Mobile game apps for innovative Occupational, Safety and Health (OSH) learning for university students

Teaching the Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) course (code FSG471) is presumed as dull and mundane, despite its importance to the industrial environment. This is because of several reasons including (1) extensive memorization and fact-gathering required on the massive, related act and regulation in OSH practices, (2) extensive wordy documents, and (3) unavailable attractive teaching and learning materials. Nonetheless, mastering this subject is vital for chemistry students, especially for Chemistry with Management program (AS222) to possess an intensive knowledge of the OSH pertaining to the workplace. Therefore, appropriate initiatives should be adhered to anticipate the above-mentioned concern. The theoretical framework of Constructivist learning suggests that learners construct knowledge more effectively when they are actively engaged in the learning process, and digital games can serve as a potent medium for such active learning. With the advent of object-oriented computer gaming software and the widening use of digital education platforms including computers, smartphones, and tablet-oriented gadgets, we proposed to develop a game-based learning system for interactive teaching in OSH subjects. This includes chapter-specific notes and assessments that emphasized this wide range of topics related to chemical industries, mainly focusing on the Occupational Safety and Health Act 1994 and the Factory and Machinery Act 1967. The content was adapted from the UiTM lecture notes and past year's exam questions. The game was developed using Build Box Classic software. This innovation transcends existing pedagogical norms, presenting a novel convergence of gaming and OSH education. As such, our research not only addresses the identified gaps but also pioneers a new direction in OSH pedagogy, emphasizing the imperative for adaptability and innovation in teaching methodologies. This game entices students to learn this subject in an entertaining and engaging way. The developed game has the potential to be commercialized towards innovative OSH learning courses throughout tertiary education and private companies.