OHSWA Journal of Safety and Environment

COMPARATIVE STUDY OF AUTOMATED AND MANUAL AUDIOMETRY: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW

Possavee Winuntamalakul — 2025-12-24

One of the significant global health issues is hearing loss. Consequently, the demand for hearing tests has increased substantially for both diagnostic and preventive purposes, such as monitoring noise-exposed workers. However, conventional manual audiometry, which requires trained healthcare professionals to conduct hearing assessments, may not adequately meet this growing demand. As a result, automated audiometry has been developed to allow hearing tests to be conducted automatically. This literature review found that automated audiometry provides comparable accuracy to manual audiometry, with differences in hearing threshold levels generally within 10 decibels. The sensitivity and specificity for diagnosing hearing loss range from 95–100% and 60–82%, respectively, depending on the test frequency and the device used. However, some studies reported statistically significant differences at higher frequencies, such as 4,000–8,000 Hz. The findings suggest that automated audiometry could be applied to health surveillance, especially in occupational health settings, to improve efficiency, reduce the workload of healthcare professionals and maintain validity of test results.

FACTORS RELATED TO PREPAREDNESS FOR FIRE SUPPRESSION AMONG FIREFIGHTERS: A CASE STUDY OF ONE DISASTER PREVENTION AND MITIGATION OFFICE IN UBON RATCHATANI PROVINCE

Chanyakarn Kokaphan — 2025-12-24

Fire prevention preparedness is the responsibility of all sectors of society and plays a crucial role in reducing the loss of life and property. The objective of this study was to examine the relationship between personal demographic factors and fire prevention preparedness, which consisted of 32 firefighting personnel. The data were collected using questionnaires, data analyzed using descriptive statistics, and relationships were examined using Pearson's Chi-square and Fisher's Exact Test at a 95% confidence level. The results revealed that all firefighters were male (100%), with an average age of 38 years. The majority held a secondary school or vocational certificate (53.20 percents) and reported no underlying health conditions (87.50%). More than half were single (56.30%) and had an average work experience of 9 years. The fire prevention preparedness of firefighting personnel, categorized by overall aspect, is as follows: 1) the preparedness in terms of equipment and tools was at a high level (x̄ = 4.58), 2) the operational system organization for fire prevention was at a high level (x̄ = 4.53), 3) fire prevention training was at a high level (x̄ = 4.53) and 4) fire risk area inspection was at a high level (x̄ = 4.64). The study on the relationship between personal demographic factors and fire prevention preparedness of firefighting personnel showed no statistically significant relationship. It was also found that the most significant problems and obstacles to fire prevention preparedness were related to fire risk area inspections (46.87%), followed by personnel, equipment, and tools preparation (25.00%), operational system organization for fire prevention (15.63%), and firefighter training (12.50%), respectively. Therefore, it is recommended to review policies on fire risk area inspections, analyze the impacts of potential fire incidents, and conduct regular re-assessments of fire risk areas every year.

DEVELOPMENT OF A SAFETY MANAGEMENT APPLICATION FOR EARLY CHILDHOOD DEVELOPMENT CENTERS UNDER THE SUPERVISION OF LOCAL ADMINISTRATIVE ORGANIZATIONS IN MAE YAO SUBDISTRICT, MUEANG DISTRICT, CHIANG RAI PROVINCE

Sunphich Phimoolchat — 2025-12-24

This research and development project aimed to analyze the current safety management systems of early childhood development centers, develop a safety management application focusing on hazard identification, hazard reporting, and hazard control measures appropriate to the local context, and evaluate the quality and user satisfaction of the developed application. The study was conducted at nine early childhood development centers located in Mae Yao Subdistrict, Mueang District, Chiang Rai Province. A purposive sampling technique was employed to select 25 staff members working at these centers as the study participants. The research instruments included a semi-structured interview guide, the developed safety management application, and a satisfaction evaluation questionnaire for system users. Statistical analysis employed percentage, mean, and standard deviation. The findings revealed that existing safety management systems at the centers exhibited several limitations, particularly in risk assessment, incident recording (covering both accidents and near misses), monitoring, data reporting, and emergency communication. These gaps informed the design and development of a safety management application using the AppSheet platform, which supports use across smartphones, tablets, and computers. Key features of the application included incident reporting, hazard/risk mapping, student check-in and check-out tracking, real-time alerts via email and Telegram, and a dashboard for instant data summarization. The application was evaluated by three subject-matter experts, who rated the overall quality at the highest level (X̄ = 4.59, SD = 0.56). Moreover, user satisfaction among the 25 participating staff members was found to be at a high level (X̄ = 3.55, SD = 0.82). These results indicate that the developed safety management application is feasible for practical implementation and well-aligned with the operational contexts of early childhood development centers, supporting sustainable improvements in occupational health and safety management at the early childhood level.

