Department Of Occupational Safety And Health Research Articles

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.

TASK ANALYSIS ON MAINTENANCE WORKER (RAIL GRINDER) OF LIGHT RAIL TRANSIT (LRT)

Rail maintenance routines are necessary to enable the all rail operations to achieve its aim in maintaining a safe and efficient operation. The maintenance tasks expose the workers to vibration and noise, as they handle specialized machineries and heavy self-propelled vehicles. Exposure of noise above the permissible exposure limit and over the daily allowable duration may cause noise-induce hearing loss (NIHL). Investigation on the type of task that has high noise level exposure on the maintenance workers was conducted to justify the needs to further detailed of this study. This paper will describe the task analysis on maintenance workers and to identify possible tasks with exposure to high level of noise. It scopes down to grinding crew of the maintenance department of light rail transit. Methods used were real-time sound measurement using a sound level meter, observation and interviews. Then, data were analysed to understand the situation of exposure of noise during rail maintenance. An ergonomic risk assessment was also conducted by adoption of the latest guideline on Ergonomic Risk Assessment (ERA) at Workplace Guidelines recommended by Department of Occupational Safety and Health (DOSH), Malaysia. A hierarchical task analysis (HTA) was generated on the task of the maintenance worker, focusing on rail grinding crew. The newly generated HTA had allowed better understanding about the nature of work and the task conducted by a rail grinder during the work shifts. Tasks involving high noise level was identified. Data recorded shows that the noise level for the blowing activity was relatively high and exceeded the permissible exposure limit of 90dBA. The exposure level was currently controlled by practicing the usage of hearing protection equipment (HPE) and by controlling exposure time in accordance to recommendations of the Factory and Machinery Act (FMA). Thus, it had confirmed that maintenance workers were exposed to high noise levels when performing their daily task. Further studies are needed to investigate the relationship between the duration of exposure and noise-induce hearing loss (NIHL) with consideration of the lifestyles of the maintenance workers.

Laboratory air quality and microbiological contamination in a university building

The aim of this study was to measure the level of indoor air pollutants (carbon dioxide [CO2], formaldehyde [HCHO], volatile organic compound [VOC)], and bacteria and fungi) in Water and Wastewater Engineering Laboratory (WWEL) (station 1) and Material Engineering Laboratory (MEL) (station 2) in a university building every 60 min. Measurements were taken over an 8-h period each day for 3 days. The results showed that the total volatile organic compounds (TVOCs) and respirable particulates exceeded the acceptable limits for indoor air quality (IAQ) set by the Department of Occupational Safety and Health (DOSH) in both locations. The concentration of formaldehyde measured at station 2 also exceeded the acceptable limit. Bacteria found in both laboratories were identified as gram-positive bacteria; the most dominant microbes were from Bacillus sp. A good ventilation system and a careful selection of construction materials are crucial to reduce IAQ contamination.

Comparison Study of The Investigation of Reporting Regulations on The Accidents of Construction Work in Malaysia, Singapore, Philippines, and Indonesia

