Environmental Ergonomics Affecting Students Comfort In A Vocational College

Abstract

Environmental ergonomics is defined a scientific study of the effects of ambient environmental conditions on human comfort, performance and health. Knowledge on ergonomics, importance of safety, and environmental ergonomic conditions are the essential factors to ensure students’ comfort during practical work in the workshop. This study aims to assess environmental ergonomic conditions regarding lighting, noise and temperature that affect students’ comfort during practical session in a vocational college. This study compared two groups namely Welding Technology and Electronic Technology. Welding Technology students are exposed to high noise, high temperature, and need adequate lighting while Electronic Technology students are not exposed to the high noise and high temperature during the practical session. There is a significant difference of environmental ergonomic conditions between Welding and Electronic Technology students (0.01 = p < 0.05). There is no significant difference in comfort level between Welding and Electronic Technology students (0.39 = p > 0.05). There is association between environmental ergonomics and students’ comfort level (0.04, 0.02, 0.01 = p < 0.05). The interaction between students and their surrounding environment is one of the key important aspect in workshops. A number of 79.6% students agreed that the noise of the machine interrupts them emotionally during practical work. Majority of the environmental ergonomics measurement level in the workshop did not comply with the established standards. The environmental ergonomics is helpful to contribute ideas for improvements in the design of the workplace to enhance students’ comfort.