Ergonomics study of garment manufacturing
ErgonomicsErgonomics is the study of the relationship between a person and their work environment. The objective is to adapt to the workplace for the worker in order to decrease the risk of injury and improve the link between the worker and their environment.
Ergonomics in the Garment Manufacturing Industry
Awkward body postures are a major ergonomic concern
in the garment industry. Awkward postures take the body away from a comfortable
position, which reduces efficiency and increases the use of energy. Another
major concern is static postures. Static means to hold in place, so these are
postures where the body is held in one position for a long period of time. An
example is when you work with your arms above shoulder height for long periods
of time. These types of postures require constant muscle use for the time the
body is held in the position. This reduces rest and recovery time, which leads
to muscle tiredness. The following are recommendations that will help to
reduce the risk of injury due to the above concerns.
For seated and standing work, the height of the
workstation should allow workers to function with elbows at 90 degrees. If the
workstation is too low, the worker is forced to bend at the waist to reach the
work being done. This puts stress on the lower back. If the station is too
high, the worker is forced to lift their shoulders or move their elbows away
from the body to reach their work. This puts increased stress on the shoulders
which may lead to injury.
During seated work, if good back support is not
present or used, static postures occur which results in constant use of the
back muscles. It is important to adjust the workstation in order to allow the
worker to use the backrest. Need adjustment of the worker’s chair to allow
duties to be performed with their bodies in comfortable positions, very much
important thing in ergonomics. The workstation and chair should be positioned
so that the worker’s knees, hips, and elbows are at 90 degrees, which will
reduce stress on the body. There should also be enough space to allow the
worker to change their sitting position throughout the day.
Static postures can also occur during standing work.
If the worker stands in one position for long periods of time, muscles of the
back and legs will be constantly activated. This can lead to increased fatigue and decreased blood circulation to the legs. During the day, workers should try
to walk around to allow their blood to flow. As well, workers should try and
sit for short periods of time while working to give their leg and back muscles
a rest.
Awkward wrist postures are one of the major causes of
cumulative trauma disorders (CTD) such as carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS), tendonitis,
and muscle strains. Awkward wrist postures are those which take the wrist away
from the neutral position. The neutral position is when the hand is in line with
the forearm. The workstation should be adjusted and the worker educated on
awkward wrist postures, their harmful effects, and the signs and symptoms of
CTD’s.
Workers should not constantly work with their arms
above shoulder level. Work above the shoulders increases the use of the
shoulder muscles. With this constant use, the muscles do not have time to rest
and thus tire more rapidly. The majority of work should be done between knuckle
height and shoulder level.
Workers should try not to twist their upper bodies when
placing objects beside them. By keeping
their feet in place and only moving their upper body, workers are putting large
stresses on their backs, which may lead to injuries. Workers should move their
feet, instead of twisting at the waist, in order to face the area where the
object is going to be placed. If the worker is sitting, they should try to
swivel in their chair, instead of twisting their upper body.