Latest news with #NationalInstituteofOccupationalSafetyandHealth
Sinar Daily
2 days ago
- Health
- Sinar Daily
Recognise ‘text neck' syndrome as an occupational disease, says expert
KUALA LUMPUR - Neck pain or stiffness and watery or tired eyes are often dismissed as minor discomforts but experts warn they may be early symptoms of 'text neck'. A condition caused by prolonged downward tilting of the head while looking at smartphone or computer screens, text neck is a modern-day digital-age illness that is increasingly on the rise in this country. Students and white-collar workers who spend long hours in front of their smartphones and computers are particularly susceptible to the condition, which could eventually lead to spinal injuries. Azlan (not his real name), 34, an information technology executive here, is suffering from the condition and now has to undergo weekly physiotherapy. "It started with just a stiff neck but over time I couldn't turn to the left without pain. Turns out, my working posture was the main cause,' he said, adding he spends more than nine hours a day in front of his computer, not including time spent on his smartphone after office hours. According to experts, when a person tilts their head forward at a 40-degree angle, the pressure on the spine can increase sixfold to about 12 kilogrammes, compared to the average head weight of two kilogrammes. This constant strain affects the muscles, ligaments and spinal discs. LOW AWARENESS Countries such as the United States, South Korea and Singapore have classified text neck syndrome as a form of "modern health epidemic'. In Singapore, for instance, studies have found that more than 70 percent of university students and nearly two-thirds of office employees experience symptoms associated with the syndrome. However, in Malaysia, awareness of the condition remains low and there is no comprehensive official data. And, even though health facilities are already seeing a marked increase in cases, the nation has yet to recognise text neck as an occupational disease. Ergonomics expert at the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) Raemy Md Zein said muscle tension, numbness, and neck and spinal pain are among the most common complaints from white-collar workers during training and audit sessions conducted by NIOSH. Although there is a lack of official statistics on text neck, NIOSH's field observations clearly indicate a sharp rise in issues related to prolonged static posture, especially among digital workers, students and streamers. "Public awareness, particularly among young people, is still very low regarding the long-term risks of prolonged sitting and incorrect neck posture,' he said in an interview with Bernama. Despite the increasing number of cases, Raemy said Malaysia is still not adequately prepared to address the issue, including in terms of officially recognising text neck as an occupational disease. He said for now, the condition is covered under the category of musculoskeletal diseases listed in the Fifth Schedule, Part 10 of the Social Security Act 1969. Under the Occupational Safety and Health Act 1994, the list of diseases recognised under the Occupational Safety and Health (Notifiable Occupational Diseases) Regulations 2022 (NADOPOD) is "still too limited and does not yet reflect the health challenges faced by digital workers'. "NADOPOD, which comes under the Department of Occupational Safety and Health (DOSH), functions as the official guideline for verifying occupational diseases. However, it currently does not include digital posture disorders such as text neck,' he said. According to Raemy, without official recognition, thousands of digital and gig economy workers suffering from the condition are not able to receive proper protection. "This is a systemic shortcoming that requires urgent attention. NIOSH believes it is time to review and update the list of occupational diseases to include ergonomic disorders like text neck, which is becoming increasingly serious,' he said. To that end, NIOSH is currently drafting several proposals to be submitted to the relevant authorities to expand the scope of occupational diseases under the Social Security Act. GUIDELINES Aware that the official recognition of digital work-linked musculoskeletal disorders may take time, Raemy said early prevention is critical to managing the risks before they turn into serious health problems. In this context, he said the 2017 Ergonomic Risk Assessment Guidelines at the Workplace, published by DOSH, can play a vital role. These guidelines offer practical directions for organisations to systematically identify, assess and control ergonomic risks in the workplace. These guidelines are supported by NIOSH's training programmes such as Ergonomics Trained Person (ETP) and Simplified Ergonomics Risk Assessment (SERA). "ETP training not only produces individuals skilled in ergonomics but also helps organisations comply with legal requirements and improve worker productivity and well-being,' Raemy said, adding the ETP course is also a prerequisite for those who wish to be listed as Ergonomically Trained Persons on the official DOSH website. The SERA programme, meanwhile, is targeted at small and medium enterprises, which usually have less exposure to ergonomic issues, especially with regard to workplace injury claims with the Social Security Organisation (SOCSO). He also said SERA serves as an essential early intervention to help employers identify ergonomic risks in a simple and practical way. He is also confident that through training and ergonomic risk assessments, organisations can reduce injuries and protect workers. He also recommends that employees adopt ergonomic workplace layouts and take micro-breaks every 30 to 60 minutes. "Computer screens should be placed at eye level, chairs must have lumbar support and keyboards should align with elbow height,' he advised. RISING TREND AMONG THE YOUNG Clinically, experts have observed a rising trend of young patients experiencing text neck symptoms. Using his own experience as an example, orthopaedic consultant Dr Manmohan Singh said he is