Advanced Engineering Forum Vol. 10

Abstract: Standing is one of the most preferred working postures in the manufacturing field as it provides a large degree of physical freedom and mobility to the human operators. In addition, the cognitive perceptions of the increase in work effectiveness and productivity rate among the human operators are the reasons this working posture is practiced. However, to stand erect for a long period of time or otherwise known as Prolonged Standing often leads to physiological discomfort, fatigue and even health issues such as Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs). The aim of this paper is to review on the effects resulting from Prolonged Standing and disseminates the information on the ergonomic interventions to relieve standing fatigue. Selected journals and research papers related to Prolonged Standing were reviewed and the findings showed that varying the floor conditions such as installing anti-fatigue mat and using shoes with soles would help in relieving discomfort associated with the cumulative effects of Prolonged Standing. Nevertheless, further research is needed to truly quantify the effectiveness of these suggested ergonomics interventions in real world implementations such as in the manufacturing industry.

Abstract: In the new era of advanced manufacturing technology, machine tool design plays an important role in maximizing productivity and occupational health of industrial workers. However, the machine tool manufacturers face difficulty in designing an ergonomic machine tool that can be suited to Malaysian industrial workers because almost all machine tools were designed according to physical dimensions, capabilities and limitations of European or American populations. This mismatch between machine design and worker abilities may eventually lead to occupational injuries. Therefore, the purpose of this paper is to disseminate information on ergonomics problem, assessment methods, and control measures associated with CNC machining operation. Published articles related to CNC machining operation have been reviewed. Based on published researches, work-related musculoskeletal disorders such as low-back pain, neck and shoulder problem have been identified as common health problems associated with the machine operation. Engineering and administrative controls have been proposed to minimize the health problems.

Abstract: Office ergonomics has been emphasized in many industries and organizations. Health problems such as musculoskeletal disorders and repetitive syndrome injuries are commonly reported by office workers worldwide. The aim of this study is to evaluate the level of awareness and understanding of ergonomics among a local institute of higher learning office workers who use computers every day in their work. Secondly is to identify suitable ergonomics intervention programs for the workers. Survey questionnaires were developed as online survey and the link was emailed to all staff. However, questionnaire in hardcopies were also prepared and manually distributed to all the different departments in UPNM such as the Registrar, Bursary, HEPA, Library, Publisher, as well as Centres and Faculties. The number respondents were 50 out of 120 staffs and 62% of the respondents were female. Questionnaires were divided into sections to get information on the demographic background, to evaluate the level of awareness regarding ergonomics, to determine ergonomics trainings or exposures experienced, to investigate any problems related to health problems or discomfort and workstations as well as physiological and psychological complaints. The hyphothesis that the Universitys workers have very little knowledge regarding office ergonomics and yet some of them have already experience work-related musculoskeletal disorders was found to be true. The result shows that the current level of ergonomics awareness in UPNM could be considered as at the beginner level. Fifty six presents of the respondents in the first instance relate ergonomics to health, back pain and work-related injuries separately. More than 50% reported moderate pain and soreness at various parts of their body. Therefore, the next step of ergonomics intervention that could be introduced is to educate them through educational tools and expert talks.

Abstract: The professional work usually carried out by the dental surgeons results in developing ergonomic risk factors such as forward bends and rotated positions of the body while handling variety of tools. The successful application of ergonomics assures high productivity, avoidance of illnesses and injuries and increased satisfaction among dental surgeons. The study was carried out to find the effectiveness of ergonomics awareness training programme in minimizing the ergonomic risk factors in dental surgeons. For this purpose, one hundred and thirty dental surgeons among post graduate dental students, faculty members and private practitioners from in and around Mangalore city, Southern Karnataka District, India, with more than one year of experience were selected by using non-probability convenience sampling method. A six week of ergonomics awareness training programme for selected dental surgeons was developed and imparted during the training. In order to determine the effectiveness of ergonomics awareness training programme, a pre-tested structured dental work station observation check list was used. The result indicates that, mean post-test scores of manual material handling (0.23), physical energy demands (0.18), instruments (0.00), environment (0.00) and other musculoskeletal demands (1.35) were lower than the mean pre-test scores i.e., 1.98, 1.95, 0.14, 0.01 and 7.53 respectively. Based on the results of the study we conclude that, ergonomics awareness training programme will be effective in minimizing the ergonomic risk factors in dental surgeons. Key words: Ergonomics awareness; Ergonomic risk factors; Dental surgeons; Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs)

