Ergonomic Work System And Occupational Safety And Health Performance: Mediating Effects Of Psychosocial Work Factors
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Date
2016-05
Authors
Selamat, Mohd Nasir
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Abstract
In Malaysia, numerous actions have been taken to increase the level of awareness of Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) at work. However, various studies have shown that crucial safety and health-related problems are still prevalent. An increase in accidents at work, growing degree of absenteeism, as well as higher levels of sickness and stress at work seem to indicate that even more urgent action is required. Previous studies have also indicated that ergonomics plays a significant role with respect to OSH problems, especially in the manufacturing sector. The implementation of certain initiatives based on ergonomics might provide an avenue for solving, or at least alleviating, safety and health-related problems at work. This, in turn, would ultimately enhance workplace performance. Categorised as a manufacturing sector, the printing industry places high demands on its workers, which brings in OSH problems, and printing industry is yet to effectively implement adequate ergonomics initiatives. Using the concept of Balance Theory, this study examines the role of ergonomic work systems (EWS), as represented by job demand factors, individual factors and participatory ergonomics, in enhancing OSH performance. In addition, psychosocial work factors, which focus on decision authority and social support, were tested as mediators between EWS and OSH performance. Two hundred and ninety five respondents from several printing companies in Malaysia were surveyed and analysed. The findings showed that most of the workers were not aware of issues related to ergonomics at work. It was also
found that only quantitative demand affected all fours of OSH performance indicators. Age affects absenteeism. The knowledge base and workplace support are the only two participatory ergonomics aspects that are related to OSH performance. The findings showed that decision authority mediates the association of a knowledge base and occupational stress as well as sickness, while social support does not. In addition, there is limited interaction between the dimensions of EWS, except for interactions between sensorial demands, physical health status, workplace support and individual age related to occupational stress. In short, only quantitative demand and participatory ergonomic have direct relationships with OSH performance. Sensorial demands, physical health status, and individual age are related to OSH performance only when they are in interactions. The findings imply that top management, safety committees and employees themselves should all collaborate in order to enhance OSH and ergonomics at the workplace. The amount of work given to the workers does have a significant impact toward the safety aspects at work. In other words, changes to the implementation of safety practices at work, such as altering work conditions and the working environment, implementing ergonomics aspects and OSH training, and inculcating a culture of safety will help to enhance the safety and health of workers.
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Ergonomics plays a significant role with respect to , Occupational Safety and Health problems.