Research project section a peer group 2

i
Bahir Dar University
Ethiopianinstituteof textile and fashion technology (EiTEX)
Department of garments engineering
ERGONOMIC INTERVENTIONS TO IMPROVE GOOD WORK
ENVIRONMENT IN GARMENT MANUFACTURING UNITS
OF BAHIR DAR TEXTILE SHARE COMPANY (BDTCS)
Prepared By:
o kibrom G/her
o Seid Abdu
o Henorya Mahammed
o Halefom Moges
o BerketAlbachew
To: Inst. GASHAW A.
January 23, 2015

ii
Acknowledgement
With sincerity, we extend my warm and deep appreciation and gratitude
to my advisor Instructor Gashaw Ashegree. And by giving different
materials Pawelos Abebe, Kibrom Birhane, Husssen Mohammed,
kidana Tsegay support to come up with this research work. Above all,
we praise the Almighty Father and Lord Jesus Christ who gave me His
enabling grace to successfully complete this research work within the
given time. We would also like to thank all who responded to my
questionnaires and interviews, which helped me in coming up with this
research.

iii
ABSTRACT
In order for the apparel industry to maintain and improve
its competitiveness in the world market place, it must
adopt many emerging technologies and achieve the
maximum benefit from them.
During the transition to a high technology manufacturing
environment, jobs and workplaces should be designed to
promote employee productivity, comfort and safety.
Design of jobs and equipment to match the physical and
mental characteristics and limitations of the equipment
operatorsis the goal of the science of ergonomics.

iv
TABEL OF CONTENT
CONTENT PAGE
Acknowledgement……………………………….……..………….ii
Abstract …………………………………………………..……….iii
Table of content………………………………………..…….…….iv
List of acronyms………………………………………….………..v
1) Introduction………………………………….……………… 1
2) Problem statement………………………….…...………….. 3
3) Objective of this research ………………….……...………. 3
4) Literature review……………………………..…...………… 4
4.1 What is ‘ergonomics’ anyway ................................ 4
4.2) Ergonomics aims…………………………………..5
4.3) Why is ergonomics important? .............................. 6
4.4) ERGONOMICES FACTORES……………………7
5) Research methodology and methods………………………….11
6) Data collection methods……………………………………… 11
7) Research approach……………………………………..……..11
7.1) sampling unit………………………………….…...11
7.2) sample size………………………………………....11
7.3) data analysis………..………………………………11
7.4) survey area ……………..………………………….11
8) Data analysis…………………………..………………………12
9) Discussion and suggestion……………….……………………16
10)Conclusion…………………………………………………….19
11)Reference ……………………………………..………………20

v
List of acronyms
WMSD work-related musculoskeletal disorders
(OSHA) OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTHE ADIMENSTRATION
BLS BUREAN OF LABOUR STATISTICES
SIC Standard Industrial Calcification
CTD CUMULATIVE TRAMA DISORDERS
CTS CARPAL TUNNEL SYNDORMS
RMDs Repetitive motion disorders
CTS CARPAL TUNNEL SYNDORMS
BDTCS BAHIR DAR TEXTILE SHARE COMPANE

1
Ergonomic interventions to improve good work
environment in garment manufacturing units
(BDTCS)
1) Introduction
Ergonomics is the study of the interaction of workers and their work Environment.
The word ergonomics is derived from two Greek words “ergosand nomos” which
translate into "work laws". Ergonomics is an interdisciplinary field integrating the
study of human anatomy, physiology, phycology, anthropometry, biomechanics
and industrial engineering. the ergonomist seeks to optimize the relationship
between the worker and work environment thus improving productivity and the
workers wellbeing .the work environment includes all factors that affect the
workplace and job performance even though they may not be directly involved in
the operation itself[1].
The clothing industry is generally seen as a safe place to work. Compared to other
industries, there are relatively few serious accidents in clothing plants. The hazards
we face are different. The major health risks in this industry do not arise from
immediate, potentially fatal hazards. Instead, the risks that clothing workers face
come from more subtle hazards whose effect accumulates over time[2].
The sewing machine operators face a substantially higher risk of muscle pain and
injury than workers in other jobs. Studies also show that the frequency of persistent
neck and shoulder injuries increases with years of employment. One report found
that sewing machine operators experience as many cases of repetitive strain
injuries as data entry Keyes and secretaries combined. These injuries lead to long-
term health effects. This is why we wanted to look at the working conditions that
can lead to suchhigh rates of disability for clothing workers [2]. Study has
consistently found that the physical characteristics of the job are an important risk
factor for muscle pain and injury. The risks for sewing machine operators have
been linked to conditions such as poor workstation design and chairs, and
organizational factors such as the piecework system. Factors such as repetition,
force, postureand vibration are associated with higher rates of injury. But you
can’t look at the workstation alone to understand these injuries. There is growing
evidence that other factors are linked to injuries. These include:

2
 high work pace
 lack of control over the job
 workload
 co-worker supportand
 The general work environment.
On the other hand, investigators have identified factors that relate to reduced
damage rates. These factors include empowerment of the workforce, delegation of
safety activities, greater seniority of the workforce, good housekeeping and an
active role of top management. Few studies, however, have investigated physical
and organizational risk factors at the same time in more than one workplace. And
most studies have focused only on sewing machine operators, leaving out workers
in other jobs [2] .

3
2) Problem statement:
The work environment in the most local garment manufacturing in bahir dar
units is unhealthy and unsafe for the workers, resulting in several health
problems. Analysis of garment manufacturing units using a combination of
techniques revealed that the congested work area, improper ventilation, dust,
unergonomic workstations, excessive noise and non-use of personal
protective equipment were the major constraints faced by the workers in
these units. There are many reasons for this problem.
3) Objective of this research
The main objective of this research is to creating a safe work place in BDTSC
manufacturers and solving many problems which are created between the
operatorand the machine and increasing the productivity of BDTSC by applying the
application of ergonomics.

4
4.) Literature review
4.1)what is ‘ergonomics’ anyway?
Ergonomics: is a science that focuses on designing a job for the worker. An
ergonomically-designed job would Ensure that a taller worker had enough spaceto
safely perform his or her job, and also that a shorter worker could reach all of his
or her tools and products without reaching beyond a comfortable and safe range.
The opposite of this, and what typically happens in the Workplace is that a worker
is forced to work within the confines of the job or workstation that is already in
place. This may require employees to work in awkward postures,
Perform the same motion over and over again or lift heavy loads – all of which
could cause work-related musculoskeletal disorders (wmsd)[2] .
What are MSDs?
MSDs, or musculoskeletal disorders, are injuries and disorders of the softtissues
(muscles, tendons, ligaments, joints, and cartilage) and nervous system. They can
affect nearly all tissues, including the nerves and tendon sheaths, and most
frequently involve the arms and back. Occupational safety and health professionals
have called these disorders a variety of Names, including cumulative trauma
disorders, repeated trauma, repetitive stress injuries, and occupational overexertion
syndrome. These painful and often disabling injuries generally develop gradually
over weeks, months, and years [3].
OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTHE ADIMENSTRATION (OSHA).
Established in 1970 OSHA is a federal agency that develops and enforce health
and safety standards for the work place. OSHA standards regulate a wide range of
factors, from allowable noise level to design of equipment. Firms are required to
keep accurate documentation of illness and injury that may occur in job.
Unannounced inspections and records checks determine adherence to OSHA
standards and violators are subjected to substantial fines [1] .
OSHA uses the BUREAN OF LABOUR STATISTICES (BLS) annual survey of
occupational injuries in the workplace to determine high incidence of injures. The
BLS calculates an injury or illness rate for every industry based on standard
industrial calcification (SIC) code. If an OSHA inspection finds the injury rate for
an individual firm to b higher than the industry average, investigator may probe
deeper to find the problem causes. OSHA does not presently have specific rules on