Occupational safety and health is one of the important issues for workforce activities, especially among the member countries of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). Reporting construction work accidents is one of the important things in the construction sector which is an important topic considering that construction has become the most dangerous sector, one of which is due to its unique, dynamic, and temporary nature. The purpose of this study is to get a comparison of the reporting regulations, especially in terms of the regulations of the relevant institutions, the reporting time and the reporting flow of construction work accidents in several countries in the ASEAN region. The International Standard used is the ILO code of practice (ILO Code of Practice on Recording and Notification of Occupational Accidents and Diseases 1996). Meanwhile in Indonesia there is a Work Safety Act (Law No. 1, 1970) with its main agency being the Ministry of Manpower of the Republic of Indonesia. Malaysia has a 1994 Occupational Safety and Health Act with its main agency being the Department of Occupational Safety and Health (DOSH). Singapore has a Workplace Safety and Health Act 2006 with its main agency being the Occupational Safety and Health Division (OSHD). And the Philippines has an Occupational Safety and Health Standards (As Amended 1989) with its main agency being the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE). Further in-depth literature study on reporting patterns of regulation (time, flow, and regulation) investigation of construction work accident in each of these countries. This is very much needed as a basis for comparison in the context of developing patterns of investigation of construction work accident in Indonesia in the future. The research method used is in analyzing secondary juridical normative data. In this study, it was concluded that Malaysia, Singapore, the Philippines did not explicitly separate reporting patterns of work accident investigations between construction and non-construction work accidents, and in their regulations only involved one institution at the ministerial level and or more than one department but still within one related ministry reporting workplace accident investigations from both the construction and non-construction sectors. Malaysia, Singapore, and the Philippines in the preparation of regulations and legislation related to reports on workplace and non-construction work accident investigations refer to ILO regulations. While the conditions in Indonesia, the data obtained that Indonesia has several investigative institutions under several ministries (Construction Safety Committee, National Transportation Safety Committee, Labor Inspector and others). In Indonesia also does not yet have legislation or framework that integrates the work coordination, authority and responsibility of all investigative institutions of some of the ministries mentioned above. The accuracy of the reporting regulations for construction work accident investigations is expected to be the initial capital in order to get the roots of the problems of construction work accidents and the initial step for the development of further research, especially regarding the framework of construction work accident investigation in Indonesia.

The nanotechnology application and workforce health and safety - a study of the Malaysia laws, statutory regulations and guidelines on nanotechnology

In Malaysia perspective, the application of nanotechnology is crucial towards achieving the country’s objective as a developed nation by 2020. This paper aims to examine the current Malaysia laws and statutory regulations of nanotechnology applications, to investigate the occupational diseases and work-related accidents associate to nanotechnology and to examine the risk assessment and management practices executed by the nanotechnology-based manufacturers to facilitate the potential effects of nanomaterials. Nanotechnology is a technology that incorporates nanomaterials, which is extremely small materials in size, equivalent to 1/80,000th of the width of a human hair. Due to their distinctive size, these nanomaterials may contribute to the significant health risks and hazards. The findings conclude that there is no specific law and statutory regulation on nanotechnology application exists in Malaysia. Thus, the none existence of nanotechnology laws means there is no protection of persons at work. Malaysia is currently formulating safety standards relevant to nanotechnology. Recently, the Department of Occupational Safety and Health (DOSH) has published the Guideline on Control and Safe Handling Nano Materials by the end of 2018. It provides information and recommendations on handling nanomaterials in the workplace. According to the DOSH personnel that there is no record of occupational disease and work-related accidents related to nanotechnology per se. In relation to the risk assessment and management activities, most of the respondents from the nanotechnology-based manufacturer indicated that there is no nanotechnology risk assessment and management practices being executed in their workplace. Most of them also concluded that they have no knowledge about the latest guideline published by the DOSH on control and safe handling of nanomaterials in the workplace.

Safety Manager Competencies In Managing Construction Projects In Malaysia

This paper aims to identify the core competency required by safety manager in managing construction safety on construction projects and their level of effectiveness. Total of 30 questionnaires received form 100 questionnaires distributed to qualified safety managers work within Klang Valley registered with the Department of Occupational Safety and Health (DOSH) and National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), Malaysia with various post of safety officer, manager and consultant. It was found that safety managers consume of several important skills and knowledge on general management functions, practices, and procedures regarding safety and occupational health concepts, principles, practices, methods, and techniques based on the working experience on the construction field. The skills and knowledge on general management functions, practices and procedures can be accomplished by presenting personal concerns for the health and safety of employees, conducting the job-training program, participating in the management of safety committees, considering safety in job design, and reviewing the level of work. It has been recommended that safety managers must invest time and energy themselves for own development of skill, knowledge, and other competencies for more efficient professional safety manager.

