Department Of Occupational Safety And Health Research Articles

Statistical Analysis of Occupational Fatal Accidents for Risk Assessment

Abstract According to Malaysia's Department of Occupational Safety and Health (DOSH), workplace accidents have increased dramatically as the country's economy has grown rapidly. The purpose of this study is to identify the trends that lead to fatal workplace accidents in Malaysia. This study investigated 505 fatal accident instances from fifteen industries, using both qualitative and quantitative methodologies. The DOSH discovered and reported these fatalities (2010-2020). Data was organized and coded, then analyzed using Spearman's rank order correlation, frequency analysis, Eta squared, Cramer's V, and Chi-square. Moreover, neurolinguistic programming was used to generate the word cloud and sentiment analysis. Furthermore, light gradient-boosting machine learning was used to better understand the causes of fatalities. The outcomes indicated that fatal falls from heights were the leading cause of fatal accidents (32%). General laborers were the most susceptible to fatal accidents (60%). Contract workers were more likely to die in construction accidents (64%). The findings of this study gave useful insights into workplace fatal accident trends and preventive measures throughout sectors.

Major Hazard Competent Person Profession in Malaysia: A document analysis of trends and demands

Introduction: The Malaysian Control of Industrial Major Accident Hazard (CIMAH) Regulations introduced in 1996 resulted in the creation ‘Major Hazard Competent Person’ (MHCP) profession. However, after two decades of its establishment, there has been limited study conducted on this specific profession. The objectives of this study are to analyze 1) the trend of application and passing rates of MHCP registrations; and 2) the trend of Major Hazard Installations (MHI) registrations, and its relationship with the available supply of registered MHCP. Methods: The study used a document review approach, involving the extraction, examination, and interpretation of data from both published and unpublished documents by the Department of Occupational Safety and Health (DOSH), the regulatory body responsible for overseeing both MHCP and MHI registration status in Malaysia. The study looks into data from 1996 (beginning of 1996 CIMAH Regulation) to 2023, though the available data found and analyzed were from 1998 to 2021. Results: The study reveals a concerning lack of growth in the number of professionals being certified as MHCP, despite an increase in the number of MHIs over the past two decades. Potential causes of this shortage identified include a demanding certification process, limited availability of MHCP competency courses, and a lack of clear career paths and growth opportunities in the profession. Conclusion: The inadequate supply of MHCPs could potentially undermine their ability to provide sufficient coverage for MHIs, indirectly jeopardizing the quality of risk management in major hazard facilities. Therefore, there is merit in periodically reviewing the regulations and reforming the MHCP profession in response to changing trends.

Physical parameters influence the microbial quality of indoor air in research laboratories: A report from Malaysia

The quality of air conditioning and ventilation systems in laboratories is vital to ensure optimum health of the users and guarantee the accuracy of experiments conducted. Moreover, recent studies show that the average quality of air conditioning and ventilation systems in labs can pose health risks to occupants. The study aims to examine the relationship between physical parameters and microbial pollutants in research laboratories' indoor air quality (IAQ) by quantifying and characterising the bacteria and fungi in the indoor environment of research laboratories using the settle plate method; whereby our Petri dishes containing media are exposed to the air for sample collection. This study was conducted over the course of 3 ​day ​at three different research laboratories: Virology Lab (VL), Genetic Lab (GL), and Aquatic Lab (AL). The physical parameters such as air temperature, humidity and carbon dioxide were measured using FLUKE 975 air meter, whereas the microbial parameters were assessed using the settle plate method with Tryptone Soya agar and Sabouraud Dextrose agar for the bacterial and fungal count, respectively. Our results showed that the high temperature and relative humidity, exceeded the standard threshold for temperature (23–26 ​°C) and relative humidity (40–70%) set by the Department of Occupational Safety and Health (DOSH). Additionally, because of poor air conditioning and ventilation system maintenance, there were high total bacterial counts in GL (CFU/m3 234.34 ​± ​30.93) and total fungal counts in VL (CFU/m3 589.34 ​± ​53.03). We also showed that the most commonly isolated bacteria and fungi in research laboratories were Staphylococcus spp. (72.2%) and Cladosporium spp. (76.7%). In conclusion, we reported that there was a correlation between the physical parameters and microbial pollutants in the research laboratories. Therefore, regular monitoring of indoor air quality (IAQ) parameters and maintenance of the air conditioning and ventilation system should be carried out to ensure a good and safe indoor environment in research laboratories.