5
ergonomics however the “general duty clause “has been used to enforce a safe
work environment .it is expected that OSHA will release a standard within the
year’s mandating stringent ergonomic practice CUMULATIVE TRAMA
DISORDERS (CTDs) are injures that over time cause pain or dis function of body
parts. These may also be referred to as repetitive motion disorders (RMDs).
Repetitive motion in common to the apparel manufacturing proses although not all
workers are susceptible. Other activist may also cause CTD such as tennis and
knitting. If motions are performed incorrectly for extended periods of time, it may
result in trauma to the body[1].
Ergonomics need to help workers understand and avoid the position and motion
that have high risk factors. Risk factors to use smoother, movements, less pressure,
vibration, pace. Teaching workers to use smoother movement, less pressure and
better posture can help reduce incidence. Workers that are unfamiliar with a job are
likely to apply more force and put themselves at great risk [1].
The most common of these disorders is CARPAL TUNNEL SYNDORMS (CTS),
which is caused by pressure on the medial nerve in the carpal tunnel of the wrist.
If tendons in the carpal tunnel swell from improper use, they put pressure on the
nerve and cause pain and numbness. OSHA has identified CTS as the second
highest occupational injury that draws workers compensation, with back injuring
being first [1].
4.2) Ergonomics aims
Ergonomics aims at preventing injuries by controlling the risk factors such as
force, repetition, postureand vibration that can cause injuries to develop. Some
fundamental ergonomic principals that should be followed in our workplaces are:
1. Use proper tools
Tools should be appropriate for the specific tasks being performed. Your tools
should allow you to keep your Hands and wrists straight – the position they would
be in if they were hanging relaxed at your side. Bend the tool – not the wrist! The
tool should fit comfortably into your hand. If the Grip size is too large or too small
it will be uncomfortable and will increase the risk of injury. Tools should not have
sharp edges, create contact stresses in your hand, or vibrate [2] .
2. Keep repetitive motions to a minimum
Our workstations or tasks can often be redesigned to reduce the number of
repetitive motions that must be performed. Using a power-driven screwdriver or

6
tools with a ratchet device can reduce the number of twisting motions with the arm.
Some tasks can be automated or redesigned to eliminate repetitive movements and
musculoskeletal injuries [2].
3. Avoid awkward postures
Your job should not require you to work with your hands above shoulder height on
a regular basis. Arms should be kept low and close to your body. Bending and
twisting of your wrists, back and neck should also be avoided [2].
4. Use safe lifting procedures
Avoid lifting objects that are too heavy. Use more than one person or a mechanical
device to reduce the load. Your workstation should not require you to lift objects
above your head or twist your back while lifting. Keep the load close to your body
and ensure that you have a good grip. Heavy and frequently lifted objects should
be stored between knee and shoulder height – not on the ground or above your
head [2].
5. Get proper rest
You need to rest your body and mind in order to prevent Injuries. Give your
muscles a rest during your coffee breaks, lunches and weekends by doing
something different from what you do in your job. Forexample, if you stand all
day while performing your job you should sit down to rest your legs and feet
during your breaks. If you sit down when working you should stand up and walk
around during your breaks to give your back a rest and to increase circulation in
your legs. The clothing industry is generally seen as a safe place to work[2].
Compared to other industries, there are relatively few serious accidents in clothing
plants. The hazards we face are different. The major health risks in this industry do
not arise from immediate, potentially fatal hazards. Instead, the risks that clothing
workers face come from more subtle hazards whose effect accumulates over
time[2].
4.3)Why is ergonomics important?
Industries increasingly require higher production rates and advances in technology
to remain competitive and stay in business[3]. As a result, jobs today can involve:
• Frequent lifting, carrying, and pushing or pulling loads without help from other
workers or devices;
• Increasing specialization that requires the worker to perform only one
function or movement for a long period of time or day after day;
• Working more than 8 hours a day;

7
• Working at a quicker pace of work, such as faster assembly line speeds;and
• Having tighter grips when using tools.
Ergonomics aims at preventing injuries by controlling the risk factors such as
force, repetition, postureand vibration that can cause injuries to develop.
4.4)ERGONOMICESFACTORES
Ergonomics factors have become a prime target of OSHA because of the high
increases in worker compensation claims and the highest costof insures premiums
ergonomically designed work areas increase human comfort .comfortincrease
productivity of the worker and reduce stress and fatigue [1]. Ergonomic factors that
need to be considered included
1) human factors,
2) environmental conditions,
3) job design,
4) Work station design and equipment design and use.
1) Human factors
Human factors includes both physiological factor s, all of which can be impacted
by the worker environment. Humans are unique individual that vary in size, shape,
proportion, strength and abilities. In order to fit a job to the worker the ergonomists
must first study the individual performing the job and then seek ways to make the
job and tools, and work stations fit the workers [1].
ANTHROPOMETRICSThestudy of human dimensions, is essential for
effective development and use of equipment and arrangement of an individual
work stations. An individual workers dimension are important when clearance,
reach, postureand strength are consideration in job design [1] .
Physical injury of any type can impact worker performance, but the
Musculoskeletal system has received the most attention from ergonomists because
these injures are the leading cause of disability on the job. Muscles, joints and
tendons are essential for bodymovement. Good circulation is required to supply
nutrients to muscle’s and eliminate lactic acid, a byproductofmetabolism.
When muscle are used, they require adequate time to readjust and recovery
between repetitions to prevent fatigue. The result of muscle fatigue is discomfort,
pain, and intolerance for worker.
Cognitive factors also affect job performance and fatigue. A lack of stimuli,
feedback and autonomy are often cause for psychology stress and poor
performance. Stress, regardless of the cause, is often related to injury and illness.