Guidelines on Safe Work Practice when Commuting in Oil Palm Plantations

Previous local researches on the oil palm workers are mostly focusing on the musculoskeletal disorders and ergonomic issues. However, the workers are easily exposed to many other accidents such as commuting accidents. The location of the oil palm plantations itself which are remote and requires the workers to commute far from their home elevate the possibility of commuting accidents. The present paper describes contributing factors to commuting accidents and suggests guidelines to be followed as prevention from such accidents. Reports, news, and previous research on commuting accidents are reviewed and cross-referred with the safety and health guidelines in the agriculture published by the International Labour Organization (ILO) and Department of Occupational Safety and Health (DOSH) Malaysia to ensure it fits the commuting nature in an oil palm plantation. A safety and health practice guideline is presented in this paper, still, regular training and commitment from both the organisation and the workers are essential in ensuring the safety of the workers.

A field study of indoor air quality and occupant perception in experimental laboratories and workshops

Purpose Maintaining good indoor air quality (IAQ) in the built environment is essential to assure health, safety and productivity of occupants. The purpose of this paper is to report on the preliminary IAQ assessment of selected air-conditioned laboratories and naturally ventilated workshops in a tropical education institution. Design/methodology/approach The concentration levels of five major indoor air pollutants (IAPs) – carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, respirable particulates, formaldehyde (HCHO) and total volatile organic compounds (TVOC) in each sampling area were measured using calibrated air sampling sensors and the tracer-gas analysis was used to determine the ventilation effectiveness. A questionnaire survey was carried out concurrently to study the prevalence of sick building syndrome (SBS) among users of laboratories and workshops and the data collected were statistically analysed using χ2 test. Findings The air pollutant levels were found to be below the threshold limit values set in the local code of practice on IAQ, except for two of the air-conditioned laboratories. This is possibly due to insufficient ventilation, smaller floor area per occupant ratio, long-term exposure to chemical substances, and improper disposal of the used chemical substances. The total particulate levels were higher in naturally ventilated workshops because such spaces were assigned for mechanical works which involved grinding, welding and fabrication. Besides, it was identified that most of the air contaminant levels were not normally distributed (p<0.05) within the sampling areas and SBS like dry eyes, watery eyes, tiredness and dry throat were reported in both laboratories and workshops. The outcomes of this work suggest that an increase of ventilation rate was necessary to reduce the concentration of the IAPs in air-conditioned laboratories and improved housekeeping would help mitigate the prevalence of SBS symptoms. Research limitations/implications This research was carried out in selected laboratories and workshops in a Malaysian educational institution and only five major IAPs stipulated in the Department of Occupational Safety and Health (DOSH) code of practice were measured. Practical implications The results of this study will enable facility engineers and managers to understand the IAPs concentration levels and potential SBS problems in academic laboratories and workshops. The recommended strategies can be considered to improve IAQ conditions in such spaces. Originality/value Most of the previously conducted IAQ studies focused only on commonly occupied building spaces such as offices, classrooms and houses. Information of the quality of air and SBS conditions in experimental facilities in developing nations that is available is currently very limited. This case study provides detailed information on IAQ in laboratories and workshops in Malaysia with focuses on the concentration levels of particular harmful gases, the prevalence of SBS among users of these facilities and the appropriate mitigation strategies. The results presented are of value to both academic and industry communities.

Causes of fatal construction accidents in Malaysia

Malaysia has moved fast to keep pace with the changes of times as the country aspires to achieve strong economic growth and to chart its course as a developed nation by the year 2020. The construction industry is one of the important sectors for nations to develop our country’s economy and thus able to improve our competitiveness. However, in line with the positive growth of the economy, the construction sector also contributes to the high accident fatality rate. Construction workers are often exposed to various inherent risks associated with working conditions on construction sites. Although various approaches have been implemented in order to prevent accidents, the statistic indicates further improvement need to be taken fast. The objective of the study is to analyse the statistics and causes of fatal accidents at construction sites in Malaysia. The study focuses on 129 fatal construction accident cases based on database and document kept by the Malaysian authority, such as Department of Occupational Safety and Health (DOSH) and Social Security Organisation (SOCSO). The collected data were analyzed using frequency analysis and content analysis. The analysis shows that the number of fatal accidents is increasing every year. In the last five years, statistic from SOCSO and DOSH has shown an increasing number of fatal accident cases for about 231.9% and 125.8% respectively. The top three causes of fatal construction accidents are unsafe methods, the unique nature of industry and job site conditions. Whereas, the leading sub-causes are work at high elevation, incorrect or no work procedure and failure of structure.

