Implementation of Kiken Yochi intervention approach to reduce musculoskeletal symptoms among male workers of pineapple farm plantations in Johor, Malaysia

• Main Author: Ya'acob, Noor Afifah
• Format: Thesis
• Language: English
• Published: 2017
• Online Access: http://psasir.upm.edu.my/id/eprint/70549/1/FPSK%28M%29%202017%2053%20-%20IR.pdf; http://psasir.upm.edu.my/id/eprint/70549/
• Institution: Universiti Putra Malaysia

Background: Work tasks in pineapple plantations in Malaysia are characterized by non-ergonomic work posture, awkward movement and repetitive tasks that put a lot of strain on the body, heavy weight lifting and manual handling of work tools. Heavy work tasks contributes to the reporting of musculoskeletal symptoms (MSS) of workers. Thus, Kiken Yochi training was selected as training programmes in reducing MSS.Kiken (hazard) Yochi (prediction) training is a Japanese activity used to motivate members to recognize and predict hazards that develops sensitivity to unsafe conditions or hazardous situations. Objective: The aim of this study was to assess effects of work improvement module using a Kiken Yochi participatory approach in reducing MSS among male migrant pineapple farm plantation workers in Pontian, Johor. Methodology: A total of 45 male migrant workers that consisted of 27 workers for the intervention group and 18 workers for the control group from two pineapple plantations in Pontian, Johor were recruited by simple random sampling method in this experimental type study. This study consisted of three phases. Before the first phase of this study started, hazard identification, risk assessment and risk control (HIRARC) was conducted using a video recording which were based on the methods established by the Department of Occupational Safety and Health (DOSH) (Malaysia). In the first phase of the study, workers completed a self-administered questionnaire in Bahasa Malaysia which asks items on MSS. MSS were assessed using a questionnaire adapted from the standardized Nordic questionnaire (SNQ). Then ergonomic riskswere assessed using rapid upper limb assessment (RULA) and lastly MSS education training were implemented to both groups of workers. The MSS education training provided information on proper lifting techniques and education on body mechanics and ergonomics to reduce MSS among workers. Kiken Yochi Training was given to the intervention group only. In the second phase of the study, post-intervention questionnaire was distributed among all workers 2 months after the first phase of the study was conducted. Results: The highest distribution of MSS for the past 12 months during pre-intervention phase among intervention group are knee (59%, n=16), lower back (59%, n=16) and shoulder (56%, n=15) while among control group are lower back (67%, n=12), shoulder (50%, n=9) and knee (44%, n=8). Based on the HIRARC outcome, there are three work tasks categorized as high risk, namely cultivation,manual weeding and harvesting. While for ergonomic risk assessment, the highest risk were cultivation and harvesting where 22 of workers were categorized as having very high risk of MSS level (grand score of more than 7+). Approximately 8 of workers had very high risk for MSS while performing manual weeding. Post-intervention, statistical analysis using non-parametric McNemar test found significant decrease of prevelance of ankle/feet disorders but the prevalence of lower back symptoms showed an increase within the intervention group. Conclusion:Implementation of the Kiken-Yochi participatory approach training among male migrant pineapple workers at Pontian, Johor was not linked with the general reduction of MSS except for the selected regions of the body. It is suggested that work methods incorporating modifications on the existing manual tools are needed before a successful ergonomic training can be effectively implemented. Proactive measures and actions needs to be taken by the authority in improving the safety and health of workers in the pineapple plantation sector.