8
2) Environmental condition
ENVIROMENTAL CONDITION Such as lighting, sound, vibration, temperature,
humidity, and air quality may affect how workers perform on the job. When these
conditions are controlled at desirable levels, they can assist workers with their jobs.
Undesirable levels can distract, inhabit, or be damaging to workers. Environmental
factors are measurable and controllable as firms seeks to improve working
condition. Sound, which is measured in decibels (measure of loudness), needs to be
monitored for worker safety, OSHA has rules governing sound over 85 decibels
that can unsafe[3].The type, volume, and placement of lighting are factors that may
affect an employee’s productivity and quality of work. Some firms may install
individual’s ventilation systems above work stations in order to improve work
comfort. This is often found in pressing areas when heat and humidity are
excessive.
3) Job design
If a job design is to truly consider the worker, a wide range of anthropometric
characteristics such as age, sex, ethnic and development difference need to be
taken into account. Also, a thorough understanding of the job is essential if it is be
ergonomically sound .this may include the type of work to be done, the type and
range of motion, strength requirements of the operation, equipment and attachment
available, and the relationship of the operation in other operation[1].
Job or tasks’ may require a dynamic or static effort
 Dynamic effort requires bodymovement, muscle contraction and relaxation
dynamic activity increase circulation and the reduces the load on the heart.
 Static effort require a sustained position , which puts excessive stress on
bodyparts, impedes circulation and does not allow adequate muscle
recovery. Static posture promotes muscle fatigue, often centered in the lower
back, neck, and upper extremities.
Rapid repetition is characters ices of many sewing operation. Sewing operation
must move their hands very quickly and precisely. Some highly operators may
make as many as fifty different movements’ a minute with each hand.
Potentially the high repetition of very fast hand and wrist movements can cause
fatigue, pain weakness and injury especially if done with force. Poorjob design
and lack of training are often cited as underlying causes[1].

9
Another issue of the job design that is the sit/stand approach. More firms explore
modular manufacturing systems. The decision to sit or stand operation impacts the
whole module. There are definite advantage and disadvantaged to either approach
.sitting to work provides better fine muscle coordination and more control over the
extensive hand manipulation if the strength is not a factor. sitting also distribute
bodyweight to the setting device instead of the feet and the legs disadvantage of
seated work include the limited range of the motion that can be covered and the
reduced mechanical advantage of the body. Sustained receptive work in a sated
posture also concentrate fatigue in fewer muscle groups[1].
Standing allows the worker to have great controlover the work area. The
principles of the motion economy and easy movement are easier to apply to work
methods. Standing provides a mechanical advantage and more fluid momentums,
which makes it easier for operators to develop a working rhythm. Legs act as
levers, a sourceof power and strength .disadvantage of standing included increased
energy consumption, increased load on feet and legs and circulating problems that
can develop from static positioning.
Probably the most desirable arrangement is that the module that includes multiple
work station with a low work I process levels that keep operator moving from
work station to work station. Combining the sit/stand approachis also desirable but
not often suited to the operation required. Jobs that incorporate bothsitting and
standing allow workers to move and use different muscles [1].
4) Work station and equipment designand use
A work station should be designed for the individual operation and the worker
performing it. Adjustable equipment makes it possible to adapt equipment to
individual measurement. Consideration for the design of a work station included
height off the work surface, placement of work and h reach required, forced
posture, and the design and the relationship of all the parts[1].
It has been determined that worker performer most effectively if the worker
surface is at elbow height or two inches below. If the work requires a close visual
field, it may be necessary to elevate the surface 2-4 inches above elbow height, but
this will place added strain on the muscles. Work should be performed with elbows
down and close to the bodymost of the time .elbow height varies with individual
stature; thus, an adjustable machine table or work area will be the most effective. A
work station just two inches too high can result in a 20 percent reduction in
performance[1].

