HFEM Newsletter (June 2025) | Page 2
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HFEM Newsletter | June 2025 | Page 2
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IV. Ergonomics in Safety Management and Accident Investigation
1. Post-Incident Ergonomics Analysis
Following incidents, apply ERA and the HFACS framework to identify ergonomic shortcomings contributing to human error.
Process:
• Conduct thorough ergonomic investigations alongside technical root cause analysis.
• Apply EISP to fund corrective ergonomic measures.
• Track improvements through EISP’s continuous improvement cycle.
This integrated approach turns incidents into opportunities for lasting ergonomic enhancements.
2. Case Insights from Malaysia
• Rail Operations: Post-incident ERA revealed poor control room ergonomics. EISP-funded redesign improved monitor visibility and alarm prioritisation.
• Logistics Handling: High manual handling injuries prompted EISP-backed introduction of lifting aids and revised workflows, significantly reducing strain injuries.
• These examples show how ERA and EISP complement incident investigations, driving meaningful improvements.
V. Future Outlook: Malaysia’s Ergonomic Excellence Roadmap
1. National Strategy for EISP
• SOCSO/PERKESO is expanding EISP outreach, prioritising transportation due to its high ergonomic risk profile.
• Supports Malaysia’s Vision Zero initiative and ISO 45001 occupational health certifications.
2. Smart Technologies and Predictive Ergonomics
• Adoption of IoT sensors for monitoring posture, fatigue, and environmental conditions.
• AI-powered interfaces that dynamically adjust workload presentation.
• Predictive analytics for early detection of ergonomic risks.
3. Policy Integration
• Collaboration between SOCSO/PERKESO, DOSH Malaysia, MIROS, and MITRANS.
• Incentives for organisations demonstrating proactive ergonomic improvements.
• Nationwide campaigns promoting ergonomics best practices.
VII. Conclusion
Malaysia’s transport sector is on a dynamic journey toward smarter, safer, and more sustainable mobility. Embedding ergonomics, human factors, and human-computer interaction into every aspect of design and operations ensures that this progress remains human-centred. Through structured initiatives like the Ergonomics Improvement Support Programme (EISP) by SOCSO/PERKESO, Malaysian transport operators gain the tools and support needed to proactively address ergonomic risks, improve worker well-being, and enhance operational excellence.
Ir. Ts. Dr. Ahmad Khushairy Bin Makhtar Vice President I, Human Factors and Ergonomics Society Malaysia (HFEM) Senior Lecturer, Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM)
JUNE Columnist
A Malaysian Perspective on Design, Safety, Accident Investigation, and Workplace Risk Management
A RECENT SUCCESS
Malaysia’s transport infrastructure is evolving at unprecedented speed, from major rail networks and smart highway systems to integrated urban mobility solutions. With this growth comes an urgent need for safe, efficient, and human-centric transport environments. Integrating ergonomics, human factors engineering (HFE), and human-computer interaction (HCI) is critical to enhancing safety, reducing errors, and improving the well-being of operators and passengers alike.
VI. EXPANDED PRACTICAL RECOMMENDATIONS FOR TRANSPORT STAKEHOLDERS
I. Malaysian Context: Advancing Ergonomics in Transportation
1. Malaysia faces unique conditions:
• A highly diverse workforce with varying anthropometric needs.
• Rapid automation and digitalization of transport systems.
• Tropical climate challenges impacting thermal comfort and fatigue.
• Strong regulatory frameworks supporting occupational safety and health.
2. Key frameworks include:
• Occupational Safety and Health Act 1994 (Amendment 2022): Mandating safe and healthy workplace conditions.
• DOSH Guidelines on Ergonomics Risk Assessment (ERA): Systematic identification and control of ergonomic risks.
• SOCSO/PERKESO Ergonomics Improvement Support Programme (EISP): Proactively assisting organisations in improving ergonomics to prevent work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs).
3. EISP adds significant value by:
• Providing technical consultation and financial incentives.
• Supporting structured ergonomic improvement plans.
• Enabling continuous monitoring and improvement of workplace ergonomics.
• Aligning organizations with Malaysia’s broader Vision Zero for workplace safety.
II. Ergonomics and HCI in Transportation System Design
1. Control Rooms and Operation Centres (OCCs)
Control centres manage large-scale transport operations and present high risks of operator fatigue, posture strain, and cognitive overload.
Recommended Practices:
• Conduct quarterly ERA to review ergonomic risks.
• Use EISP support to implement redesigns of workstations, optimise monitor positioning, and improve lighting conditions.
• Introduce micro-break protocols and ergonomic seating with proper lumbar support.
With EISP assistance, transport organisations can access expert guidance and subsidised improvements for safer, more efficient control environments.
2. Vehicle Operation (Train, Bus, Heavy Goods Vehicles)
Vehicle operators face prolonged exposure to static posture, vibration, and repetitive controls, increasing fatigue and injury risks.
Recommended Actions:
• Install fatigue detection systems monitoring eye closure rate, blink frequency, and posture.
• Upgrade operator seats with ergonomic features such as vibration damping, adjustability, and lumbar support.
• Apply EISP funding for ergonomic cabin redesign and driver ergonomics training programmes.
These interventions reduce fatigue-related incidents, improve operator health, and align with Malaysia’s occupational safety goals.
III. HUMAN-COMPUTER INTERACTION (HCI) IN SMART TRANSPORT SYSTEMS
As transport systems become more automated and digitised, effective HCI is essential.
1. Best Practices:
• Design interfaces with clear multilingual options and intuitive symbols.
• Prioritise critical alarms to avoid cognitive overload.
• Integrate multimodal feedback (visual, auditory, haptic) for robust operator engagement.
2. With EISP assistance:
• Conduct ergonomic audits of control interfaces.
• Improve interface usability and operator training.
• Apply ergonomic design principles to future system upgrades.
EISP empowers operators to develop HCI systems that enhance safety, usability, and operator confidence.
3. Maintenance Depots and Workshops
Maintenance environments are ergonomically high-risk due to heavy manual handling, awkward postures, and vibration from tools.
Strategies for Improvement:
• Apply RULA and REBA tools as part of ERA to assess physical risks.
• Introduce mechanical lifting aids and ergonomic tool designs.
• Utilise EISP support for workflow redesign, equipment procurement, and worker ergonomics training.
EISP enables maintenance teams to systematically reduce injuries and improve task efficiency.
4. Passenger Comfort and Accessibility
Ensuring a comfortable and inclusive experience for passengers, including persons with disabilities, is crucial.
Actions for Operators:
• Ensure compliance with MS1184 accessibility standards.
• Improve thermal comfort, especially in Malaysia’s tropical climate, and reduce vibration and noise exposure.
• Use EISP-supported audits to assess and enhance passenger space ergonomics.
Passenger-focused ergonomics improve overall service quality, user satisfaction, and transport inclusivity.
About Author: Ir. Ts. Dr. Ahmad Khushairy is actively involved in applied ergonomics and transport safety research, focusing on fatigue risk management, human-computer interaction, and system design for high-risk transport environments. As Vice President I of HFEM, he leads national efforts to advance ergonomics awareness and implementation across various industries, including public transportation, logistics, and manufacturing. His current research explores predictive ergonomics and the integration of AI in control system design to reduce human error and improve operator performance.
HUMAN FACTORS AND ERGONOMICS SOCIETY MALAYSIA
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