Abstract
Problem statement: Ergonomics so far has had little impact in Malaysia. For most Malaysian managers, ergonomics is not considered to be associated with performance, but rather with occupational health and safety and legislation. Approach: This study reviews the development of ergonomics in Malaysia and the underlying issues related to national development. Results: Many changes need to be made within the ergonomics research, education and practice community by integrating concepts from the social sciences with technological advances into Malaysian culture to enhance productivity and sustainable improvements in the quality of life, while achieving essential health and safety goals. Conclusion/Recommendation: Ergonomics helps to improve performance besides enhancing workplace OSH. It is essential to promote ergonomics concepts and practice to various industries in Malaysia. More effort and skills are required to compensate for the lack of infrastructure in providing a framework within which ergonomics recommendations can be disseminated and realized.
Highlights
In August 2000, the International Ergonomics Association (IEA) asserted that “Ergonomics is the scientific discipline concerned with the understanding of interactions among humans and other elements of a system and the profession that applies theory, principles, data and methods to design in order to optimize human well-being and overall system performance” (IEA Council, 2000)
Ergonomics seeks to adapt tasks, working conditions, work methods, tools, machines to maximise their suitability for people
Ergonomics developments and research: The use of surveyed the prevalence of Computer Vision Syndrome ergonomics concepts and principles started in Malaysia (CVS) of 136 students and office staff using computers
Summary
In August 2000, the International Ergonomics Association (IEA) asserted that “Ergonomics (or human factors) is the scientific discipline concerned with the understanding of interactions among humans and other elements of a system and the profession that applies theory, principles, data and methods to design in order to optimize human well-being and overall system performance” (IEA Council, 2000). Ergonomics seeks to adapt tasks, working conditions, work methods, tools, machines to maximise their suitability for people. It is a way of looking at the overall organization of the design of tasks, tools, equipment, workplace layouts, work methods to fit jobs to the workers, but personal selection is important too. In any well designed work system, health and safety should embody ergonomics principles. An effective application of such principles can achieve a balance between worker characteristics and task demands, enhance productivity and provide workplace safety, physical and mental well being and job satisfaction (Grandjean, 1988; Konz 1984; Sanders and McCormick, 1993). An ergonomically deficient workplace can cause physical and emotional stress, low productivity and poor quality of work (Karwowski, 1998). A low cost ergonomics investment giving many benefits is cost effective
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