A Review of Safety Issues among Small Grade Contractors in Construction Industry

The construction industry is one of the largest industries in Malaysia. There were too many factors that contribute to construction project success. Construction industry comprises different participants including clients, consultants, and contractors (as construction business) that perform different roles from conception in order to complete the project. The contractors in Malaysia were categorized into seven Grades of contractors starting from contractor G1 to G7. These categories were graded based on a number of employees and the value of the project. In Malaysia, G1 to G4 contractors (small grade contractors) are the highest company were registered with the Construction Industry Development Board (CIDB). Unfortunately, small grade contractors are widely exposed to the highest rate of accidents or risky compared to medium and large grade contractors (G5-G7) in this industry. In order to adequately clarify the issues on this safety matter, this paper has discussed the problems faced by small grade contractors that influence the implementation of safety practice in a construction site. The objective of study is to identify the problems in small grade contractors in order to implement safety practice on site. This study was focused on small grade contractor in Malaysia. The data for this study were supported by previous studies are reported in the journal; statistic of accidents in the construction industry by Department of Occupational Safety and Health (DOSH); contractor information; statistic of contractors are registered under CIDB; safety book; and internet sources. This study had found that the small grade contractors have some issues related to safety practice whereas they did not have proper standard of safety (general safety act and regulation); they cannot appoint Safety Health Officer (SHO) to handle the site safety; have limited external resource; and also small grade contractors have financial constraints. Based on this review, it can be concluded that small grade contractors have more lacking in safety management and consequently, the rate of accidents still higher in the construction industry. However, safety management in small grade contractors can be improved with support by external resources such as researcher, large grade contractor, government, and pressure from authorities.

Causes of crane accidents at construction sites in Malaysia

The usage of crane in the construction industry is widespread and very important regardless of the project size. In tall building construction, the efficiency of the tower crane is the backbone of the project success. The crane operator is responsible to control the crane efficiently and follows the provided safety guidelines. Loss of life, injury, and property damages are the consequences that will happen if the requirements and procedures for crane handling are not properly done. The increasing number of crane accidents in Malaysia has driven the awareness to conduct this study as to avert this problem from occurring. Thus, this study was conducted to analyse crane’s accident statistic at construction sites in Malaysia. This study utilises official crane accident report database and document search from the Department of Occupational Safety and Health (DOSH). All collected data were analysed using two methods, namely frequency analysis and content analysis. The results of the study show that, mobile crane recorded 23 numbers of crane accident cases and the highest in term of the type of cranes. Structural failure leads as a higher factor that contribute to crane accident in Malaysia with 28 counts of causes. In order to minimize crane accidents, crane’s safety measure and procedure as well as proper training to crane operator are among potential ways.

Investigation of comfort temperature and thermal adaptation for patients and visitors in Malaysian hospitals

The current indoor thermal comfort standards and guidelines for hospital wards in the tropics may be insufficient for maintaining thermal comfort for occupants and ensuring energy efficiency in hospitals. Therefore, field survey assessments of thermal comfort were conducted in three Malaysian hospitals with air conditioning capabilities for patient rooms. This study evaluated existing thermal conditions and thermal comfort preferences of patients and their visitors. A total of 389 responses were collected in hot and humid conditions. Indoor thermal measurements were collected in each hospital and compared to the local guidelines. The lower temperature results compared to the Malaysian standard MS1525 (2014) and the Industry Code of Practice on Indoor Air Quality (2010) by the Department of Occupational Safety and Health (DOSH) in Malaysia indicated that specific thermal comfort guidelines were required for hospital wards in Malaysia. The mean comfort operative temperatures were estimated to be 25.3 °C for patients and 25.5 °C for visitors. The relationships between the indoor comfort temperature and running mean outdoor temperature (27.0 − 31.0 °C) in the three hospitals were also determined. These adaptive relationships can serve as a guide for building service engineers and researchers seeking to reduce energy use in hospitals.