Investigating patterns of workplace fatal fall injuries: Case study of Malaysia

Introduction: Falling from heights can be a serious and potentially life-threatening hazard. In Malaysia, falls from heights are one of the leading causes of workplace accidents and fatalities. The Malaysian Department of Occupational Safety and Health (DOSH) reported that the year 2021 recorded an alarmingly high number of fatalities, of which the majority of the injuries were due to falls from heights. Objective: The purpose of this study is to understand the relationship between the different variables associated with fatal falls from heights, which will help identify potential areas to work on to prevent these types of injuries. Methods: The study analyzed 3,321 fatal falls from height accidents from 2010 to 2020 DOSH data. Data were cleaned and normalized to extract relevant information for analysis, with agreement on variables and reliability achieved through independent sampling. Results: This study found that general workers were the most vulnerable category to fatal falls, with a 32% yearly average, whereas supervisors were the least vulnerable, with 4%. Roofers recorded a yearly fatal falls average of 15.5%, followed by electricians with 12%. Cramer’s V results ranged from negligible, weak, and strong correlations; strong to moderate correlation between the dates of injuries and the factors used in this study, whereas the direct and root causes recorded a weak to negligible correlation with the rest of the variables. Conclusions: This study provided a better understanding of the working conditions of the Malaysian construction industry. By analyzing fall injury patterns and uncovering the factors, direct and root causes relationship with other variables, it was clear how severe the Malaysian workplace conditions were. Practical Applications: This study will help better understand fatal fall injuries in the Malaysian construction industry and help develop prevention measures based on the uncovered patterns and associations.

Heat Stress and Noise Exposure Levels in a Manufacturing Plant

This paper analyses skilled workers’ heat stress and noise exposure levels at a pressure vessel manufacturing plant. Measurements were conducted at three partially enclosed workspaces of the plant where hot work and metal fabrications were conducted using a multi-function thermal environment data logger and a sound level recorder. A survey was developed to obtain the field workers’ perceptions of their immediate heat and noise environments. The findings suggested that the heat and noise conditions were generally acceptable. The calculated mean Wet-bulb Globe Temperature (WBGT) indicated that there was only minimal risk of heat stress for the workers. It was also identified that the noise intensities in the sections studied were within the permissible exposure limit for an 8-hour duration specified in the Department of Occupational Safety and Health (DOSH) guideline. Besides, questionnaire survey results showed that the thermal and noise conditions at the workplace were acceptable. The workers perceived their work environment as warm with sensible air movement, moderately humid, free from heat and noise-related injuries, and able to have clear conversations with their co-workers while working.

Concerns of Airborne Ammonia in Ice-Production Facilities: Enhancing protection of workers in Malaysia.

A study on profiling of ammonia concentration and its validation using two types of direct reading instruments has been conducted for eight months from September 2021 till May 2022 in four different zones in West Malaysia. The study is using a high performance multigas analyzer integrated with Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) and Multirae data analyzer to measure ammonia concentration in thirty-eight ice-production facilities in Malaysia. This study is limited to databases of ice-production facilities registered with the Department of Occupational Safety and Health (DOSH) Malaysia. The study involves thirty-eight ice-production facilities with fourteen compliance verification using USECHH checklist. The results of monitoring and validation confirmed that ammonia is detected at various locations in the factory layout. It is found to be localized and concentrated at the machine room followed by machine room combined with production room. Both instruments seem to show similar trend which can validate the profile obtained for ammonia in the ice facilities. Recommendations are suggested for employers to improve layout of the ice-production facilities based on these measurements.
 The study also seeks to find a correlation between the compliance of these facilities with the Use and Standards of Exposure of Chemicals Hazardous to Health (USECHH) Regulations 2000 and compliance with ammonia checklist from the Guideline of Safe Management of Ammonia Refrigeration System 2020. Pre and post assessment is conducted using the same ammonia checklist to identify any gap. It was found that the results obtained for the USECHH compliance, ammonia checklist compliance either pre or post assessment are not positively correlated. This finding emphasizes that there is still a lack of commitment from these ice-production facilities even after the visits by authorities. Comparison between the monitoring data and the degree of compliance using ammonia checklist from the said guideline was also made. The results obtained emphasize that there is no strong correlation between the monitoring data and the degree of compliance using the ammonia checklist.
 This study shows an insight of chemical management in Malaysia at ice-production facilities and provides suggestions, recommendations, measures and outcomes of enforcement. Future measures to be taken is also suggested to boost compliance. At the same time, the outcomes and implications of this study on chemical management and chemical safety status in Malaysia can also assist other developing countries to improve their chemical management. Future research with risk modelling of ammonia leakages could also be ventured into. Ice plants are recommended to redesign their layout based on this study.
 Keywords: ammonia profiling, compliance enforcement, ice production facilities, lack of commitment, USECHH compliance.

