficient environment in organisations. As safety performance of the workplace is among the key issues in most industries including universities to become world class organizations, this study seeks to address empirically the impact of 5S practice on safety management performance. In this context, a survey questionnaire is employed and distributed to 60 employees of the selected university to examine the employees’ perception on the adoption of 5S practice as well as the impact of 5S practice towards safety management performance. The questionnaires were validated by a pilot test with an acceptable value of Cronbach's alpha. Overall findings highlight there was positive perceptions toward 5S practice among the respondents. The results also revealed that 5S Audit has a very strong positive correlation with safety management performance. Furthermore, 5S Training and Top Management Commitment were (2) factors that strongly correlated to safety management performance. These factors are highly important in contributing toward the success of safety management performance. Additionally, since most of the employees were not exposed with Occupational Safety and Health (OSH), this study reveals moderate negative correlation between compliance to OSH Requirements and safety management performance.

Matched MeSH terms: Workplace
Nursing turnover intentions: The role of leader emotional intelligence and team culture

Majeed N, Jamshed S

J Nurs Manag, 2021 Mar;29(2):229-239.
PMID: 32881098 DOI: 10.1111/jonm.13144

AIM: To explore the influence of leader emotional intelligence on the working culture prevailing in teams that ultimately impacts nurses' intent to leave the job.
BACKGROUND: Global shortages of nursing professionals have been concerning issues of extreme vitality in the delivery of superior services. Though the state-of-the-art system provides relief, the hospital management continued worrying about losing highly skilled nursing professionals due to a higher level of emotional exhaustion exhibiting progressive turnover.
METHODS: A survey technique was employed for data collection from nurses. Further data were analysed by structural equation modelling in the light of 313 substantial responses by using SmartPLS.
RESULTS: The findings revealed that leader emotional intelligence impulses critical constructive effects by fulfilling the needs of nurses and has an impact on their turnover intentions simultaneously.
CONCLUSION: The research provides an empirical lens of leadership and culture, which noticeably explain turnover intention. This study affirmed solid connections amongst the leader emotional intelligence, team culture and turnover intentions.
IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING MANAGEMENT: The study provides valuable insight for health management organisations to focus on factors that decrease the turnover intention of nurses. Considering a global shortage of nurses, nursing management must consider crucial aspects of the work environment and plan interventions to restrain nursing turnover intentions.

Matched MeSH terms: Workplace
Fulltext Barriers of Occupational Safety Implementation in Infrastructure Projects: Gaza Strip Case

Abu Aisheh YI, Tayeh BA, Alaloul WS, Jouda AF

Int J Environ Res Public Health, 2021 03 29;18(7).
PMID: 33805581 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18073553

Infrastructure projects are the foundation for essential public services and have an influential position in societal development. Although the role of infrastructure projects is substantial, they can involve complexities and safety issues that lead to an unsafe environment, and which impacts the project key stakeholders. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the barriers to implementing occupational safety in infrastructure projects in the Gaza Strip, which cause serious threats and reduce project performance. To evaluate the barriers, 39 items were highlighted and modified as per the construction context and environment, and which later were distributed in the form of a questionnaire, to get feedback from consultants and contractors. The analysis shows that in the safety policy barriers group, consultants and contractors both ranked the item "a contractor committed to an occupational safety program is not rewarded" first. In the management barriers group, consultants and contractors both ranked the item "safety engineer does not have significant powers, such as stopping work when needed" in the first place. In the behavior and culture barriers group, consultants and contractors both ranked the item "workers who are not committed to occupational safety are not excluded" in the first place. Overall, both consultants and contractors shared the same viewpoint in classifying the barriers in the working environment. The outcome of this study is beneficial for Palestinian construction industry policymakers, so they can monitor the highlighted barriers in on-going infrastructure projects and can modify the safety guidelines accordingly.

Matched MeSH terms: Workplace
Fulltext PRELIMINARY STUDY ON E-HAILING DRIVERS NEEDS IN ENGLISH LANGUAGE LEARNING FOR THE PURPOSE OF SUCCESSFUL COMMUNICATION IN TOURISM INDUSTRY

Shahazwan Mat Yusoff, Anwar Farhan Mohamad Marzaini, Siti Maftuhah Damio

Journal of Academia Universiti Teknologi MARA Negeri Sembilan, 2021;9(1):14-20.
MyJurnal