MUSCULOSKELETAL DISORDERS AND ERGONOMIC RISK FACTORS AMONG CHILI FARMERS: A CASE STUDY IN CHIANG KHRUEA SUB DISTRICT, MAUNG DISTRICT, SAKON NAKHON PROVINCE

Benyapha Sripanya — 2025-12-24

Chili farmer are at risk of developing musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs). This study is a cross-sectional study aimed to examine the prevalence of MSDs and ergonomic risk factors contributing to these disorders among chili farmers in the upper northeastern region of Thailand. The study population consisted of 116 chili farmers form Chiang Khruea Subdistrict, Mueang District, Sakon Nakhon Province. Data were collected using a general information questionnaire, a musculoskeletal symptom questionnaire adapted from the Standardized Nordic Questionnaire (SNQ), and an ergonomic risk exposure assessment questionnaire. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistical analysis and multiple logistic regression. The study reported that participants were predominantly male (51.7%) with a mean age of 49.71 ± 10.25 years and an average Body mass index of 23.28 ± 3.05 kg/m². Most had no chronic illnesses (82.8%). The prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders in the past 7 days and 12 months were 58.6 % and 75.0%, respectively. In the past 7 days, the highest prevalence was the lower back (30.2%), followed by shoulders (29.3%) and the knee (26.7%), respectively. Over the past 12 months, the highest prevalence was the shoulders (41.4%), followed by knee (40.5%) and the lower back (37.9%). Significant ergonomic risk factors associated with MSDs (P-value < 0.05) over the past 12 months included lifting objects away from the body (OR_adj= 8.72, 95% CI = 1.07–70.68) and lifting above shoulder or below knee height (OR_adj = 6.11, 95% CI = 1.44–25.88). This study revealed a high prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders among chili farmers. Therefore, ergonomics risk assessment, health promotion activities, and preventive measures should be implemented to reduce the severity of work-related musculoskeletal disorders.

ENVIRONMENTAL RISK ASSESSMENT OF BANANA BOAT ACTIVITIES AT BANGSAEN BEACH IN CHONBURI PROVINCE

Aimorn Prachabmorn — 2025-12-24

This research aims to explore and identify the environmental risk associated with banana boat ride activities at Bang Saen Beach, Chonburi Province.The observation of the activities was conducted with 18 ski boat drivers by non-participant observation method in April 2024. The cross-sectional survey research was studied. Hazard identification and risk assessment from babana boat activities were investigated. Check list and risk matrix table were applied as tool in this research. Probability and severity were evaluated for risk assessment.The findings revealed that no hazards or threats were found with very high risk levels. Physical factor with high-risk score was high temperature, moderate score was UV rays. Pollution and environmental quality item with high risk levels was engine noise, moderate scores were plankton bloom phenomenon and deterioration of seawater quality. Accident and safety items were classified as high risk levels, including not wearing a water sport helmet and falling from inflatable boat. Moderate scores were not wearing a life jacket and boat collision accident. Conclusion of this research found that the high-risk hazards included high temperatures, engine noise, lack of water sport helmets during water activities, and the risk of falling off inflatable boats. The environmental risk from banana boat activities at Bang Saen Beach, Chonburi Province need to be continuously monitored. Risk control and risk management data in this area should be evaluated and implemented.