Investigation of Indoor Air Quality in Natural Ventilated Classroom in Perlis

Indoor air pollutants have been linked to many health effects in humans and particularly children who are more vulnerable to the poor IAQ. This study presents quantitative assessment of IAQ in the selected primary schools in Perlis that is situated at northern peninsular of Malaysia. The objectives of this study was to investigate indoor air quality and comfort parameters in the natural ventilated school classroom in Perlis. A real-time monitoring method that was derived from Industry Code of Practice on IAQ 2010 by Department of Occupational Safety and Health (DOSH) was used in this research. IAQ monitoring was conducted using Aeroqual Series 500, Tactical Air Sampler, SKC Aircheck XR5000, Elitech Rc-4 and UT363BT Anemometer were carried out at two primary schools which are SK Seri Perlis and SK Putra. Selected parameters such as respirable particulates (PM10), total volatile organic compound (TVOC), formaldehyde (CH2O), carbon monoxide (CO), ozone (O3), temperature, relative humidity and velocity were measured for two months period. The IAQ monitoring results revealed that the air pollutants were recorded higher in SK Seri Perlis compared to SK Putra due to its location that is nearby roadside. The examined pollutants concentration such as PM10, CO, and O3 were within the acceptable limits of Industry Code of Practice on Indoor Air Quality (2010) by DOSH, while CH2O, temperature, relative humidity and velocity were detected higher than the acceptable limits.

Measurement of CO, CO2, Particulate Matter (PM10), Cockpit and Ambient Temperature, Humidity and Noise Level at UTHM Hangar

This study is focussedon works that are done at the hangar and its effect on human health. The absence of proper air quality or noise level study at the current UTHM hangar has inspired to conduct this study. The objective of this study is to measure the emission rate of carbon monoxide (CO), carbon dioxide (CO2), particulate matter (PM10), and measure the cockpit temperature, ambient temperature, humidity, and noise level of PT6A-20 engine to obtain the data at the Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia (UTHM)Hangar. There are presence of 2 engines which are Lycoming O-360 and turboprop PT6A-20atthe hangar. Lycoming O-360 uses avgas and turboprop PT6A-20 uses jetA1 fuel type which will produce higher rate of emission and that is the reason of PT6A-20 engine being chosen. So this study aims to highlight a comprehensive data of CO, CO2,particulatematter (PM10), cockpit and ambient temperature, humidity and noise level regarding the turboprop PT6A-20 engine at hangar of UTHM to aid future researchers and ensure the air quality and safety rules of the hangar.The air quality standards areused as guideline are the Malaysia Ambient Air Quality Standard and Indoor Air Quality Standard based on the Department of Occupational Safety and Health(DOSH). Also, Occupational Safety and Health (Noise Exposure) Regulations 2019 isused as the standard for noiselevel.Q-Trak Plus IAQ Monitor model 8554 isused to measure the emission rate of CO,CO2, level of humidity and cockpit temperature. Dust Trak Aerosol Monitor isused to measure the emission rate of PM10, Pico Data Logger isused to measure the ambient temperature and finally 1352H integrating sound level meter was used to measure the noise level of PT6A-20 engine. Based on the results produced, only carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide are below than the safety limit. The othe5 parameters which are PM10, cockpit and ambient temperature, humidity and noise level are above the allowable limit according to DOSH.