INDOOR MICROBIAL CONTAMINATION AND ITS RELATION TO PHYSICAL INDOOR AIR QUALITY (IAQ) CHARACTERISTICS AT DIFFERENT LABORATORY CONDITIONS

Laboratory usually refers to a room or building equipped with chemicals and biological agents for scientific experimentation and research. Due to its own indoor hazards and its cause of health implications, it is an urge to assess and to understand the physical indoor air quality (IAQ) characteristics in the laboratory and the variables affecting the degree of exposure to occupants. The main objectives of this study was aimed to assess and to compare the physical IAQ characteristics and airborne pollutants including particulate matters (PM) and gaseous pollutants between laboratories, to identify microbial contaminants via bacterial counts as well as scientific bacterial-kits species identification and to correlate the relationship of physical IAQ characteristics, airborne pollutants and microbial contaminants between different laboratory settings within the same building which are Natural Product (NP) laboratory, Plant Tissue Culture (PTC) laboratory, and Microbiology laboratory. The physical IAQ characteristics and airborne PM was measured using VelociCalc multi-function ventilation meter 9565 and DustMate environmental dust detector respectively. Surface Air System Indoor Air Quality (SAS IAQ) was used to capture the microbial contaminants and after that bacterial counting and identification were done. The scientific method protocol and standard reference limits were compared based on Industrial Code of Practice on Indoor Air Quality (ICOP) (2010) regulated by the Department of Occupational Safety and Health (DOSH). The temperature of PTC laboratory, velocity of NP laboratory and Microbiology laboratory, the respirable particulate matter (PM) of all three laboratories and Colony Forming Unit (CFU) count of PTC and NP laboratory exceeded the standard limit regulated by DOSH. This study demonstrated that Gemella morbillorum is the common bacterial species available in the environment with poor IAQ and there is a significant relationship between physical characteristics, airborne pollutants and microbial contaminants between the different types of laboratory settings. In conclusion, priority should be given to NP laboratory as it is exposed to poor IAQ conditions and immediate action should be taken to eliminate the problems.

INDOOR MICROBIAL CONTAMINATION AND ITS RELATION TO PHYSICAL INDOOR AIR QUALITY CHARACTERISTICS AT SELECTED LIBRARIES IN PAHANG

Library contains huge collection of books that can undergo biodeterioration process after period of time. Due to this biological reaction, the existence of airborne particulate matters and microbes in the air of the library can be disturbed and elevated, thus can cause health implications to occupants. Therefore, it is an urge to assess and understand the correlation between physical indoor air quality (IAQ) characteristics, airborne pollutants and microbial contaminants in different library settings and locations. This study was carried out at three different libraries, which are Library A (Gambang as suburban area), Library B (Kuantan as urban area) and Library C (Pekan as rural area). The physical IAQ characteristics and particulate matter (PM) monitoring were assessed by using IAQ Meter and DustMate respectively. Surface Air System IAQ (SAS IAQ) was used to collect the airborne microbes. The microbial contamination was further assessed and identified in the laboratory by using API 20E and API 20 Strep while SPSS was used to analyze the relationship of physical IAQ characteristics, airborne pollutants and airborne microbes contaminants. The scientific method protocol and standard reference limits were compared based on Industrial Code of Practise on Indoor Air Quality, 2010 (ICOP, 2010) regulated by the Department of Occupational Safety and Health (DOSH). Respirable PM in Library A and CFU counts in Library A and C exceeded the standard limit with the value of 0.30 mg/m3, 2744 CFU/m3 and 1833 CFU/m3 respectively. Significant differences (p <0.05) between the selected libraries were observed among relative humidity (p=0.001), inhalable PM (p=0.001), thoracic PM (p=0.001), respirable PM (p=0.01), CO2 reading (p=0.001) and CFU counts (p=0.01). This study demonstrated Library C has poor air quality as the reading for CO2 and CFU counts are very high compared with the other two libraries. The bacterial identification findings indicated that Gram positive bacteria were abundant compared to Gram negative bacteria. Aerococcus viridans is the most dominant type of bacteria isolated in all the libraries.

