international journal of industrial Engineering & Production Research

Ergonomics Assessment of Hose-rolling Posture and Simulation-based Validation of An Assistive Tools for Hose Roller

Salwa Mahmood

This study addresses ergonomic risks faced by firefighters during hose rolling activities, a physically demanding task that can lead to musculoskeletal issues. Building on a previous project conducted at the Bukit Gambir Fire and Rescue Station, this research expands the analysis by comparing four different hose rolling postures: roll and coil, dutch roll, flaking, and figure of eight. The Rapid Entire Body Assessment (REBA) method was used to evaluate the ergonomic risk levels of each posture. To further enhance firefighter safety, a preventive strategy tool was proposed and developed. The tool’s design was tested using Finite Element Analysis (FEA) in SolidWorks to assess the structural performance of its alloy steel hook and shaft under load. Simulation results showed stress levels below the material’s yield strength, and factor of safety (FOS) analysis confirmed the tool’s structural reliability. This project takes a holistic approach to understanding and mitigating ergonomic risks in firefighting. This study found that the structural of an assistive tool is safe and confirming the robustness and reliability of both the hook and alloy steel shaft designs. By combining ergonomic assessment with engineering simulation, it not only identifies high-risk postures but also provides a practical solution to reduce strain and prevent injury. Ultimately, the project contributes to improving the safety and well-being of firefighters, supporting a safer work environment for those who risk their lives to protect others.

Safety Culture in Malaysian and Indonesian Academic Institutions: Identifying Influencing Factors Through Systematic Review

Azizan Ramli

Safety culture is a critical aspect of organizational culture, directly linked to improved safety performance. Although it is widely discussed in sectors like construction, manufacturing, and electronics, its significance in academic institutions is often overlooked. This study presents a systematic literature review (SLR) to explore the factors affecting safety culture in academic institutions across Malaysia and Indonesia from 2017 to 2021. The research includes a diverse range of institutions, including preschools, primary schools, secondary schools, matriculation colleges, vocational colleges, public and private universities, and training centers. Adopting the PRISMA methodology, the study applies thematic analysis to assess the findings, revealing eight key themes and 20 subthemes for Malaysia, compared to just two main themes and four subthemes for Indonesia. The results highlight safety competence, commitment, and attitude as the most influential elements for cultivating a strong safety culture in Malaysia. In terms of dimensions, behavioral factors (85%) were found to have the greatest impact on safety culture, followed by psychological factors (10%) and situational factors (5%). In Indonesia, the primary drivers of safety culture were situational and behavioral factors. Overall, the study underscores the importance of increasing awareness among academic institution leaders, governments, and policymakers to foster a robust safety culture in both countries.

Effects of Lazy Glasses and Sitting Posture on Ergonomic Comfort, Posture Quality, Eye Fatigue, and Occuptional Health in Mobile Gamers

Dwi Kristanto

mouseout="msoCommentHide('_com_1')" onmouseover="msoCommentShow('_anchor_1','_com_1')">This study examines the impact of seating position and lazy glasses use on discomfort, posture, eye fatigue, and gaming experience in mobile gamers. Ten male participants aged 16–24, with normal BMI and accustomed to playing Mobile Legends for at least 2 hours daily, were involved. The study was conducted at the Ergonomics Laboratory Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, Gadjah Mada University. All subjects had normal vision verified by a Snellen card test. Devices used included an iPhone 11 Pro Max, a gaming chair, a beanbag, and lazy glasses. Discomfort was assessed using a Borg scale questionnaire, eye fatigue with the Visual Fatigue Index, and gaming experience via the Game Experience Questionnaire. Neck and joint angles were measured using inertial motion capture. Results showed that seating position and repetition significantly affected discomfort (p< 0.05), with wrist posture also influenced by chair type (p< 0.05). Lazy glasses increased eye strain (p< 0.01) and affected neck posture (p< 0.05). Repetition significantly contributed to eye fatigue (p< 0.01). It is recommended to avoid lazy glasses and prefer gaming chairs for better ergonomic comfort and experience.

Risk Analysis of Work Duration and Body Mass Index to Musculoskeletal Disorders among Workers in the Manufacturing Industry

Noeroel Widajati

Introduction: Ergonomic hazards in the workplace can lead to complaints of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs). According to the Global Burden of Disease, in 2019, approximately 1.71 billion people worldwide were affected by musculoskeletal problems. However, studies investigating the association between work duration and Body Mass Index (BMI) with MSD complaints in the manufacturing industry, particularly in developing countries that still rely heavily on labor-intensive systems, remain limited. This study aims to examine the relationship between work duration and BMI with MSD complaints among workers in the manufacturing industry.
Methods: A cross-sectional analytical study was conducted involving 109 manufacturing workers in the production department. Data were collected subjectively through interviews using the Nordic Body Map questionnaire and anthropometric measurements to calculate BMI. The relationship between variables was analyzed using the Chi-Square test with a significance level of α = 0.05.
Results: The study found that the majority of workers had normal work duration or less than 8 hours per day (83.5%), were classified as overweight (58.7%), and reported moderate MSD complaints (58.7%). A significant correlation was found between BMI and MSD complaints (p = 0.017), while no significant correlation was found between work duration and MSD complaints (p = 0.717).
Conclusion: It can be concluded that BMI has a significant correlation with MSD complaints among manufacturing workers. Interventions should focus on weight control, including promoting balanced nutritional intake. However, other potential risk factors such as lifestyle habits, demographic characteristics, and workload should also be considered in future studies.

