The IMPACT OF ROLLING HOSE ACTIVITIES: ASSESSING MUSCULOSKELETAL DISORDERS (MSDs) AMONG FIREFIGHTERS

Authors

  • Nurul Nafisah Abdul Karim Faculty of Engineering Technology, Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia, KM 1 Jalan Panchor, 84600 Pagoh, Muar, Johor, Malaysia.
  • Salwa Mahmood Faculty of Engineering Technology, Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia, KM 1 Jalan Panchor, 84600 Pagoh, Muar, Johor, Malaysia.
  • Helmy Mustafa El Bakri Faculty of Engineering Technology, Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia, KM 1 Jalan Panchor, 84600 Pagoh, Muar, Johor, Malaysia.
  • Ismail Abdul Rahman National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), Kompleks Mutiara Johor Land, Jalan Bukit Mutiara, Bandar Dato Onn, 81100, Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia. https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0427-846X
  • Mohd Fahmi Badulrudin Bahagian Perancangan dan Penyelidikan, Pusat Penyelidikan Kebombaan (PUSPEK), Lengkuk Teknologi Kawasan Perindustrian Bandar Enstek, 71760 Nilai, Negeri Sembilan

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.37268/mjphm/vol.24/no.2/art.2508

Keywords:

Ergonomics, MSDs, CMDQ, Instrument Development, Firefighter, Hose Roller

Abstract

This article discusses the occurrence of Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs) among firefighters due to hose rolling activities. This study examined ergonomic risk factors related to uncomfortable posture, awkward posture, repetitive motion, and forceful exertion during hose rolling. While previous studies have focused only on one fire station, this study included fire stations in the southern region of Peninsular Malaysia. This study could enhance understanding of hose rolling activities which may affect firefighters' health, and proposed ergonomic techniques to prevent MSDs in this high-risk profession. A survey was conducted on firefighters using the Cornell Musculoskeletal Discomfort Questionnaire (CMDQ) as the instrument, which included three measures. First, this study assessed the frequency of aches, pain, and discomfort experienced during the work week, with the highest scores reported in the lower back (286.9), knee (218.3), and upper back (199.8). Second, the CMDQ score was used to measure the discomfort level experienced by firefighters. The results identified that the lower back (243.4), knee (206.3), and upper back (201.6) as the most affected areas. Finally, the survey assessed firefighters' MSD-related job performance. The lower back scored 237.2, followed by the knee (207.1) and upper back (202.6). These findings showed the unique challenges encountered by firefighters when rolling hoses. These findings can be utilized to create specific interventions to improve firefighter’s well-being and job performance.

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Published

2024-08-28

How to Cite

Abdul Karim, N. N., Mahmood, S., Mustafa El Bakri , H., Abdul Rahman, I., & Mohd Fahmi Badulrudin. (2024). The IMPACT OF ROLLING HOSE ACTIVITIES: ASSESSING MUSCULOSKELETAL DISORDERS (MSDs) AMONG FIREFIGHTERS . Malaysian Journal of Public Health Medicine, 24(2), 36–46. https://doi.org/10.37268/mjphm/vol.24/no.2/art.2508

Issue

Vol. 24 No. 2 (2024): Vol 24 No 2 (2024)

Section

Articles