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Document ID (ISN)111970
CIS number 11-0611
ISSN - Serial title 1080-3548 - International Journal of Occupational Safety and Ergonomics
Year 2010
Convention or series no.
Author(s) Bin W.S., Richardson S., Yeow P.H.
Title An ergonomics study of a semiconductors factory in an IDC for improvement in occupational safety and health
Bibliographic information 2010, Vol.16, No.3, p.345-356. Illus. 28 ref.
Abstract The study aimed to conduct an ergonomic intervention on a conventional line (CL) in a semiconductor factory in Malaysia, an industrially developing country (IDC), to improve workers' occupational safety and health (OSH). Low-cost and simple (LCS) ergonomics methods were used (suitable for IDCs), e.g., subjective assessment, direct observation, use of archival data and assessment of noise. It was found that workers were facing noise irritation, neck and back pains and headache in the various processes in the CL. LCS ergonomic interventions to rectify the problems included installing noise insulating covers, providing earplugs, installing elevated platforms, slanting visual display terminals and installing extra exhaust fans. The interventions cost less than 3 000 USD but they significantly improved workers' OSH, which directly correlated with an improvement in working conditions and job satisfaction. The findings are useful in solving OSH problems in electronics industries in IDCs as they share similar manufacturing processes, problems and limitations.
Descriptors (primary) Malaysia; premises; conditions of work; ergonomics; electronics industry
Descriptors (secondary) musculoskeletal diseases; subjective assessment; questionnaire survey; ergonomic evaluation; job study; noise control; exhaust ventilation; risk factors
Document type D - Periodical articles
Subject(s) Ergonomics and work organization
Other industries and occupations
Broad subject area(s) General safety, health and conditions of work
Physiology, ergonomics
Browse category(ies) Workplace health promotion
Ergonomics
Electronics industry