004 Repetitive Strain Injury as an Occupational Health Risk in the Malaysian Construction Industry: Case Study in Kampar, Perak

Abstract

The construction industry is a key driver of national economic growth and development. However, health and safety problems are high and persistent, repetitive strain injury (RSI) is recognized as the most common work-related illness among Malaysian construction workers. Hence, this study investigates the nature of work and examines the relationship between workers’ awareness of RSI and the prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) among construction workers in Kampar, Perak. Using a convenience sampling method, 80 questionnaires were administered, and 55 valid responses were obtained, yielding a 68.75% response rate. Descriptive analysis shows that prolonged static posture (mean = 4.07) and awkward posture (mean = 3.16) are perceived as the main contributors to RSI risk, while other hazards such as overexertion, vibration, and extreme temperature are viewed as task-specific risks. Pearson correlation analysis reveals strong interrelationships among ergonomic hazards, awkward posture strongly correlates with repetitive motion (r = 0.826, p < 0.01) and overexertion (r = 0.531, p < 0.01), while awareness of vibrating tools is strongly linked to awkward movement (r = 0.766, p < 0.01) and repetitive motion (r = 0.742, p < 0.01). Static posture is moderately associated with repetitive motion (r = 0.559, p < 0.01) and vibrating tools (r = 0.592, p < 0.01). In contrast, extreme temperature shows weak correlations, including an insignificant link with overexertion (r = 0.060, p = 0.662), indicating it is perceived as a distinct environmental factor rather than an ergonomic hazard cluster. These findings highlight the need for integrated ergonomic training programs focusing on highly correlated hazards to improve prevention efforts, while separate strategies should address less-connected risks like extreme temperatures. Regular site assessments and active supervisor engagement in promoting ergonomic practices are recommended to reduce RSI and enhance the health, safety, and productivity of workers in the construction industry.