now treating more young patients for this condition than before, with this trend emerging over the past decade in line with the increased use of devices among teenagers and young adults. "Before 2008, I rarely treated patients in their 20s for neck pain. But now, even 15-year-olds show spinal structure changes on MRI,' he said when met by Bernama. According to the specialist from Columbia Asia Hospital Cheras here, this phenomenon, caused by drastic lifestyle changes, poses a major challenge to the healthcare system, which is not yet fully prepared to deal with the long-term impacts of digital lifestyles. He said many patients often take early symptoms lightly - such as neck pain, watery eyes or visual fatigue - and do not realise that these can lead to serious spinal structural injuries. He also shared the case of a 14-year-old patient who initially complained only of eye discomfort but was later diagnosed with text neck. He noted that younger people usually seek treatment earlier because the symptoms interfere with their daily activities, while most working adults only seek help once the pain affects their sleep or job performance. "We've found that many consider neck pain to be normal… they usually just change their pillow or apply medicated oil. But when we do an MRI, we see significant changes in the spinal structure,' he said. As for treatment options for text neck, he said most patients do not require surgery. Instead, conservative treatments such as physiotherapy and muscle-strengthening exercises, and educating them on proper posture are often more effective. EMPLOYER RESPONSIBILITY Dr Manmohan also stressed the importance of employers taking responsibility for their workers' postural health by providing ergonomic workspace setups. Inappropriate furniture and equipment, such as chairs without lumbar support or computer screens that are too low, directly contribute to chronic spinal stress, especially when used continuously without adequate breaks. This physical strain not only affects one's health but also has a direct impact on organisational performance, he said. Citing data from the United Kingdom's Health and Safety Executive, he said during the 2023/24 period, the country lost 33 million working days, with 7.8 million due to issues like neck and back pain. "If employees frequently take sick leave due to neck pain, employers should not take it lightly. Their workplace setup may not be ergonomic. Consult a doctor before the condition worsens,' he said. Dr Manmohan also encouraged every organisation to invest in adjustable desks and spine-supportive chairs, while ensuring that computer screens are positioned at eye level. He also recommended that employees take a five-minute break to stand and do light stretches for every 45 minutes spent in front of the screen. These small steps not only help reduce the risk of spinal injuries but also foster a healthier and more sustainable work culture, he said, adding that it is time for employers to view investments in ergonomics as a strategic necessity to ensure a healthy, productive and future-ready workforce. - BERNAMA
Barnama
07-07-2025
- Health
- Barnama
Recognise ‘Text Neck' Syndrome As An Occupational Disease, Says Expert
N eck pain or stiffness and watery or tired eyes are often dismissed as minor discomforts but experts warn they may be early symptoms of 'text neck'. A condition caused by prolonged downward tilting of the head while looking at smartphone or computer screens, text neck is a modern-day digital-age illness that is increasingly on the rise in this country. Students and white-collar workers who spend long hours in front of their smartphones and computers are particularly susceptible to the condition, which could eventually lead to spinal injuries. Azlan (not his real name), 34, an information technology executive here, is suffering from the condition and now has to undergo weekly physiotherapy. 'It started with just a stiff neck but over time I couldn't turn to the left without pain. Turns out, my working posture was the main cause,' he said, adding he spends more than nine hours a day in front of his computer, not including time spent on his smartphone after office hours. According to experts, when a person tilts their head forward at a 40-degree angle, the pressure on the spine can increase sixfold to about 12 kilogrammes, compared to the average head weight of two kilogrammes. This constant strain affects the muscles, ligaments and spinal discs. LOW AWARENES Countries such as the United States, South Korea and Singapore have classified text neck syndrome as a form of 'modern health epidemic'. In Singapore, for instance, studies have found that more than 70 percent of university students and nearly two-thirds of office employees experience symptoms associated with the syndrome. However, in Malaysia, awareness of the condition remains low and there is no comprehensive official data. And, even though health facilities are already seeing a marked increase in cases, the nation has yet to recognise text neck as an occupational disease. Ergonomics expert at the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) Raemy Md Zein said muscle tension, numbness, and neck and spinal pain are among the most common complaints from white-collar workers during training and audit sessions conducted by NIOSH. Although there is a lack of official statistics on text neck, NIOSH's field observations clearly indicate a sharp rise in issues related to prolonged static posture, especially among digital workers, students and streamers. 'Public awareness, particularly among young people, is still very low regarding the long-term risks of prolonged sitting and incorrect neck posture,' he said in an interview with Bernama. Despite the increasing number of cases, Raemy said Malaysia is still not adequately prepared to address the issue, including in terms of officially recognising text neck as an occupational disease. He said for now, the condition is covered under the category of musculoskeletal diseases listed in the Fifth Schedule, Part 10 of the Social Security Act 1969. Under the Occupational Safety and Health Act 1994, the list of diseases recognised under the Occupational Safety and Health (Notifiable Occupational Diseases) Regulations 2022 (NADOPOD) is 'still too limited and does not yet reflect the health challenges faced by digital workers'. 