10
Placement of the work affects the reach that is required in performing the
operation. The forearm has a range of 14-16 inches that dictates the placement of
the material. The worker should be able to reach for the materials with only the
forearms. Excessive arm extenuation increases muscle strain and fatigue. The lays
out of the workplace should avoid positioning equipment or materials that will
cause the worker to use unnatural posture or motions. All the equipment or in work
station should work together to create a well-coordinated system with a smooth
work flow [1].
Manufacture of many types tools and equipment are making great effort to develop
flexible and ergonomically sound products .equipment should have flexibility so
that it can be dusted o individuals workers in the work place and device should not
force the worker to use unusual posturemotion specially handles grips, control
boards, tilt-top tables and rounded edges on fit surfaces are all potential solutions
to ergonomics problems. Improved equipment is no enough. Workers need to be
trained in how to select, adjust and use the equipment effectively and safely. For
examples a well deigned ergonomics chair is not adequate unless it is adjusted to
the proper height for the worker and the worker surface. Once of OSHA
expectations are evidence of learning program that assists workers in learning new
methods and using equipment more effectively [3].

11
5.) Researchmethodologyand methods
Descriptive research includes surveys and fact-finding enquiries of different
kinds. The major purposeof descriptive research is description of the state of
affairs as it exists at present. The main characteristic of this method is that
the researcher has no controlover the variables we can only report what has
happened or what is happening. The methods of research utilized in
descriptive research are survey methods of all kinds, including comparative
and correlational methods. The research design appropriate for such studies
ergonomics must be flexible enough to provide opportunity for considering
different aspects of a problem under study. In order to access the problem to
the ergonomics conditions of the sector we use Primary data by questioner
individual interview and observation.
6.) Data collectionmethods
In this research data collection are done by primary data collection method.
We use questioner individual interview and observation for selecting sample
unit in bahir dar textile Share Company and use 10 sample size.
7.) Researchapproach
We use random sampling for collecting the data.
7.1) sampling unit
Our sampling unit is in bahir dar textile share company (BDTSC) in swing
department.
7.2) sample size
Sample size of bahir dar textile share company (BDTSC) in swing
department we use 10 employers.
7.3) data analysis
We use to display the data by using tabular, pie chart
7.4) survey area
The survey area carried out in bahir dar

12
8.) Data analysis
Bahir dar textile Share Company labors
 Do you have any problems with PHYSICAL CONDITIONS?
According to respondent60% of the labors have a problem with a physical
condition the remain 40% are free from physical problems
 Are your problems with physical conditions concerned with noise?
yes no
yes no

13
The noise problems caused by
The 50% of the noise coming from the equipment and the 30% comes from the
ventilation and the 10% comes from the people and the other
 Are your problems with physical conditions concerned with vibrations
The 80 % of they have a problem physical condition concerned with
vibration of motion and the 20% are free from physical injury.
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
people equipement ventelation other
persentile
yes no

14
 Are your problems with physical conditions concerned with the indoor
climate?
They have 60% have high temperature
20% have a bad smell
10% have unclean condition
10% have other
 It that your chair is give a comfortwhen you are siting
The 60% say no
The 40% say yes
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
High temperature Smell/odour Cleaning Other
Series 1
Series 1
Column1
yes no

15
 It that your Sewing table is give a comfort when you are operating
Yes 70 %
No 30%
 Are your problems with physical conditions concerned with lighting
Roomlighting 60%
Equipment lighting 15%
Letting in day light 15%
Other 10%
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
80
yes no
Series 1
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
Letting in daylight Equipment lighting? Room lighting other
lighting
lighting