Abstract: The construction sector is among the most hazardous industry due to the working environment which exposes workers to high risk of accidents. Statistics by the Malaysian Ministry of Human Resource had shown that the number of mortality and disability cases involving construction workers were the highest among the other sectors. Most of the cases were caused by unidentified hazards around the construction sites. The literature had documented that environmental factors were responsible for most of the cases. This paper aims to highlight on the causation factors of accidents and injuries at the construction sites based on the human factor. Selected journals and research papers related with accidents at construction sites were reviewed and human error was found to be the main causation factor of accidents at construction sites. This study urges for more in depth study on the actions or interventions that could be taken to minimize the occurrence of human error in the construction site, thus, minimizing the occurrence of accidents, injuries and even mortality.

Abstract: The construction industry has been known as the most fatal industries worldwide. Accident affects varies parties involving direct and indirect costs to the contractor and clients as well. The construction safety measures in the current practice often begin during the construction phase rather than at the earliest stages possible. Design for Construction Safety (DfCS) is a process to reduce the hazards and risks during construction by focussing on design decision at the design phase. This concept implementation is new and has yet to be adapted worldwide. With every new culture comes with a set of list to overcome. The top barriers stated by past researchers are lack of knowledge and education followed by increased of liability and the nature of the industry. The initial step to be taken is to adapt this concept in the universities and college level during the designers’ formal education. By mastering this subject, the designers will become more confidence with new found skills while their attitudes towards safety will have a huge impact on workforce safety by eliminating hazards on site.

Abstract: Concept design of a scrap compactor is presented. Required data for the design of the scrap compactor, the hydraulic circuit, the compression ratio, force required for compression are collected from literature. The current practice of scarp removal and storage in a small scale industry is shown. The calculations for arriving at the force required for compaction is presented. The hydraulic circuit diagram and testing of the circuit in a pneumatic test bench are explained. Cost of the prototype and the break even period are discussed. Ergonomic principles and safety due to usage of scrap compactor are highlighted.

Abstract: Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) is the injury as the result of compression of the median nerve by the swollen muscle and soft tissues at carpal tunnel. This condition is causing pain and making the nerves signal transmissions are slower. The muscle and soft tissues are swollen because of repeated movements and overuse so they dont have enough times for recovery. The muscle and tissues also press the blood flow which supplies oxygen and rich nutrient for them and make them swell. CTS will be worse if the tunnel is smaller because of terrible wrists posture, and if the blood flow is slower which because of cold hand. The symptoms of CTS are pain, tingling, cold, and weak hand. Therapy and surgery can not totally heal this injury so it is much better to prevent it. For reducing the risk of CTS, some actions can be done, for example making the hands always in a normal temperature or warm so the velocity of blood flow will be stable. Today, there is a product called fingerless gloves to keep hands warm but they are not really convenient so in this research another product is designed, which is thermal insulating mouse pad. In this study, an experiment is designed to prove that thermal insulating mouse pad is working effectively. The experiment is done at climatic chamber with 40 students as respondents. There is one single factor of interest which has three levels. The treatments are the condition with no mouse pad, the condition using custom mouse pad, and the condition using thermal insulating mouse pad. Data of experiment is collected by filling the questionnaire and measuring temperature of forearm, wrist, and finger. The experiment result shows that thermal insulating mouse pad can keep hands warm when working with computer.

Abstract: The average gamer faces a number of musculo-skeletal injuries due to bad design of keyboards, consoles, mice, workspace layout and a number of other factors. This study aims at minimizing injuries and maximizing human comfort by using Ergonomic principles in the design of the console, which also happens to be the main interactive device between the gamer and the computer. Hence the objective of this study would be to design a keyboard to optimize the comforts of using a gaming console for computer games played on the keyboard, through the sciences of anthropometry and ergonomics.

Abstract: The purpose of this study is to design the Visual Display Terminal parameters for the visual comfort and high performance. Taguchis Design of Experiments method was used to determine the optimum level of parameters that consist of external and internal lighthing, monitor position angle and eye-to-monitor distance. An experimental study was conducted in Ergonomics laboratory. Typing operation was done as a case study. 15 university student (7 males and 8 females) with age rangebetween 21-26 old took participation.The results of study findsthat the optimum external lighting (A1) = 1325 Lux, the monitor eye position angle (B2) = 15 o, The distance vision from eye - monitor (C1) = 20 inches, internal lighting (D1) = 60 Lux. This study has also found that eyesblinking decrease about 50% and the performance increase about 89.76%.Thus, the parameters of VDT can produce better visual comfort and performance.