'NADOPOD, which comes under the Department of Occupational Safety and Health (DOSH), functions as the official guideline for verifying occupational diseases. However, it currently does not include digital posture disorders such as text neck,' he said. According to Raemy, without official recognition, thousands of digital and gig economy workers suffering from the condition are not able to receive proper protection. 'This is a systemic shortcoming that requires urgent attention. NIOSH believes it is time to review and update the list of occupational diseases to include ergonomic disorders like text neck, which is becoming increasingly serious,' he said. To that end, NIOSH is currently drafting several proposals to be submitted to the relevant authorities to expand the scope of occupational diseases under the Social Security Act. GUIDELINES Aware that the official recognition of digital work-linked musculoskeletal disorders may take time, Raemy said early prevention is critical to managing the risks before they turn into serious health problems. In this context, he said the 2017 Ergonomic Risk Assessment Guidelines at the Workplace, published by DOSH, can play a vital role. These guidelines offer practical directions for organisations to systematically identify, assess and control ergonomic risks in the workplace. These guidelines are supported by NIOSH's training programmes such as Ergonomics Trained Person (ETP) and Simplified Ergonomics Risk Assessment (SERA). 'ETP training not only produces individuals skilled in ergonomics but also helps organisations comply with legal requirements and improve worker productivity and well-being,' Raemy said, adding the ETP course is also a prerequisite for those who wish to be listed as Ergonomically Trained Persons on the official DOSH website. The SERA programme, meanwhile, is targeted at small and medium enterprises, which usually have less exposure to ergonomic issues, especially with regard to workplace injury claims with the Social Security Organisation (SOCSO). He also said SERA serves as an essential early intervention to help employers identify ergonomic risks in a simple and practical way. He is also confident that through training and ergonomic risk assessments, organisations can reduce injuries and protect workers. He also recommends that employees adopt ergonomic workplace layouts and take micro-breaks every 30 to 60 minutes. 'Computer screens should be placed at eye level, chairs must have lumbar support and keyboards should align with elbow height,' he advised. RISING TREND AMONG THE YOUNG Clinically, experts have observed a rising trend of young patients experiencing text neck symptoms. Using his own experience as an example, orthopaedic consultant Dr Manmohan Singh said he is now treating more young patients for this condition than before, with this trend emerging over the past decade in line with the increased use of devices among teenagers and young adults. 'Before 2008, I rarely treated patients in their 20s for neck pain. But now, even 15-year-olds show spinal structure changes on MRI,' he said when met by Bernama. According to the specialist from Columbia Asia Hospital Cheras here, this phenomenon, caused by drastic lifestyle changes, poses a major challenge to the healthcare system, which is not yet fully prepared to deal with the long-term impacts of digital lifestyles. He said many patients often take early symptoms lightly – such as neck pain, watery eyes or visual fatigue – and do not realise that these can lead to serious spinal structural injuries. He also shared the case of a 14-year-old patient who initially complained only of eye discomfort but was later diagnosed with text neck. He noted that younger people usually seek treatment earlier because the symptoms interfere with their daily activities, while most working adults only seek help once the pain affects their sleep or job performance. 'We've found that many consider neck pain to be normal… they usually just change their pillow or apply medicated oil. But when we do an MRI, we see significant changes in the spinal structure,' he said. As for treatment options for text neck, he said most patients do not require surgery. Instead, conservative treatments such as physiotherapy and muscle-strengthening exercises, and educating them on proper posture are often more effective. EMPLOYER RESPONSIBILITY Dr Manmohan also stressed the importance of employers taking responsibility for their workers' postural health by providing ergonomic workspace setups. Inappropriate furniture and equipment, such as chairs without lumbar support or computer screens that are too low, directly contribute to chronic spinal stress, especially when used continuously without adequate breaks. This physical strain not only affects one's health but also has a direct impact on organisational performance, he said. Citing data from the United Kingdom's Health and Safety Executive, he said during the 2023/24 period, the country lost 33 million working days, with 7.8 million due to issues like neck and back pain. 'If employees frequently take sick leave due to neck pain, employers should not take it lightly. Their workplace setup may not be ergonomic. Consult a doctor before the condition worsens,' he said. Dr Manmohan also encouraged every organisation to invest in adjustable desks and spine-supportive chairs, while ensuring that computer screens are positioned at eye level. He also recommended that employees take a five-minute break to stand and do light stretches for every 45 minutes spent in front of the screen. These small steps not only help reduce the risk of spinal injuries but also foster a healthier and more sustainable work culture, he said, adding that it is time for employers to view investments in ergonomics as a strategic necessity to ensure a healthy, productive and future-ready workforce.