E-hailing apps Grab and Uber have become household names, particularly among urbanites over these five years. Overall the consumer response to e-hailing services in Malaysia has been positive, with The Land Public Transport Commission (SPAD) reporting that 80% of consumers prefer e-hailing over taxis. As such, many believe the availability of e-hailing services will help to boost demand, and raise property prices and rentals and help the tourism sector in locations where they are available. As the demand grows, and tourists around the globe keep rising, the means of communication plays a vital role. Hence, this article explores the Grab drivers’ needs in English language learning for the purpose of successful communication in working environment. The needs are categorised into three elements: needs of English language at workplace, problems in English language usage, and preferences in learning English. A case study was carried out among 50 Grab drivers in Kuala Lumpur. The analysis of responses to the needs in English language learning among Grab drivers is hoped to fashion English language course or the syllabus to the e- hailing drivers.

Matched MeSH terms: Workplace
Workplace design-related stress effects on prefrontal cortex connectivity and neurovascular coupling

Alyan E, Saad NM, Kamel N, Rahman MA

Appl Ergon, 2021 Oct;96:103497.
PMID: 34139374 DOI: 10.1016/j.apergo.2021.103497

This study aims to evaluate the effect of workstation type on the neural and vascular networks of the prefrontal cortex (PFC) underlying the cognitive activity involved during mental stress. Workstation design has been reported to affect the physical and mental health of employees. However, while the functional effects of ergonomic workstations have been documented, there is little research on the influence of workstation design on the executive function of the brain. In this study, 23 healthy volunteers in ergonomic and non-ergonomic workstations completed the Montreal imaging stress task, while their brain activity was recorded using the synchronized measurement of electroencephalography and functional near-infrared spectroscopy. The results revealed desynchronization in alpha rhythms and oxygenated hemoglobin, as well as decreased functional connectivity in the PFC networks at the non-ergonomic workstations. Additionally, a significant increase in salivary alpha-amylase activity was observed in all participants at the non-ergonomic workstations, confirming the presence of induced stress. These findings suggest that workstation design can significantly impact cognitive functioning and human capabilities at work. Therefore, the use of functional neuroimaging in workplace design can provide critical information on the causes of workplace-related stress.

Matched MeSH terms: Workplace
Fulltext Fatigue and recovery among Malaysian doctors: the role of work-related activities during non-work time

Mohd Fauzi MF, Mohd Yusoff H, Mat Saruan NA, Muhamad Robat R, Abdul Manaf MR, Ghazali M

BMJ Open, 2020 09 25;10(9):e036849.
PMID: 32978189 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2020-036849

OBJECTIVES: This paper aims to estimate the level of acute fatigue, chronic fatigue and intershift recovery among doctors working at public hospitals in Malaysia and determine their inter-relationship and their association with work-related activities during non-work time.
DESIGN: Cross-sectional.
SETTING: Seven core clinical disciplines from seven tertiary public hospitals in Malaysia.
PARTICIPANTS: Study was conducted among 330 randomly-sampled doctors. Response rate was 80.61% (n=266).
RESULTS: The mean score of acute fatigue, chronic fatigue and intershift recovery were 68.51 (SD=16.549), 54.60 (SD=21.259) and 37.29 (SD=19.540), respectively. All these scores were out of 100 points each. Acute and chronic fatigue were correlated (r=0.663), and both were negatively correlated with intershift recovery (r=-0.704 and r=-0.670, respectively). Among the work-related activities done during non-work time, work-related ruminations dominated both the more frequent activities and the association with poorer fatigue and recovery outcomes. Rumination on being scolded/violated was found to be positively associated with both acute fatigue (adjusted regression coefficient (Adj.b)=2.190, 95% CI=1.139 to 3.240) and chronic fatigue (Adj.b=5.089, 95% CI=3.876 to 6.303), and negatively associated with recovery (Adj.b=-3.316, 95% CI=-4.516 to -2.117). Doing work task at workplace or attending extra work-related activities such as locum and attending training were found to have negative associations with fatigue and positive associations with recovery. Nevertheless, doing work-related activities at home was positively associated with acute fatigue. In terms of communication, it was found that face-to-face conversation with partner did associate with higher recovery but virtual conversation with partner associated with higher acute fatigue and lower recovery.
CONCLUSIONS: Work-related ruminations during non-work time were common and associated with poor fatigue and recovery outcomes while overt work activities done at workplace during non-work time were associated with better fatigue and recovery levels. There is a need for future studies with design that allow causal inference to address these relationships.