Prevalence and Ergonomic Awareness of Musculoskeletal Disorders among Malaysian Dental Students

Nurul Izzah Abdul Samad

Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) pose a significant occupational health challenge in dentistry, potentially affecting the health of future dental professionals. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of MSDs among dental students of Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) and to explore the relationships between MSD occurrence, demographic factors (academic year, gender, and physical activity levels), and ergonomic awareness. Fifty-five dental students participated in the study, responding to validated electronic questionnaires. The results showed a high prevalence of MSDs, especially over 12 months (41.8%) vs. 7 days (14.5%). Most affected areas were the lower back (74.5%), neck (70.9%), shoulders (60.0%), and upper back (54.5%). Female students showed higher prevalence in some regions (p = 0.032), with Year 5 students reporting the highest prevalence (p = 0.046). Ergonomic awareness was high, with 52.7% rating it as good and 47.3% as excellent. These findings highlight the need to integrate thorough ergonomic education and preventive measures into dental curricula, aiming to promote musculoskeletal health and reduce occupational risks for dental students, thereby supporting long-term occupational well-being in their future careers.

Human Error Assessment in Start-Up Operations of Utility Systems in a Small Chemical Plant Using CREAM

Azizan Ramli

Start-up operations in small chemical plants represent a critical yet underexplored phase for human error analysis. This study presents the first systematic application of the Cognitive Reliability and Error Analysis Method (CREAM) to assess human reliability during start-up operations of three utility systems steam boilers, water-cooling pumps, and air compressors in a small Malaysian chemical plant. Unlike existing studies that focus on routine operations or large-scale facilities, this research addresses the unique challenges of manual start-up procedures in resource-constrained environments. Both basic and extended CREAM versions were applied using Hierarchical Task Analysis (HTA) validated by seven experts with more than 10 years of experience. The analysis revealed that all systems predominantly operated under tactical control mode, with human error probabilities ranging from 0.073 to 0.121. Water-cooling pump operations showed the highest risk (0.320) due to time constraints and collaboration quality issues, while boiler operations demonstrated the lowest risk (0.014) through structured procedures. Critical failure modes were identified in observation and timing-related tasks, particularly in speed verification and parameter adjustment subtasks. This study demonstrates CREAM's applicability to small-scale chemical plant start-ups and provides quantitative reference values for integrating human reliability assessment into Process Safety Management (PSM) systems. The findings support targeted interventions including procedural standardization, enhanced training for high-risk subtasks, and improved shift handover protocols to reduce human error in early-phase operations.

Advancing Ergonomic Cognition in Additive Manufacturing for Furniture Design: A Study of UTHM Students

MOHD HASNI CHUMIRAN

Industry 4.0 is transforming manufacturing skill requirements, emphasizing problem-based learning that integrates Human Factors and Ergonomics (HFE). This conceptual study introduces ergonomic cognition as a framework to understand how students perceive, respond to, and apply ergonomic principles in simulation-based learning. Guided by the Ontology of Techniques for Teaching, Learning, and Assessment (OTILIA), the study combines cognitive learning theories with ergonomic reasoning to explore student engagement in Design for Additive Manufacturing (DfAM), focusing on CO₂ laser cutting. A focus group of 21 final-year students from the Bachelor of Technology Management (Furniture Design and Manufacturing) program at Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia participated. Data were collected using the think-aloud method and analyzed through prescriptive coding based on studio themes. Descriptive statistics were used to track behavior across the three HFE domains: physical, cognitive, and organizational ergonomics. Findings reveal that integrating CO₂ laser cutting enhances ergonomic cognition - improving precision, customization, material efficiency, time management, and the learning curve during 3D miniature furniture production. The results support a triangular prescription framework linking ergonomic reasoning, interactive tools, and iterative design. Sustainability competencies were also embedded, prompting students to consider environmental impact, material use, and usability. This approach equips future designers to create eco-conscious, ergonomic, and industry-ready products aligned with sustainable smart manufacturing goals.