The Star
12-06-2025
- The Star
NIOSH urges tighter safety measures at construction sites after Bangsar incident
KUALA LUMPUR: The National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) has urged improved safety measures at construction sites following the discovery of a British traveller's body at a site in Bangsar recently. NIOSH chairman Chong Chieng Jen said the incident raised questions about public access to the area and called for a review of existing safety protocols. "Construction sites are inherently high-risk and should not, under any circumstances, be accessible to the public," he said in a statement on Thursday (June 12). On June 5, police confirmed that the body found the previous day at a construction site in Bangsar was that of the missing 25-year-old British national, last seen on May 27. Chong said Section 15 of the Occupational Safety and Health (Amendment) Act (OSHA) 2022 spells out the duty of employers to ensure the safety, health and welfare of employees at the workplace, while Section 17 emphasises the responsibility to safeguard others present at the site. "Employers and self-employed individuals are also required, as far as reasonably practicable, to ensure that their operations do not pose safety or health risks to non-employees. "They must also provide information on any hazards that could affect the safety or health of individuals present at the worksite," the statement said. Chong reminded developers, contractors and all relevant parties to comply with the Act or risk being fined up to RM500,000, jailed for up to two years, or both. He said that preventive measures, including effective perimeter fencing, adequate security surveillance, systematic access control, and clear warning signage, should be standard at all construction sites. "Risk management at construction sites should not only focus on protecting workers, but also on ensuring the safety of the public, especially in densely populated urban areas frequented by tourists," he said. In addition, NIOSH has called on the Occupational Safety and Health Department and the Construction Industry Development Board to conduct an immediate and comprehensive investigation to identify any breach of standard operating procedures or provisions under OSHA. Chong added that NIOSH is ready to cooperate with authorities and the industry to promote a stronger safety culture through training, awareness programmes and a better understanding of the OSHA (Amendment) 2022. – Bernama
Free Malaysia Today
12-06-2025
- Free Malaysia Today
Suspend licence if heavy vehicle driver gets 3 summonses, says activist
Fifteen Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris students were killed when the bus they were travelling in overturned along the East-West Highway near Tasik Banding, Gerik, early Monday morning. PETALING JAYA : A safety advocate has called for the licences of drivers of commercial vehicles who rack up more than three summonses to be suspended, following the discovery that the bus driver involved in the crash that killed 15 university students on Monday had 18. Lee Lam Thye told FMT it was 'high time' the Road Transport Act was amended to ensure that drivers of heavy vehicles such as buses, trucks, and lorries were not allowed behind the wheel if they had more than three summonses. Lee Lam Thye. 'Even if they pay the fine, the very fact that they are issued so many summonses… This should be taken seriously,' said Lee, a former chairman of the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health. 'Road accidents involving heavy vehicles will result in a greater number of deaths. There have been so many cases where this has happened. If it involves a bus, then all the passengers become victims through no fault of their own. 'And every time there is a major road crash which results in deaths, the driver will be probed – and very often, they are found to have committed offences such as consuming drugs, speeding, or other safety-related offences.' The 15 students from Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris were killed when the bus they were travelling in crashed into the rear of a Perodua Alza, veered off the road, and overturned along the East-West Highway near Tasik Banding, Gerik, early Monday morning. In a Sinar Harian report on Tuesday, Bukit Aman traffic investigation and enforcement department director Yusri Hassan Basri revealed that the bus driver had 18 summonses: 13 for speeding, three for not wearing a seatbelt, one for not having a third brake light, and another for involvement in a previous accident. Transport minister Loke Siew Fook had said that based on dashcam footage from other road users, it was clear that the bus was 'speeding and overtaking' before it lost control and crashed. S Vinesh. Lawyer S Vinesh, who has represented clients charged under the Road Transport Act, agreed that the law should be amended to ensure that drivers of commercial vehicles with a certain number of summonses have their licence suspended. 