Kuala Lumpur: Non-ergonomic work environments are considered key contributors to stress and a range of health issues among workers, especially those affecting the spine, muscles, and joints. These problems often lead to increased sick leave and reduced productivity, ultimately impacting the overall performance of an organization.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Malaysian Society for Occupational Safety and Health (MSOSH) president Ahmad Fakhrul Anuar Ismail noted that workers frequently raise health issues during programs organized by the association, with many of them concerned about their long-term well-being. “One of the most common issues raised is the increase in sick leave due to muscle and joint discomfort, as well as work-related stress, all stemming from a non-ergonomic workplace environment,” he stated.
Ergonomics in the workplace refers to the science of designing and arranging workplaces, tools, and equipment to fit the needs of the people who use them, with the goal of creating a safe, comfortable, and efficient work environment. Universiti Teknologi Mara assistant vice-chancellor Professor Dr. Amer Shakir Zainol explained that an ergonomic environment can be achieved by reducing the physical and mental strain workers experience throughout their day at work. He highlighted that without proper ergonomic adaptation, workers are at risk of developing various long-term health problems, with back and neck pain being the most common.
Dr. Amer Shakir pointed to companies like Google and local institutions such as the Employees Provident Fund (EPF) as examples where ergonomic concepts are applied in office furniture design. He explained that elements such as flexible workspace design play an important role in preventing workers from spending excessive time at their desks or sitting in static positions, which contributes to back and neck strain.
Meanwhile, Ahmad Fakhrul Anuar stated that workplace environments in Malaysia have yet to reach an optimal ergonomic level, especially among small and medium enterprises, although the situation is considered manageable. He mentioned that statistics related to musculoskeletal disorders in Malaysia show trends consistent with other countries, including developed nations, indicating that ergonomic issues are a global challenge.
Ahmad Fakhrul Anuar also highlighted Malaysia’s positive progress in the field of ergonomics, particularly through government and Department of Occupational Safety and Health (DOSH) initiatives. Several guidelines have been published to help industries implement proper ergonomic interventions, and DOSH is currently in the process of upgrading some of these guidelines into Codes of Practice.
The long-term effects of a non-ergonomic work environment can be serious and affect the quality of life of workers, according to Ahmad Fakhrul Anuar. In many cases, it not only leads to physical disabilities but also contributes to mental health issues such as stress and depression caused by chronic pain.
Agreeing that non-ergonomic environments can jeopardize employee health, Malaysian Public Health Medicine Specialists Association president Datuk Dr. Zainal Ariffin Omar identified inappropriate chairs and desks or extended working hours without sufficient breaks as factors contributing to workers’ health problems. He stressed that inadequate lighting and user-unfriendly work equipment also increase the risk of fatigue and discomfort.
Ahmad Fakhrul Anuar suggested several measures that employers need to take to safeguard the well-being of their employees. He emphasized ensuring that workplace design meets the needs of staff, providing adjustable chairs and tables, and training employees on proper posture management and safe object-lifting techniques. He recommended the use of ergonomic chairs and properly placed screens to reduce strain on the body and encouraged workers to take short breaks after extended periods of work.