Introduction. This review describes standardized ergonomics assessment based on pen-and-paper observational methods for assessing ergonomics risk factors. Objective. The three main objectives are to analyze published pen-and-paper observational methods, to extract and understand the risk levels of each method and to identify their associated health effects. Methodology. The authors searched scientific databases and the Internet for materials from 1970 to 2013 using the following keywords: ergo, posture, method, observational, postural angle, health effects, pain and diseases. Postural assessments of upper arms, lower arms, wrists, neck, back and legs in six pen-and-paper-based observational methods are highlighted, extracted in groups and linked with associated adverse health effects. Results. The literature reviewed showed strengths and limitations of published pen-and-paper-based observational methods in determining the work activities, risk levels and related postural angles to adverse health effects. This provided a better understanding of unsafe work postures and how to improve these postures. Conclusion. Many pen-and-paper-based observational methods have been developed. However, there are still many limitations of these methods. There is, therefore, a need to develop a new pen-and-paper-based observational method for assessing postural problems.

This systematic literature review (SLR) aims to determine the factors influencing the use of hearing protection devices (HPDs) among industrial workers. This study was guided by the PRISMA Statement (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses) review method, and four databases comprising Scopus, Science Direct, PubMed, Wiley Online Library, and Google Scholar were employed. A total of 196 articles were identified, and 28 studies on the factors associated with HPD use among industrial workers from 2006 to 2021 met the inclusion criteria. Resultantly, five main themes emerged from this review: sociodemographic (29%), interpersonal influences (18%), situational influences (18%), cognitive-perceptual (29%), and health-promoting behavior (6%) associated with HPD use among industrial workers. A total of 17 sub-themes were identified, including age, gender, educational level, noise level, working experience, social models, interpersonal support, social norms, safety climate, training, organizational support, perceived barrier, perceived susceptibility, perceived severity, perceived benefit, self-efficacy, and cues to action. The significant factors influencing workers to use HPDs are sociodemographic, interpersonal influences, situational influences, and health-promoting behavior. Future studies should focus on the cues to action toward human behavior influencing the use of HPDs, workers’ health status, and comorbidities of hearing loss. Therefore, this systematic study gives valuable reference resources for up-and-coming researchers as well as new knowledge to expert professionals and academics in various industries.

Human factor and ergonomic has been a standardized as synonymous for a long time and has great potential to contribute in designing all kinds of systems with people. However, some opinions draw precisely distinctions among these terms. Numerous studies have been conducted in their attempt to understand the concept of human factor and ergonomic. The meaning of each term must be clearly understood before using them in any research to understand how human beings interact with surroundings. So, this paper seeks to review the definition of human factor and ergonomic. English articles and books dated as far 1970 were compiled from Taylor and Francis Online, Google Scholar and Science Direct. The keywords used in the selection of the articles are human factors, human factors engineering, ergonomics, industrial ergonomics, reviews, definition, difference and risk factors. A risk model related to each term is also provided to have more understanding towards it. Based on the finding of the literature review of human factor and ergonomic issue in pineapple plantation were explore and are categorized accordingly.

Lower extremity disorders is associated with prolonged and awkward postures such as kneeling, squatting and stooping. Current study aims to examine the risk factors of awkward postures among pineapple plantation workers in Malaysia by using Ovako Working Posture Analysis System (OWAS). The postural analysis output from OWAS is then compared and validated by using Surface Electromyography (sEMG). There are 103 pineapple plantation workers participated in this study with an average working experience of 1 to 3 years. Based on OWAS findings, it shows for an overall distribution, planting, manual weeding and harvesting are the tasks fell under Action Category (AC) 3 which indicating distinctly harmful and (AC) 4 which indicating extremely harmful. The readings of muscle activity during selected postures show that erector spinae and multifidus muscle are actively contracted during kneeling, squatting and stooping posture. The results from this study signify that long exposure to these postures can increase the likelihood of having WMSDs such as back pain and lower limb injuries among pineapple plantation workers. This study suggests that ergonomic intervention such as mechanization of tools and equipments should be implemented in order to eliminate or reduce poor postures. In case of incapability for any mechanization, adequate and effective training should be provided for the workers as they can apply the knowledge through their job.