Stability Analysis on Tower Crane Foundation Using Finite Element Method

Currently, the construction of high-rise buildings is increasing as the modernization of the city. Especially in the heart of Kuala Lumpur City, construction is more focused on the construction of high-rise buildings due to over-crowded areas. To meet demand due to the activity, the number of tower cranes brought into Malaysia has increased. The tower crane is used to lift construction items and requires a solid base to ensure tower crane stability. Analysis obtained from the Department of Occupational Safety and Health (DOSH), the rate of accidents involving in particular the use of cranes tower cranes occurred due to the failure of the crane foundation. The main objective in carrying out this project is to ensure the stability of the foundations for ensuring the safe use of tower cranes in reducing accident site, determine the calculation of the basic design of the site and the last one is to analyze the stability of the soil through the interaction between the soil and the basic structure of the site. Design calculations from qualified engineers as well as engineering software for analysis tests are an important element in the success of this research project. Among the parameters required are ground properties information for the installed tower cranes, engineering drawings for tower crane structure and Plaxis 3D computer software for analysis purposes. The implication of this project is to achieve the department’s quality policy in providing and maintaining a quality, safe and healthy work and system without any harm and risk.

The Compliance Status of Chemical Management among Industries in Malaysia: The USECHH after 20 years

Chemical management plays an important role in the protection of human health and environment. Malaysia through the Department of Occupational Safety and Health (DOSH) developed chemical related legislations under the Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA) 1994 upon tripartite and stakeholder consultation. Effective law enforcement by DOSH is important to ensure compliance to occupational health legislations in order to meet the objectives of OSHA 1994. This paper presents the status of chemical management compliance in Malaysia pertaining to compliance to the Occupational Safety and Health (Use and Standards of Exposure of Chemicals Hazardous to Health) (USECHH) Regulations 2000 among the industries in various economic sectors twenty years after its inception. This paper proposes four steps for investigating the compliance status. The four steps are overview of chemical legislations, enforcement strategies, data analysis and recommendations. There was a total of 9712 workplaces inspected by DOSH officers during the enforcement activities. About 54% workplaces received satisfactory grades while 46% were non satisfactory. USECHH operations for the last five years (2016-2020) revealed that 70% of the total workplaces inspected received satisfactory compliance while another 30% potrayed otherwise. These positive results show significant improvement in the status of compliance of chemical management as compared to the beginning of its introduction in year 2000 where majority of the grades are unsatisfactory. Analysis of each elements found that the worst compliance comes from elements such as medical surveillance, health surveillance, exposure monitoring and chemical health risk assessment The research also prescribes strategies and methods taken by DOSH Malaysia in ensuring chemical management compliance at the workplace. This paper shows an insight of chemical management in Malaysia briefly and provides suggestions and recommendations, measures and outcomes of enforcement. Future measures to be taken by DOSH is also suggested to boost compliance.

ANALISI RISIKO KESEHATAN PAJANAN BENZENE PADA PEKERJA DI LABORATORIUM PT X

The laboratory is a work area that has various kinds of hazards, such as benzene exposure which has a health risk for workers. This study aims to analyze the health risks caused by benzene exposure to workers in the PT X laboratory. This study used a cross-sectional design with a descriptive approach which was carried out in the Liquefied Natural Gas testing laboratory of PT X. The study used the Chemical Health Risk Assessment (CHRA) Department of Occupational Safety and Health (DOSH)Malaysia method. 3 workers have a moderate level of risk and 1 worker has a high level of risk, where high exposure can cause carcinogenic effects. The air ventilation sistem as a risk control does not function optimally. The level of risk of benzene exposure to workers through inhalation is at moderate and high levels. It is necessary to improve the air ventilation sistem to reduce the exposure to the dangers of benzene in workers.  Keywords        : Health Risk Analysis, Benzene, Laboratory

An Assessment of Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) in Foundry Laboratory

