Résumé
@#Discomfort due to riding a motorcycle is an issue that need to be addressed as it has long-term effects of musculoskeletal disorders on motorcyclists especially among occupational motorcyclist. Thus, this study was conducted to analyse the rating of muscle discomfort and correlation with the risk factors among traffic police riders. A cross-sectional study was carried out among 137 male traffic police riders (high-powered motorcycle) with the age between 20 to 39 years old. The 100-mm visual analogue scale questionnaire included ratings of perceived discomfort scales for 20 specific body regions was used in the study. The results indicate that the lower back (left and right) were the highest mean of discomfort which were 56.6 mm and 55.9 mm respectively. This followed with right (48.5±36.2 mm) and left (48.4±30.3 mm) upper back, and right hand (47.0±33.0 mm). The mean of overall discomfort ratings for all regions were more than 20 mm. Besides, there is a strong positive significant correlation between duration of ridings (hours) and overall discomfort ratings (p<0.01, r=0.785) and moderate positive correlation between year of traffic police motorcycle riding experience and overall discomfort ratings (p<0.01, r=0.410). As a conclusion, cumulative riding hours, riding experience and no support of the back area of the body in motorcycle seat, are the most concern in this study as this are the contributing factors to the muscle discomfort among traffic police riders while riding high-powered motorcycle. Thus, this study suggested an additional feature is needed in current motorcycle design in order to enhance comforts of traffic police riders. Also, it will improve the condition of traffic police riders’ discomfort and indirectly also improve their work and health performance as well as productivity.
Résumé
A cross sectional study was carried out to determine the relationship between dust exposure and pulmonary function in male steel workers in Terengganu, Malaysia. The investigation included spirometric testing and detailed personal interviews using a structured questionnaire adopted from British Medical Research Council (BRMC) Questionnaire on respiratory symptoms. Respiratory symptoms commonly reported by the male workers were morning phlegm (33.1%), shortness of breath (31.9%), chest tightness (30.4%), and morning cough (17.8%). Age and duration of employment were among the factors associated with respiratory symptoms (p<0.05 and p<0.001 respectively). Forced Expiratory Volume in 1 second (FEV1) was significantly reduced when compared to the healthy population. There was a significant decrease of FEV1 between before and after work shift (t= 3.582, p<0.001). Smoking status, age, and duration of employment were also associated with reduction of pulmonary function (p<0.01).
Résumé
A cross sectional study was conducted to determine the exposure of heat and its effect to physiological changes among male workers in an automotive manufacturing plant in Shah Alam, Selangor. Forty six workers from the foundry operation division in the factory were selected as respondents. Variables measured were the environmental temperature (WBGTin), metabolic workload, body core temperature, and blood pressure, heart rate as well as heart rate recovery. Results showed that the mean of environmental temperature (WBGTin) was 28.960C. These production workers were exposed occasionally to heat during melting process, loading silica and powder into the molds as well as when making core products into the mold. The average time of monitoring was 2 hours for intermittent exposure and 8 hours duration for overall exposure. Bonferonni Test showed significant differences of body core temperature between before the shift starts and 2 hours after the shift started (p = 0.05) and after 8 hours ( p < 0.001) respectively. A weak correlations were found between body core temperature with heart rate before the shift starts (r = 0.293, p = 0.048), and with systolic blood pressure after 8 hours (r = 0.309, p =0.036) respectively. The average heart rate was in range 51 to 98 beat per minute, indicating that there is no excessive physiological demand. The mean of body core temperature (36.37 ± 0.53 0C) and heart rate (74.50 ± 10.10 beap perminute) after 8 hours indicated a good body control of heat exposure. Three out of four work stations monitored had temperatures greater than 28 0C (ACGIH TLV). The workers were exposed to moderate heat stress during the study period; however, body core temperature, heart rate and blood pressure did not reach unacceptable level of physiological strain.