INDOOR MICROBIAL CONTAMINATION THROUGH WATER MIST AEROSOL AT PUBLIC RESTAURANTS

In Malaysia and many other Asian countries, countless number of restaurants are made of open or semi-open air buildings. These restaurants are commonly located beside roads, factories, and construction sites. The foods are often exposed to the air, increasing their tendency to be contaminated due to poor indoor and outdoor air quality. There are very few studies characterising and comparing the levels of indoor air pollutants in restaurants. Other than that, scarce data are available on dining establishments especially in the presence and absence of water mist application system. Due to these reasons, no best practices or guidelines can be developed. Hence, this present study aimed (1) to assess and compare the physical indoor air quality (IAQ) characteristics and airborne pollutants between different types of restaurant settings; (2) to identify microbes isolated in the presence and absence of water mist system; (3) to analyse bacterial counting within and between the different restaurant settings; and (4) to determine the relationship between physical IAQ characteristics and airborne microbial contaminants. Instruments known as Dustmate and VelociCalc® Multi-Function Ventilation Meter 9565 were used to measure the physical IAQ characteristics and airborne particulate matters. On the other hand, Surface Air System Indoor Air Quality (SAS IAQ) was use to seize the microbial contaminants. All the data obtained were compared with the standard reference known as the Industrial Code of Practice on Indoor Air Quality (2010) constructed by the Department of Occupational Safety and Health (DOSH). This study later indicated that the level of indoor PM10 concentrations was influenced by changes of physical IAQ parameters at the two restaurants investigated. As the PM10 increased, the colony forming unit (CFU) counting also increased. Although microbial contaminations were found during both periods of exposure (i.e., in the presence and absence of water mist) at both restaurants, significant relationship between the parameters measured cannot be determined. The bacterial species obtained during the presence and absence of water mist application system for both of the restaurants were also identified. Gemella morbillorum was found as the most dominant species, followed by other species such as Aerococcus viridans, Globicatella sanguinis, Leuconostoc spp., and Proteus penneri.

Level of Learning from Occupational Safety Accidents: Current Status in Malaysia

The occupational safety and health (OSH) accident rate in Malaysia is decreasing, however, statistically it is still high if compared to the other developing nations. One of the reasons why accidents keep on happening is due to poor learning from accidents. This paper discusses the level of accident learning from accident reports submitted to the Department of Occupational Safety and Health (DOSH) Malaysia and the Society Security Organization (SOCSO) Malaysia involving 1,291 accident cases. Based on the quality and completeness of the accident reports, the levels of learning were ranked using the knowledge management hierarchy. Based on the analysis, the level of learning from accidents among the industries in Malaysia was less than adequate which promotes limited learning from accident.

Awareness of the Regulations and Industry Codes of Practice Vis-a-Vis the Occupational Safety and Health Act 1994: A Study among the Masters and Crews Working in Vessels of Commercial Fishing Industry

The Fisheries Act 1985 is the current legislation regulating the fishing industry in Malaysia. However in terms of occupational safety and health at the workplace, the Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) Act 1994 are applicable to all the fishing operations in Malaysia. The activities of fishing on vessels are exposed to lots of hazards due to unsafe act and unsafe conditions. As a result, accidents at the workplace happen due to the aforementioned reasons. Hence, the workplaces for Masters and Crews in fishing vessels must be safe and conducive to work. Following the enactment of the OSH Act in 1994, various initiatives have been implemented by the Department of Occupational Safety and Health (DOSH) to increase awareness and knowledge of OSH in the workplace, including among Masters and Crews working in fishing vessels. DOSH have also circulated “Guidelines on Occupational Safety and Health in Fishing and Aquaculture Operations”. At this juncture, both the employer and employees ought to be well-informed of some of the requirements stipulated in the OSH Act 1994 which have bearing on the safety of the Masters and Crews working in fishing vessels. The objective of this study was to determine the level of OSH awareness and knowledge among the Masters and the Crews working in fishing vessels with regards to the safety at the workplace. A study was conducted using questionnaire addressing general OSH issues, OSH legislations, occupational hazards at the workplace and the use of personal protective equipment (PPE). DOI: 10.5901/mjss.2015.v6n5p269