EFFECTIVENESS OF SEAT CUSHION AND ENGINE SPEED CONTROL IN REDUCING WHOLE-BODY VIBRATION EXPOSURE AMONG TRACTOR DRIVERS

Anousith Syphanh — 2025-12-24

This quasi-experimental study aimed to evaluate the effects of engine speed control and vibration-absorbing seat materials on reducing whole-body vibration (WBV) among Tractor Drivers in Changhan District, Roi Et Province. Thirty farmers were selected using simple random sampling. The instruments consisted of (1) the Musculoskeletal Severity and Frequency Questionnaire (MSFQ) to assess frequency and severity of discomfort in the past month, and (2) the SVANTEX SV 106 vibration analyzer, calibrated and installed according to ISO 2631-1 and EU Directive 2002/44/EC standards. Data were analyzed using Paired t-test and Wilcoxon signed-rank test. Results showed that musculoskeletal discomfort was most prevalent in the lower back (60.00%), followed by calves (43.33%) and neck (33.33%). Controlling the engine speed at 1,600 rpm reduced Whole-Body Vibration (WBV) to 0.90 m/s², compared with 2,200 and 2,400 rpm. Installation of silicone and nitrile composite seat materials significantly reduced WBV under all conditions of moving on a paved road and moving on a farm plot during ploughing (P<0.05). In conclusion, both engine speed reduction and vibration-absorbing seat modifications are effective interventions to minimize WBV exposure among tractor operators. These findings underscore the importance of ergonomics seat design in agricultural tractors and support preventive measures to promote long-term health and safety among farmers.

ERGONOMICS RISK ASSESSMENT AND MUSCULOSKELETAL DISORDERS AMONG PROFESSIONAL NURSES IN THE ADULT INTENSIVE CARE UNIT OF ONE HOSPITAL, PHATTHALUNG PROVINCE

Muhammad Bindulem — 2025-12-24

Nurses play a crucial role in patient care. Improper working postures and frequent patient handling can adversely affect nurses’ quality of life and the efficiency of patient care. This cross-sectional descriptive study aimed to assess ergonomic risks and musculoskeletal disorders among professional nurses working in the adult intensive care unit of one hospital in Phatthalung Province. The sample consisted of 53 professional nurses, and data were collected between June and December 2024. The research instruments included a general questionnaire, the Standardized Nordic Questionnaire (SNQ), and the Rapid Entire Body Assessment (REBA). The results showed that most nurses cared for patients who were unable to assist themselves and frequently lifted or transferred patients between beds (98.1%). A large proportion of nurses also reported bending or squatting alternately with standing during work (83.0%) and reaching for objects (69.8%). The most common musculoskeletal symptoms were shoulder pain (83.0%), upper back pain (75.5%), and calf pain (69.8%). The ergonomic assessment indicated that tasks involving patient transfer and repositioning posed moderate to high risks of musculoskeletal injury. Therefore, hospitals should improve techniques or provide assistive devices for patient transfer, arrange rest periods between shifts, and organize training programs on proper patient handling based on ergonomic principles to reduce musculoskeletal injury risks among nurses and enhance occupational safety in a sustainable manner.

ASSESSMENT TOOLS, HEALTH EFFECTS, AND MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES FOR WHOLE BODY VIBRATION EXPOSURE AMONG HIGH-RISK OCCUPATIONAL WORKERS: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW

Pataraporn Janjamnong — 2025-12-24

Whole body vibration (WBV) is a hazard for drivers of vehicles and heavy machinery in agricultural and industrial sectors. The purpose of this systematic review was to summarize prior research on exposure assessment tools, health impacts, and preventive control management of whole body vibration (WBV) exposure in workers who were at high risk. Scopus, Google scholar and ThaiJo were all searched for research published between 2015 and 2025. Fourteen studies met the requirements, which included high risk occupations, i.e, forklift, tractor drivers, and heavy machinery operators. Those studies employed a vibration meter to directly measure vibration exposure, a musculoskeletal symptoms by interviewed Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs) questionnaire, and self-ergonomics risk factors assessment (SERFA) and risk assessment form. Musculoskeletal problems were most affected by the WBV on health impact and preventive control approaches included seat ergonomic study and the development of vibration-reducing driving seats. Further research should be conducted in high-risk occupations for MSDs surveillance and implementation with vibration-reducing seats design on MSDs prevention.