Matched MeSH terms: Workplace
Fulltext Intelligent Platform Based on Smart PPE for Safety in Workplaces

Márquez-Sánchez S, Campero-Jurado I, Herrera-Santos J, Rodríguez S, Corchado JM

Sensors (Basel), 2021 Jul 07;21(14).
PMID: 34300392 DOI: 10.3390/s21144652

It is estimated that we spend one-third of our lives at work. It is therefore vital to adapt traditional equipment and systems used in the working environment to the new technological paradigm so that the industry is connected and, at the same time, workers are as safe and protected as possible. Thanks to Smart Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and wearable technologies, information about the workers and their environment can be extracted to reduce the rate of accidents and occupational illness, leading to a significant improvement. This article proposes an architecture that employs three pieces of PPE: a helmet, a bracelet and a belt, which process the collected information using artificial intelligence (AI) techniques through edge computing. The proposed system guarantees the workers' safety and integrity through the early prediction and notification of anomalies detected in their environment. Models such as convolutional neural networks, long short-term memory, Gaussian Models were joined by interpreting the information with a graph, where different heuristics were used to weight the outputs as a whole, where finally a support vector machine weighted the votes of the models with an area under the curve of 0.81.

Matched MeSH terms: Workplace
Fulltext Perlaksanaan sistem pengurusan keselamatan dan kesihatan pekerjaan di makmal perubatan: faktor dorongan dan halangan utama

Anuar, I., Zahedi, F., Kadir, A., Mokhtar, A.B.

Malaysian Journal of Community Health, 2010;16(1):10-20.
MyJurnal

Background : The implementation of Occupational Safety and Health Management System (OSHMS) requires a level of measurement. The effectiveness of OSHMS implementation was influenced by inhibiting and supporting factors. The objective of this study was to determine the inhibiting and supporting factors towards the implementation of OSHMS in medical laboratories.
Methodology : The implementation of Occupational Safety and Health Management System (OSHMS) requires a level of measurement. The effectiveness of OSHMS implementation was influenced by inhibiting and supporting factors. The objective of this study was to determine the inhibiting and supporting factors towards the implementation of OSHMS in medical laboratories.
Result : This study showed the level of compliance to the OSHMS MS1722 guideline among medical laboratories who are MS ISO 15189 accredited & have a higher scores in overall measurement indicators OSHMS compared to those do not have SAMM accreditation. Private medical laboratories services have higher scores in overall measurement indicators OSHMS, compared to government medical laboratories. However, there was no significant difference (p>0.05) between medical laboratories which have ISO 9000 quality management system certification, compared to level of compliance to the OSHMS MS 1722 guideline among medical laboratories. There was also no significant difference (p>0.05) between the laboratories who had been operating for more than 10 years compared to those with less than 10 years, towards implementing the OSHMS. Results showed that majority of medical laboratories management perceived that difficulty and complexities of OSH legislation are the most important factor that prevent them from implementing OSHMS in their organization. The most important supporting factor, that medical laboratories management perceived as the most important to comply to the OSHMS were their moral responsibilities towards the community.
Conclusion : In conclusion, the study shows there were many inhibiting and supporting factors that contribute towards effective implementation of OSHMS elements in workplace.

Matched MeSH terms: Workplace
Individual factors and perceptions of organization safety level: evidence from a manufacturing organization in Malaysia

Shah Rollah Abdul Wahab, Durrishah Idrus, Christopher J. Rees, Ishak Mad Shah

Journal of Occupational Safety and Health, 2011;8(1):33-48.
MyJurnal

Individual factors have been considered to be a key issue to organizations’ performance and survival. Specifically, previous studies provide evidence that individual factors are closely associated with accidents in the workplace. Therefore, this study seeks to investigate the relationship between individual factors and workplace safety. 50 respondents have been randomly chosen from a manufacturing company in Johor Bahru, Malaysia. Data are collected using a survey and are analyzed using SPSS version 16.0. A descriptive statistic, cross tabulation, independent sample t-test and one-way between groups ANOVA are employed to interpret findings of the study. Findings show that employees’ perception on safety performance is at high level (Mean= 115, Standard Deviation= 17.73). Furthermore, the results of cross tabulation demonstrate that individual factors play a key role to determine the organization safety performance level. Another significant finding reveals that there is a significant difference of safety performance mean to two of individual factors namely gender and tenure of service. Individual factors namely gender, age, tenure of service and academic qualification give a significant impact to employees’ perception on safety performance.

Matched MeSH terms: Workplace
Fulltext Perceptions and implementation of orthodontic clinical practice guidelines (CPG) by dental officers and orthodontists in Malaysia

Lake, S.T., Aug, L.C.