Integrating Aesthetics and Ergonomics in Product Design: A Bibliometric Analysis

Hassan Sadeghi Naeini

This study explores how aesthetics and ergonomics intersect in product design through a bibliometric analysis of 317 publications. Scopus was used as the data source, and VOSviewer and RStudio were used to draw a scientific knowledge map. Visual analysis was used to sort out the research lineage. The study found that the number of literature within the search scope is increasing, with countries like China and the United States at the forefront. Results show that China leads in research output but has relatively low international collaboration, while Europe and North America demonstrate stronger cross-country networks. The analysis of the keywords demonstrates that ergonomics-related terms are the dominant term in the literature. Aesthetics emerged as an increasingly important theme, yet it is presented as a less integrated area of inquiry. Thematic mapping indicated four important clusters in the literature: ergonomics and human factors, aesthetics and emotional design, technology/simulation tools, and sustainability and innovation. These findings indicate that ergonomics continues to provide the primary conceptual framework of the discipline, while aesthetics and sustainability represent emerging areas of inquiry. The current study contributes to the fields of design theory and practice with a conceptual framework that integrates ergonomics and aesthetics in design, and by outlining policy implications that could lead to collaboration, interdisciplinarity, and sustainable innovation.

Enhancing SMEs Automotive Manufacturing Performance through Human Factor Ergonomics: An Approach Towards Hybrid Working Environment

FATIMAH MAHMUD

This study explores the impact of human factor ergonomics (HFE), considering physical, managerial, psychosocial, and work design factors on manufacturing performance in the SME automotive sector in Malaysia, and investigates the feasibility of hybrid work environments. Using a mixed-method approach, it collected quantitative data through a survey (132 responses) and qualitative data via semi-structured interviews with five informants from SME automotive manufacturers. The analysis supported three hypotheses, indicating that physical, managerial, and work design factors positively affect manufacturing performance, while psychosocial factors do not due to constraints within SMEs. The study also examined how hybrid work environments can enhance the relationship between psychosocial factors and manufacturing performance. Findings suggest that transitioning to hybrid work, especially for non-operational roles, is feasible with the right technology, policies, culture, and training. This research addresses the urgent need for targeted safety efforts in the automotive SME sector and offers practical insights into optimizing productivity while ensuring employee well-being. It contributes valuable insights into the dynamics of hybrid work environments within manufacturing settings, making it a valuable addition to empirical studies in the field.

Effects of Lazy Glasses and Sitting Posture on Comfort, Posture, Eye Fatigue, and Gaming Experience among Mobile Gamers

DWI KRISTANTO

This study investigates the effects of seating position and the use of lazy glasses on ergonomic comfort, posture, eye fatigue, and gaming experience among mobile gamers. Ten male participants aged 16–24 years, with normal BMI and daily experience playing Mobile Legends for at least two hours, were tested in four experimental conditions involving gaming chairs and beanbags, with and without lazy glasses. Discomfort levels were measured using the Borg scale, eye fatigue via the Visual Fatigue Index, posture via inertial motion capture, and gaming experience using the Game Experience Questionnaire (GEQ). Statistical analysis was conducted using repeated-measures ANOVA in SPSS v25. Results revealed that sitting position significantly influenced discomfort levels (p < 0.05), particularly in the wrist area (p = 0.044), while lazy glasses significantly increased eye fatigue (p < 0.01) and affected neck posture (p = 0.017). Repetition was also a significant factor contributing to both discomfort (p < 0.05) and eye fatigue (p < 0.01). However, no significant effects were found on overall gaming experience (p > 0.05). These findings suggest that gaming chairs provide better ergonomic support than beanbags and that lazy glasses may exacerbate visual strain, particularly during high-interaction mobile gaming sessions.

Pollution Haven in Goods and Services Trade: Evidence from ECOWAS Member Countries

Rossanto Dwi Handoyo

Studies on trade and environmental pollution have explored the issue of pollution haven in goods and aggregate trade, but not in services. This study is therefore imperative, as it aims to examine the phenomenon of pollution haven in goods and services trade within the ECOWAS trading bloc from 2000 to 2023. The study examined whether developed countries have gained an advantage from open trade and transferred their polluting activities to ECOWAS member states. The study utilised panel data that comprised 15 member countries. Static and dynamic techniques of analysis were applied. Based on the theories underlying the analytical model, the results indicate that a rise in goods trade increases emissions. At the same time, services trade reduces emissions. The premise that trade shifts industry composition toward dirtier production is also supported. However, ECOWAS countries are exploring comparative advantages in labour-intensive industries that reduce pollution. Energy consumption exacerbates emissions, and trade in goods and services may bring energy-efficient technologies that lower pollution. ECOWAS countries are pollution haven in goods trade but not in services; that is, advanced economies use goods trade openness and transfer their pollution to the sub-region. These findings are further validated using other measures of pollution (GHG and PM_2.5), enhancing the credibility and reliability of the research. Based on the study results, we provided policy implications to guide policymakers.