THE Relationship Between Attitude, Knowledge, and Musculoskeletal Disorder Awareness Among Construction Workers

Nurul Syazwani Ahmad Sabri; Mohamad Khuzaimi  Mohamad Azli

doi:10.32890/ssmj2025.2.2.1

Authors

Nurul Syazwani Ahmad Sabri Universiti Utara Malaysia, Malaysia
Mohamad Khuzaimi Mohamad Azli Master of Science Student, Occupational Safety and Health Management Program, Universiti Utara Malaysia, Malaysia

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.32890/ssmj2025.2.2.1

Keywords:

attitude, knowledge, musculoskeletal disorders, foreign workers, construction

Abstract

Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are one of the major causes of occupational injuries and reduced productivity in the construction sector. Despite various safety regulations and ergonomic guidelines, the level of awareness regarding MSDs among construction workers remains low. Many workers continue to underestimate the risks of repetitive movements, awkward postures, and heavy lifting, which contribute to the persistent rise of MSD cases in the construction sector. Therefore, this study is conducted with the intention to investigate factors that might influence MSD awareness. The study tested two independent variables namely, attitude and knowledge against MSD awareness. A total of 132 questionnaire was distributed to foreign workers with response rate of 100%. In this study, hypotheses for direct relationship were tested using multiple regression analyses. Results showed that both attitude and knowledge were not related to MSD awareness. Interestingly, this study indicating that having positive attitude and high knowledge on safety do not increase the awareness on MSD. These findings provide new insight on the issues of creating awareness towards MSD especially involving foreign workers. The question of why attitude and knowledge do not influence MSD awareness by foreign workers in construction sector provide opportunity for future research to reconcile these explanations. It also highlights the importance of engaging different and ongoing approach in educate and train foreign workers to increase awareness and reduce the incidence of MSDs in the high-risk construction industry. These efforts can contribute to a safer working environment, fewer injuries, and improved productivity across the sector.

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