The Star Online, 3 December 2012
Strapping it right: Lee examining a helmet at one the exhibition booths after launching a two-day ergonomics seminar.
JOHOR BARU: Reported cases of Musculoskeletal disorders has been increasing in the country since 2008 according to National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (Niosh) chairman Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye.
He pointed out that based on statistic from the Social Security Organisation (Socso), employees who suffer from musculoskeletal disorders, a common work-related disorder, has been increasing since 2006.
Lee added that people with musculoskeletal disorder suffer from joints, nerves and muscles injuries.
“In 2006, 14 people reported such cases and the numbers jumped to 238 in 2010 while last year, a total of 268 people were recorded of such disorder,” he said.
Lee added that until November this year, the number of cases had slowed down with 194 so far but could be further lowered if given more awareness about ergonomics.
“Both employers and employees must realise the role they play in promoting ergonomics for a friendlier working environment so that such occupational risks could be minimized with the opening of the first ergonomics centre in the country here.
“The two-floor centre would be located at the existing Niosh southern region office in Senai here,” he said after launching a two-day ergonomics seminar here yesterday.
He added that after conducting talks with industry players and employees, Niosh found out that many people are still not familiar with the term ergonomics.
“We hope with the new centre, which will begin operating in January next year, more people can be equipped with ergonomic knowledge and how employers and employees can apply the principles at the workplace,” he said.