The Weaknesses of OSHA 1994 Implementation in Malaysian Construction Industry

Statistics from Department of Occupational Safety and Health (DOSH) Malaysia indicated that the construction sector suffers the highest level of occupational accident and fatalities almost every year. To overcome this problem, the government has come out with a legislative framework and action plans to deal with this situation. The study aims to identify the weaknesses of Malaysian employers and employees in implementing Occupational Safety and Health (OSHA 1994) in the construction industry and to highlight the responsibilities of both parties to comply as far as practicable of safety and health in construction site. Data were obtained via literature reviews and conducting workplace inspection. There is a high degree of consensus on the two important parties in assuming safety and health responsibilities who are employer and employee. The results indicate the weaker areas done by employers were: General duties of employers and self-employed persons to their employees; Duty to formulate safety and health policy; General duties of employers and self-employed persons to persons other than their employees; and Duties of occupier of a place of work to persons other than his employees. While the weaker areas done by employees were: General duties of employees at work; and Duty not to interfere with or misuse things provided pursuant to certain provisions. Thus, the suggestion for improvement towards safety and health practices was proposed according to the Master Plan (2005 – 2010) which introduced by CIDB. Therefore government bodies, contractors and consultants mostly agree on several stipulations under the Master Plan (2005 – 2010) subdivisions which are: Enforcement and Legislation; Education and Training; and Research, Development and Technology are the suggested areas of concern in which safety and health practices can be improved within the construction industry.

Gender, airborne chemical monitoring, and physical work environment are related to indoor air symptoms among nonindustrial workers in the Klang Valley, Malaysia

Objectives:The purpose of this study was to analyze the relationship of airborne chemicals and the physical work environment risk element on the indoor air symptoms of nonindustrial workers.Design:A cross-sectional study consisting of 200 office workers. A random selection of 200 buildings was analyzed for exposure and indoor air symptoms based on a pilot study in the Klang Valley, Malaysia.Methods:A set of modified published questionnaires by the Department of Occupational Safety and Health (DOSH), Malaysia and a previous study (MM040NA questionnaire) pertaining to indoor air symptoms was used in the evaluation process of the indoor air symptoms. Statistical analyses involving logistic regression and linear regression were used to determine the relationship between exposure and indoor air symptoms for use in the development of an indoor risk matrix.Results:The results indicate that some indoor air pollutants (carbon monoxide, formaldehyde, total volatile organic compound, and dust) are related to indoor air symptoms of men and women. Temperature and relative humidity showed a positive association with complaints related to the perceived indoor environmental condition (drafts and inconsistency of temperature). Men predominantly reported general symptoms when stratification of gender involved exposure to formaldehyde. Women reported high levels of complaints related to mucosal and general symptoms from exposure to the dust level indoors.Conclusion:Exposure to pollutants (total volatile organic compounds, carbon monoxide, and formaldehyde) and physical stressors (air temperature and relative humidity) influence reported symptoms of office workers. These parameters should be focused upon and graded as one of the important elements in the grading procedure when qualitatively evaluating the indoor environment.

CORRELATION NETWORK ANALYSIS OF SAFETY CULTURE USING MINIMUM SPANNING TREE


 
 
 Department of Occupational Safety and Health (DOSH) of Malaysia is very concern on a safety and healthy work environment for all employers and employees. Currently the number of fatality has been increased badly. To understand the situation, we study the behaviour of 18 safety culture variables used internationally. In this paper we examine the inter-relationship of variables which is based on correlation analysis. The minimum spanning tree is used to filter the information contained in the correlation structure consisting of 18[18-1]/2=153 correlation among the variables. To provide a better understanding about the tree, we compute the centrality measures. The result show that ‘Safety Procedure and Policy’, ‘Priority of Safety’, ‘Management Commitment’, ‘Involvement’ and ‘Work Environment’ should be of high priority in reducing the number of fatality.