Abstract Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) is an important element for a healthy working environment. Working in poor IAQ can lead to sick building syndrome (SBS) with symptoms and troublesome to concentrate in delivering the task. In this study, a preliminary IAQ investigation was carried out at a teaching foundry facility of a higher learning institution in Malaysia. The foundry processes are known to discharge pollutants and gasses. Therefore, this assessment was used to investigate the existence of harmful gasses including Carbon Dioxide (CO2), Carbon Monoxide (CO), particulate matter (PM), and Volatile Organic Compound (VOC) throughout the complete foundry process cycle. An advanced environmental monitor kit was used to monitor the air quality at three different locations within the foundry space to get a good distribution of data. The results reveal that only CO2 and PM10 traces were detected with the reading is still within the allowable range based on guidelines from the Department of Occupational Safety and Health (DOSH), Malaysia. As for thermal comfort result, the Temperature and Relative Humidity (RH) was found to exceeds the benchmark value. Therefore, a more comprehensive and detail thermal comfort study should be conducted to validate the current finding and an appropriate mitigation strategy must be put in place to ensure the thermal comfort of the occupants during the teaching and learning process in the foundry can be improved.

A review on supervised machine learning for accident risk analysis: Challenges in Malaysia

AbstractThe new Fourth Industrial Revolution (IR 4.0) trend is driven by the concept of automation and artificial intelligence (AI). However, Malaysia is slightly behind Singapore in terms of adopting AI innovation among ASEAN countries. This paper aims to conduct a literature review of machine learning to overcome subjectivity and bias in risk ranking decision‐making. An introduction to machine learning concerning accident risk analysis is presented, and the challenges of its application in Malaysia are discussed. Existing machine learning features were evaluated to identify the feasible application in industrial accident analysis and ensure safety decision‐making consistency. This review observed how the IR 4.0 approaches were used in the risk analysis, especially on supervised machine learning. This study also highlights the finding from the previous works on challenges in utilizing supervised machine learning, which is the need to have publicly accessible large database from industries and agencies such as the Department of Occupational Safety and Health (DOSH) Malaysia for the development of algorithms, which can potentially improve accident risk analysis and safety, especially for Malaysian industries.

DYNAMIC SAFETY INTERACTIONS FOR IMPROVING QUALITY OF WORK LIFE: A PROPOSED CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK FOR ENGINEERS IN MANUFACTURING INDUSTRIES

In Malaysia's manufacturing industry, workplace accidents and injuries are a big problem. This industry has made only minor progress in terms of reducing fatalities and significant injuries. The fatal injury rate decreased marginally; however, the previous year's severe injury rate stayed unchanged. (Department of Occupational Safety and Health (DOSH), 2021). As a result, manufacturing safety continues to be a severe issue in Malaysia. The organisational nature of industrial accidents has been highlighted in safety literature, and empirical study has focused on determining the organisational, managerial, and environmental elements that influence accident causation. The majority of prior works have emphasised the concept of safety culture (or safety climate). Scholars have recently begun to look into additional organisational elements, such as the impact of organisational environment, leadership style, and occupational stressors on industrial accidents. This study presents a conceptual framework to investigate the interaction between safety climate and safety behaviour in Malaysia's manufacturing sector, with the goal of developing more effective safety interventions to reduce accidents.

A PRELIMINARY SURVEY ON SAFETY PRACTICES AT CONSTRUCTION SITE: TOWARDS SAFE ENVIRONMENT FOR PUBLIC

The construction industry is globally known as one of the most hazardous workplaces. Companies in the construction sector are undeniably often focused on completing projects on time, which results in tight work schedules and increases the risks of regular construction site activities, especially for the public who lives in the area. Inadequate rules and regulations in public safety and construction sites not practicing the safety practices to protect the public from harm are potential to cause public accidents to happen. Additionally, little improvement in safety practices at the construction sites and lack of awareness in implementing proper safety practices at a construction site could cause the increasing the rate of public accidents too. This study merely aims to explore the safety practices to be implemented at a construction site in a way to prevent public accidents from occurring. In order to achieve the aim, this study has two (2) objectives; 1: to determine the experience in handling accident cases involving the public at a construction site, and, objective 2: to explore the safety practices to be implemented at the construction site. For this preliminary survey, the qualitative research design was selected and the total number of five (5) professional individuals specialized in safety and health in construction sites were chosen as interviewees based on their experiences in handling public safety issues in construction sites. The results show the most recommended safety practices that need to be implemented which is barricade all entrances and exits of the construction site to prevent access from the public. This study provides good insights to the Department of Occupational Safety and Health (DOSH), National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), and Construction Industry Development Board (CIDB) in identifying the need for safety practices to prevent public accidents at the construction site in congested urban areas.