Malaysian Journal of Public Health Medicine, 2007;7(2):35-41.
MyJurnal

This survey elucidated the perceptions and implementation 0f orthodontic Clinical Practice Guidelines (CPGs) by all ortlmduntistc and dental officers in the Ministry of Health Mahysia (MOH). Two different set: uf xelf-administered questionnaires were targeted at first·year dental officers (FYDO), dental officcrx (DO) and administrative Senior Dental Officers (SDO) in one group and unhocluntists in another group. Only 30% responded from a total of 1,327 MOH dental officers, with no participation from three States. Majority (89%) of officers have heard of CPG: although some were unsure of their purpose and usage. About 69% have read orthodontic CPG; of whom 87% have read other MOH dental CPG:. About 78.6% found CPGs 'gaud to excellenf but 16,0% did not answer this question. Same comments received included: language was confusing, inadequate details and pictures, need improvement, irrelevant, need CPG: for other orthodontic problems, need more knowledge first and requests for mare copies. Only 27.7% used them often, 53% occasionally and 15% hardly follow CPG:. About 82% felt that they were encouraged to use CPGx in their workplace and the majority (86%) knew where they were kept especially SDC: and DO; About 90% in the orthndonzist group have received hard copies of orthodontic CPGs but the majority (76%) has not seen them on the website. Although all felt that CPG; were useful to officers and encouraged their use, only 62.5% have introduced CPGs to their officers. There was generally more awareness and usage of CPGS among SDOs compared with DOs and FY DO; The dissemination and availability of orthodontic CPG: is reasonably good. However, the implementation by mthodontists and administrative officers can be improved for better awareness, understanding and usage by dental officers, especially FYDOs.

Matched MeSH terms: Workplace
Understanding ergonomics: a practical approach for improving workplace safety and health

Zafir M.M., Fazilah M.H.

Journal of Occupational Safety and Health, 2007;4(1):19-27.
MyJurnal

Ergonomics management is a process that will have a significant, positive effect on a company’s profits through cost reduction, quality improvement, performance improvement and productivity enhancement. Also known as human factors of human engineering, it basically describes the interaction between an employee and his/her job functions, with the emphasis being on reducing unnecessary physical stress in the workplace. The goal of ergonomics 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. This paper theoretically describes the benefits of understanding the ergonomics to the workplace. The components and activities required to implement ergonomics management also have been discussed. Besides that, the practical approach of ergonomics has been described by giving practical workplace improvement suggested by scholars. By approaching work practices (stretching, reaching, and sitting) from an ergonomically correct point of view, a worker actually becomes stronger, healthier and more productive.

Matched MeSH terms: Workplace
Fulltext The validity-reliability study of the Malay version of Copenhagen Psychosocial Questionnaire (COPSOQ) in assessing psychosocial status in relation to nature of work among workers

Fauziah Nordin, Quek Kia Fatt, Agus Salim M Banon

Journal of Occupational Safety and Health, 2005;2(1):10-18.
MyJurnal

This study aimed to validate the Malay Version of Copenhagen Psychosocial Questionnaire for Malaysian use and application for assessing psychosocial work environment factors. Validity and Reliability were studied in 50 staff nurses of Hospital Selayang. The validity of the questionnaire was evaluated by calculating the percentage of sensitivity and specificity at the different score level. Both percentage of sensitivity against specificity were plotted to produce a ROC (Receiver Operating Characteristics) curve, and score 52 has the highest both sensitivity and specificity was used as an overall index that expresses the probability that measure the psychosocial problems. For reliability purposes, a descriptive of Test-Retest Mean Scores and Paired Sample T-Test and the coefficient-correlation test were calculated. The Test-Retest Mean Scores and Paired Sample T-Test for all 26 scales were calculated and showed statistically not significant. The reliability of the questionnaire and its 26 scales was assessed by using Pearson (r) (overall questionnaire r within a range of 0.00 to 1.00). The COPSOQ appears to be a reliable and responsive measure of workers for Malaysian use and can be applied for assessing psychosocial work environment factors.

Matched MeSH terms: Workplace
Worksite health promotion

Guharajan N

Journal of Occupational Safety and Health, 2005;2(1):37-40.
MyJurnal

Health promotion, a discipline fast growing, deals with the prevention of illness and injury at the workplace. This article review defines health promotion and suggests the means for planning an effective, organized and well-structured program. A properly executed program will benefit both employer and employee in managing workplace absenteeism, reducing staff turnover, improving morale and productivity and keeping health care costs at an acceptable level.

Matched MeSH terms: Workplace

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