Prevalence of upper limb musculoskeletal disorders and its associated risk factors among janitorial workers: A cross-sectional study.

INTRODUCTION: Janitorial workers are considered a high-risk group to develop WRMSDs based on their numerous hazardous job tasks and frequent non-fatal injuries being reported. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of upper limb musculoskeletal disorders (ULMSDs) and its associated risk factors among janitorial workers. METHODS: This cross-sectional study involved janitorial workers in a university in Sabah, Malaysia. The participants, who included supervisors, cleaners, and landscape workers, were recruited via universal sampling. Those with at least 12-months of experience in their present employment were included, while those with prior musculoskeletal injuries were excluded. Data were collected through interviews using the Malay version of Standardized Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire (SNMQ), and Job Content Questionnaire (JCQ), followed by Ergonomic Risk Assessment (ERA). Data were analyzed and produced using SPSSv.26, encompassing descriptive statistics, Pearson's Chi-Square, and Multiple Logistic Regression analysis. Ethical approval and respondents' informed consents were obtained prior to the study. RESULTS: Among 142 respondents, ULMSDs were found to be prevalent in 76.8% of janitorial workers, with the highest prevalence (71.6%) reported in the shoulder regions. None was at negligible risk, with 95.1% in the medium or high-risk categories for RULA assessment. The significant associated factors were landscape workers [aOR = 3.07,95% CI = 1.04, 9.91], more than three years of employment [aOR = 2.47,95% CI = 1.06, 5.79], and low job control [aOR = 2.69,95% CI = 1.16, 6.23]. CONCLUSIONS: Given the high prevalence of ULMSDs, risky awkward postures, and low job control, amendments in working apparatuses and improvements in administrative procedures, are highly recommended to prevent the occurrence of ULMSDs.

Landscaping Work: Work-related Musculoskeletal Problems and Ergonomic Risk Factors.

BACKGROUND: Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WRMSDs) are considered one of the foremost reason of disability globally with significant economic impact due to loss of productivity. Landscaping work is considered a high-risk industry in the service sector. Landscape workers are susceptible to WRMSDs as they are exposed to high physical demands at work, and exert significant physical effort to complete daily repetitive tasks during long working hours. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of WRMSDs and to identify the ergonomic risk factors among landscape workers in a university setting. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study conducted among landscape workers at a public university in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah. Interviews were conducted due to low literacy of the participants, using structured questionnaires which consist of personal characteristics, work descriptions, ergonomic risk factors, as well as self-reported WRMSD symptoms using NORDIC questionnaire. Ergonomic risk assessment (ERA) using rapid entire body assessment (REBA) was then conducted. RESULTS: Fifty-five of 60 landscape workers agreed to participate (92% response rate). The overall prevalence of WRMSDs among landscape workers was 85.5%. The highest prevalence involving the shoulder (65.5%), followed by neck (23.6%), wrist/hand (23.6%), and lower back (20.0%) regions based on their self-reported WRMSD symptoms over the past 12 months. Awkward posture was the risk factor identified through ergonomic risk assessment (ERA) conducted by ERA trained personnel. None of the working postures during assessment was noted to be appropriate. Although no significant difference was associated with self-reported WRMSDs, majority of the landscape workers (71%) were classified as medium ergonomic risk group using REBA, with the remaining 29% considered to be high ergonomic risk group. CONCLUSION: Improvement in awareness campaigns, modification of working tools, and enhanced administrative approaches are among the control and prevention measures recommended to delay or prevent the occurrence of WRMSDs.

The Perception, Level of Safety Satisfaction and Safety Feedback on Occupational Safety and Health Management among Hospital Staff Nurses in Sabah State Health Department.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to determine the perception and level of safety satisfaction of staff nurses with regards to Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) management practice in the Sabah Health Department, and to associate the OSH management dimensions, to Safety Satisfaction and Safety Feedback. METHODS: A cross-sectional study using a validated self-administered questionnaire was conducted among randomly respondents. RESULTS: 135 nurses responded the survey. Mean (SD) score for each dimension ranged from 1.70 ± 0.68-4.04 ± 0.65, with Training and Competence dimension (mean [SD], 4.04 ± 0.65) had the highest while Safety Incidence was the least score (mean [SD], 1.70 ± 0.68). Both mean (SD) scores for Safety Satisfaction and Safety Feedback was high, 3.28 ± 0.51 and 3.57 ± 0.73, respectively. Pearson's correlation analysis indicated that all OSH dimensions had significant correlation with Safety Satisfaction and Safety Feedback (r coefficient ranged from 0.176-0.512) except for Safety Incidence. CONCLUSION: The overall perception of OSH management was rather low. Significant correlation between Safety Satisfaction and Safety Feedback and several dimensions, suggest that each organization to put in place the leaders who have appropriate leadership and supervisory skills and committed in providing staff training to improve staff's competency in OSH practice. In addition, clear goals, rules, and reporting system will help the organization to implement proper OSH management practice.