Nanotechnology in Malaysia: A qualitative study about the current occupational health and safety issues

In Malaysia, nanotechnology (NT) entered the nation, infrastructural advanced technology since 2001. A careful description of the health monitoring and health and safety audit protocol is important for creating a consistent roadmap towards feasible health and safety risk management. In 2018 Department of Occupational Safety and Health (DOSH) presented the nano-material guideline for control and safe handling that contains only some of the main concepts of safe handling of nanomaterials (NMs) at related workplaces. Nevertheless, how this guideline should be implemented in the workplace still remains in the shadow of ambiguity, which is a result of the lack of policy framework for governance and execution of this guideline. Hence, this study concentrates on the current health and safety management situation, with special emphasis on health surveillance and health and safety audits in both academia and industrial NT workplaces. To this end, four key objectives are chosen by the authors of this research to be discussed and investigated: i) Current health monitoring procedure for nano-workers in different nano work environments in Malaysia, ii) Current situation of implementing health and safety audit procedure in nano workplaces in Malaysia, iii) Current health risk assessment and management concerns for nano-workers, and iv) Current health and safety assessment procedure of nano-workers and NT governing agencies opinions about these issues. Furthermore, the IRGC framework is employed to address these objectives.
 In the present study, the qualitative approach by using semi-structured interviews and also document analysis procedures conducted. The data then analyzed through the thematic analysis process.
 The findings of this study indicate that: i) NT workplaces of today’s Malaysia are suffering from a misunderstanding of the definition of health risk in NT workplaces, which requires enlightenment by providing a comprehensive policy for this matter, ii) There is indeed an immense need for a specialized training program with a focus on handling and utilization of NMs, iii) At the moment consolidated health risk records NT workplaces are missing, iv) There is a serious need to formulate and ease the communication complications between NT workplaces and the governing agency in Malaysia.
 In short, the current health and risk management procedure for nano-workers in Malaysia is unclear; as yet, no defined framework and policy proposed for the DOSH’s recently published guideline. Presenting a specified procedure for safe handling and utilizing of NMs in the workplaces, developing training programs to improve the workers' knowledge about the occupational hazardous impact of working with NMs, outlining a clear protocol for nano-workers health records, and finally improving the communication between different NT involved parties are the main suggestions of this study. The field of NT came a long way in Malaysia, yet there is much remained to be discovered and developed, alongside the rest of the world.

Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) Practices and Its Influenced Factor - Review OSH in Malaysia

High occupational accident in Malaysia as reported by Department of Occupational Safety and Health (DOSH) Malaysia shows the urgently applied a occupational safety and health (OSH) practices in workplaces. This study purposed to review the OSH practices in Malaysia and its influence factor. The factor of that influence to accident cases, good OSH practice and OSH system and framework as well as agencies that has authority with OSH was briefly explained. Factor that influence the accident was consists of stress and fatigue, unsafe act, machinery/tools, design of workplace and training procedure, factor that influenced to achieve good OSH practices was consists of training, safe work procedure, consultation, reporting safety, management commitment and injury management, several OSH agencies that has been developed in Malaysia such as NIOS, NCOSH, DOSH and SOCSO as program in the institution. Institution contribute an important factor due to in institution teach a fundamental of OSH that may applied in the workplaces.

Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) Enforcement Officers’ Perception Towards Imposing Punitive Action Against Errand Employers in Manufacturing Sector in Kelantan

Compliance to occupational safety and health (OSH) laws in Malaysia is enforced by the Department of Occupational Safety and Health (DOSH), Ministry of Human Resource. The acts involved are Occupational Safety and Health Act 1994 (OSHA) and Factory and Machinery Act 1967 (FMA). Actions taken against employers who breached the laws are either persuasive or punitive. Persuasive and punitive refer to the type of action taken by the enforcement officers against the errand employers. Making remarks in a log book, giving out directive letters and issuing notices (Notice of Prohibition, NOI and Notice of Improvement, NOP) are considered persuasive whilst opening an investigation paper (IP) for the purpose of offering compound and bringing the matter to court are considered punitive. From the statistics, it is clear that the OSH enforcement officers use more persuasive strategy compared to punitive strategy. The objective of the study is to study the perception of OSH enforcement officers towards imposing punitive action against errand employers. The study used questionnaires developed after a thorough literature review on enforcement factors. The questionnaires were distributed to selected population i.e. DOSH Kelantan’s officers. The data was analysed using SPSS version 25 software. The study shows that generally the respondents are in favour of imposing punitive actions against errand employers and the most paramount factors in doing so is the knowledge, understanding and expertise in conducting investigation and preparing investigation paper (IP).

A REVIEW ON HUMAN ERROR IN MALAYSIA MANUFACTURING INDUSTRIES

Human error is a serious concern in manufacturing industries. It affects product error and liability and even leads to workplace injuries or fatalities. Malaysia has recorded a worrying figure of workplace accidents and injuries. In 2018 alone, there were more than 2700 workplace accidents which led to disabilities and death. A workplace accident would result in a no-win situation for a company. Manufacturing sectors in Malaysia make the highest claims from the total cost of accidents and injuries. The Department of Occupational Safety and Health (DOSH) in Malaysia also imposes a fine for companies who breach safety and health regulations in the workplace. Inspections are carried out to ensure that manufacturers obey the rules of occupational safety and health (OSH), and fined for being errant employers. However, these penalisations are often due to the negligence and lack of awareness among employers and employees. Hence, it is of interest for researchers to identify the root causes of human error among manufacturing industries in Malaysia. This review highlights the common causes of workplace accidents and injuries in manufacturing through observation. Several well-known human error models since 1983 are also investigated. The potential outcome of this review is to improve OSH awareness among manufacturers for a more sustainable future in their business, employment, and social well-being.

Association between Indoor Air Quality Parameters (PM2.5, CO2, and Bioaerosols) in Children Day Care Centres with and without Air Purifier in Bangi.

Introduction: The use of air purifiers have been demonstrated to reduce the level of indoor air quality (IAQ) parameters, thus these may give beneficial effects to the human health. Studies on the effectivity of air purifier in the indoor settings are still limited especially in sensitive environmental settings such as daycare centres. Objective: This study aims to determine the concentration of IAQ parameters between daycare centres with and without the use of an air purifier. Methodology: Purposive sampling was used in selecting the daycare centre with (DC3) and without air purifier (DC1 and DC2) within Bangi areas. The walkthrough inspection was conducted and 5 parameters of IAQ including PM2.5, CO2, bioaerosol (bacterial and fungal), relative humidity and temperature were assessed in this study. A standardized and modified questionnaire adopted from The International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood (ISAAC) was distributed to 46 parents to assess sociodemographic and respiratory symptoms among their children. Result: The result showed that there is a significant difference between PM2.5, CO2, bacteria and fungi concentration in studied areas. Daycare centres with air purifiers (DC3) found the lowest concentration of PM2.5 (18.2 µg/m3) and bacterial count (148 CFU/m3) except for fungal counts and CO2 level. The finding showed that PM2.5 in daycare centres without air purifier (DC1) had the highest (39.1µg/m3). All IAQ parameters not exceed the National Ambient Air Quality (NAAQs) and Department of Occupational, Safety and Health (DOSH) standards. All respiratory symptoms showed no significant difference between daycare with and without air purifier except for asthma symptoms. The higher number of children in the DCs without air purifiers experiences a productive cough and allergic reaction compared to the DC with an air purifier. Conclusion: The finding suggests that the daycare centers with air purifiers can improve IAQ and lower the risk of respiratory symptoms among the centre’s building occupants.