'Perhaps stricter measures like this will compel drivers to adhere more closely to road safety regulations,' he said. Noting that the road transport department already had a demerit system for drivers, Vinesh asked how someone with 18 summonses could still be allowed to drive a bus. 'This shows there is a gap in our system which needs urgent attention,' he said. A transport industry insider, speaking on condition of anonymity, said he was 'shocked' that the bus driver had 18 summonses. Adding that such accidents were occurring more frequently, he said enforcement agencies should have done a better job at ensuring that the driver was not allowed behind the wheel. 'They know where he works, the company's name, the company's address… They have all the data. But why was no action taken?' he asked. 'Now, 15 young lives have been lost.'
New Straits Times
10-06-2025
- New Straits Times
NIOSH urges probe into Bangsar site after Briton's tragic death
KUALA LUMPUR: The National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) has urged authorities to investigate the developer and all parties involved in the Bangsar construction site where a 25-year-old British solo traveller was found dead last week. Its chairman, Chong Chieng Jen, said the Department of Occupational Safety and Health (DOSH) and the Construction Industry Development Board (CIDB) must immediately determine whether there were breaches of standard operating procedures (SOPs) or violations under the Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA) 1994 (Amendment) 2022. He said NIOSH viewed the incident seriously and called for an immediate and comprehensive probe into how a high-risk worksite in an urban area like Bangsar could be accessed by members of the public. "Construction sites are high-risk zones and should, under no circumstances, be accessible to the general public," he said, adding that the death raised serious questions about the adequacy of on-site safety controls. Chong said the incident underscored the need for developers, contractors, and all stakeholders to re-evaluate their approach to workplace safety and public risk management. He noted that Section 15 of the amended OSHA 1994 mandates employers to ensure the safety, health, and welfare of their workers, while Section 17 imposes a similar duty to protect others, including non-workers, who may be affected by worksite activities. "Section 17 explicitly states that employers and self-employed persons must, as far as is reasonably practicable, ensure that people who are not their employees are not exposed to health or safety risks due to their activities. "They are also required to inform individuals present at their worksites of any risks that could affect their safety or health," he said in a response to the New Straits Times. Chong added that failure to comply with these provisions could result in a maximum fine of RM500,000, imprisonment for up to two years, or both. According to police, the 25-year-old victim is believed to have entered the construction area before falling to his death into a partially completed lift shaft, where his decomposing body was later found submerged in water. The man, who had arrived in Malaysia from Vietnam on May 17, was reported missing on May 27 by his mother in the United Kingdom. According to police, the 25-year-old victim is believed to have entered the construction area before falling to his death in a halfway constructed lift shaft, with his decomposing body partially submerged in water. The man The man who arrived here from Vietnam on May 17 was reported missing since May 27 by his mother in the United Kingdom. The case has sparked widespread concern over site security and public safety enforcement. Chong said project stakeholders, including developers, principal contractors, subcontractors, site owners, and security providers, must fully understand their legal responsibilities and the severe consequences of negligence. He stressed that those responsible must ensure all construction sites are secured with effective perimeter fencing, proper surveillance, controlled entry and exit points, as well as clear and comprehensible warning signage. "The amended OSHA 2022 reinforces the principle of shared responsibility among all parties involved in a construction project. "Risk management at construction sites must not only focus on worker safety but also on ensuring the protection of the general public, especially in densely populated or tourist-heavy urban areas," Chong said. He added that NIOSH stands ready to assist the relevant authorities in strengthening the safety culture across the construction industry through awareness programmes, training, and guidance to ensure full compliance with OSHA 2022 requirements. On Saturday, Alliance for a Safe Community chairman Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye questioned whether proper safety measures had been in place at the project.
