The 4th International Conference on Management, Education, and Social Science (4th MESS), organized by Research Synergy Foundation, was held successfully virtually on 6 July 2023. Hundred of scholars coming from 17 countries had involved in the active scientific forum discussion. Since there were many questions and feedback from the audience to the presenter, we will continue the discussion in this forum. The third presenter is Mr. Alastair Tiong from University Malaysia Sabah. His research is about the Risk Factors of Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs) among Kota Kinabalu, Sabah Firefighters: A Preliminary Study. The full conference paper can be accessed at the link https://proceeding.researchsynergypress.com/index.php/rsfconferenceseries1/article/view/638
There are several questions from the participants below:
Q1.) JOEMEL ESTABILLO --> In your research study on "Risk Factors of Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs) among Kota Kinabalu, Saber Firefighters," what insights or preliminary findings have you uncovered regarding the specific risk factors contributing to MSDs among this group of firefighters, and how can this knowledge inform future interventions and strategies to mitigate such occupational health risks and what can you add in the body of knowledge?
Q2.) Junine Ray D. Jarabo--> Is this the very first study related to Kota Kinabalu Saber Firefighters?
Q3.) D. Sudha --> Dear Mr Alastair, First of all you presented well taking into account it was your first one. My question is Do you think the mental health of female firefighters would be better than male?
Q4.) Eduardo A. Quintana Jr. --> Based on your research, What are the most significant risk factors for musculoskeletal disorders among Kota Kinabalu, Sabah firefighters based on your preliminary studies?
Q5.) BISCAST_RACHELLE ESGUERRA --> What are ways to minimize MSD among firefighters?
Q6.) MODERATOR_ STO.TOMAS, KRISTIAN JAY --> Do you think that the gap between the number of your respondents, in terms of gender, has affected the result of your data?
Q7.) Eduardo A. Quintana Jr. --> What are the ergonomic considerations that should be addressed to minimize the risk of musculoskeletal disorders among Kota Kinabalu, Sabah firefighters, as suggested by your preliminary studies?
Q8.) vivian ramachandran --> How can the government help the firefighters mitigate the factors surrounding the risk of MSDs?
Q9.) April Farell Relacion --> What are the organizational factors, such as training programs, equipment design, and workplace policies, that can contribute to the prevention of musculoskeletal disorders in the firefighting profession?
Q10.) Catalino L. Emperio III --> Does gender contribute to the risk of musculoskeletal disorders? Are any significant relationship between gender and MSDs?
Q11.) Juby Vallejo --> What do you think is the impact of work-related musculoskeletal disorders on the employment of firefighters?
Q12.) E.A. Macazo --> Which sexuality, male or female, is more prominent to MSDs?
Q13.) Diamae Atacador --> Hello. What are your possible recommendations to avoid MSDs?
Q14.) Sarrah Jane_Philippines --> Any recommendations for the Government of Malaysia?
Q15.) Santi Rahmawati --> Since the Ageing Problems is a one of significant factor affecting the prevalence of MSDs. Is there any recommendation how to minimise those problems? Perhaps in your further study you can employ the qualitative approach to explore this ageing problems in the perspective of firefighter themselve. It could be use the phenomenology (highlighting the meaning & lived experience) or case study approach. All the best luck for your future study. Really interesting one.. Good Job 👍🏼👍🏼
The conference recording can be accessed at https://youtu.be/AoCshXQ-Mo0
The presenter and the audience can continue the discussion in this forum. Enjoy the discussion, and see you at the upcoming conference at https://bit.ly/RSF-UpcomingConference
Replies
Good day to everyone, sorry for the late reply.
1) I found out that mental health, workstyles, and task characteristics do negatively correlate with the prevalence of MSDs. Only psychosocial factor positively affect MSDs.
2) Yes, it is
3) No, because both males and females are conducting the same task.
4) I believe the task characteristics are the most significant risk factors affecting MSDs among firefighters. This is because of the work demands and the working environment of the firefighters for example they had to perform unergonomic posture and carry heavy protective gear during their missions.
5) Increase the budget from the government, provide efficient training to avoid accidents and improve their gear.
6) I believe yes, I am sure that when the number of respondents increases, I will be enabled to receive more accurate results
7) more advanced gear which is light to carry and which combines with technology to decrease the burden of firefighters
8) Increase the budget to purchase new equipment, sending firefighters overseas for training purposes
9) Advanced equipment is easier to operate and light to carry so there will be lesser burden on the firefighters. Training is to avoid accidents during actual missions. Recruit more new blood to reduce current firefighters' working hours.
10) In this study, I found no significant relationship between gender and MSD due to the huge number of differences between gender. In other studies, I found out that yes, gender does affect MSDs. One of the factors causing gender to relate to MSDs is differences in the physical strength between males and females.
11) Injury, early retirement, disability, mental illness and more
12) Of course, male
13) Regular training, equipped with more advanced gear
14) Stop the political drama, and focus on the welfare of Malaysian citizens, especially the front liners like police officers, military personnel, firefighters, doctors and nurses.
15) Recruit more new blood and turn these seniors into trainers to educate the junior about their experiences in ways to avoid accidents. And Thank You for the recommendation, I will look into it.
Thank you for all the questions. It is a new experience to attend an international conference.
Thank you for sharing with us Mr. Alastair Tiong , your paper give us new insight about the firefighter concern issue in Kota Kinabalu. All the best luck for your future study/ research.