A Survey on Working Postures among Malaysian Industrial Workers

Industrial workers were frequently exposed to injury at work due to an incorrect working posture. Improper working posture such as bending, twisting, overreaching, repetitive task and uncomfortable posture contribute to musculoskeletal disorder (MSD). This paper deals with the survey of the posture practices by Malaysian industrial workers. The questionnaire was distributed among 282 industrial workers. The survey was concerned with demographic detail, job specialization, industrial sectors, work and rest duration and the physical and mental condition during working time. It was found that over 93.1% of the workers facing the physical fatigue and 94.2% experienced mental fatigue while working. For the working posture it was observed that shoulder at chest level (30.1%), back in moderately bent forward (90.8%) and lifting heavy load 1 to 5 kg (80.5%) are the major work postures practiced by most of industrial workers. Based on the statistical analysis there are significance correlation of the physical injury with the body injury among industrial workers. In conclusion, the specific working posture has yet to be determined for workers in industry. Therefore, this survey can provide a preliminary data for further research to ensure the correct working posture for worker.