16
9.) Discussion and suggestion
The problem for cause physical condition are comes from either from the
machines, environment, and work station design so the must be control with in
ergonomically thinking and equipment’s
 Noise control at the sourcecan be ensured by regular maintenance,
lubrication and replacement of parts that producenoise in the embroidery
machines. Use of earplugs/ earmuffs by workers in the embroidery section
can be made obligatory. Workers exposed to high noise levels should be
provided with ear protection or their working periods.
 The temperature levels in the sewing work environment reflected a
minimal level of thermal comfort with little fluctuation in temperature.
Because the workstation is spaceis huge so the temperature is very low.
 The vibration cause with a swing machines are a good condition because
the vibration caused by the machine is low but in some machine with in the
mechanical problems of the machine cause a little vibrate during the
construction so the must be maintain,
 The indoor climate of the swing department is good becausethe work
station of the (BDTSC) is very huge so the air flow is easily rotate.
 The chair is a critical piece of equipment for sewing machine operators
who work in a seated position. It can have a very large impact on the comfort
of the worker and can affect the risk of muscle pain and injury.
COMMON PROBLEMS
Operators are provided with very poorchairs such as stacking chairs. These chairs
are not adjustable. They provide no cushioning or back supportand the edge of the
seat constricts blood flow at the back of the legs because of a large rounded hump
or square edge. Better chairs that have some height or back adjustment capabilities
but they cannot be adjusted quickly and easily and do not provide sufficient back
support. Chairs that they believe are ergonomically correct, but they do not meet
the needs of the operators. Common problems that occurwhen buying ergonomic
chairs are that one individual selects the chair and it does not fit all or even most
operators, and it is not right for all tasks. Forexample, the chair may have castors
or may swivel when this is not right for the job. Often the seat pan is too large,
resulting in the backrest not touching the back of the operator. The seat
Pan may have an uncomfortable hump at the front, causing the operator to sit on
the front edge of the seat and not use the backrest. Individuals are not instructed in
how to use the chairs properly. Without propertraining the many benefits of
Ergonomic chairs are lost. A poorchair for prolonged sitting.

17
During seated work, if a good back supportis not present or used, static postures
occurwhich results in constant use of the back muscles. Seating, The vast majority
of operations were performed in a seated position. Seating encountered in the
sewing environment typically consisted of straight-backed wooden or metal chairs.
The provided chairs lacked any cushion for reducing compressionand fatigue,
lacked adjustable backrests, and often were of improper height.
Possible recommendation
It is important to adjust the workstation in order to allow the worker to use the
backrest. It is also important to adjust the worker’s chair to allow duties to be
performed with their bodies in comfortable positions. 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 room to allow
the worker to change their sitting position throughout the day. Static postures can
also occurduring 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.
The bestchairs have these features
 a stable 5-point base of support
 firm cushioning on the backrest and seat pan
 the seat can be adjusted in height and tilt quickly and easily
 the seat does not have a hump on the front edge;
 the backrest can be adjusted in height and from front to back
 the seat pan is large enough to support the operator but small enough so that
he or she can use the backrest
 the backrest does not interfere with the movement of the shoulder blades or
arms
 the chair can swivel when operators have to turn sideways frequently
 The chair has castors only where appropriate, and not where it makes
operators slide away from their workstation.
Sewing Table The dimensions of the sewing table that should be considered are
the: height, size, shape, leg room.
COMMON PROBLEMS
Height. Sewing tables are found in (BDTSC) not easily adjustable. Tables that are
too high create elevated shoulder postures and non-neutral elbow and wrist
postures. Tables that are too low cause the operator to lean forward and flex his or
her neck. Size and shape. Some tables are not large enough to supportthe weight

18
of the garment. Other tables are too large and get in the way of easy pickup and
deposit, particularly when using automated transport systems. Many tables are not
the appropriate shape for the job. Table angle. Almost all sewing tables are flat.
Flat sewing tables do not maximize visibility and compromise the posture of the
upper extremity and neck. Leg room. Sewing machine operators have limited
legroom because of drawers and/or trash chutes attached to the underside of the
table.
Recommendation
 A good height for sewing tables is at or slightly above elbow height. The
height should be easily adjustable with the press of a button.
 Size and shape. Sewing tables can be modified to meet the requirements of
specific garments, machines or operators by making the table smaller to
allow carts to get close to the sewing machine. Putting an addition on the
table to increase the size of the table. This can be helpful for supporting the
weight of large garments or for using the sewing table as the input location.
Placing raised edges on the table, to help to keep the material on the table.
 Table angle. A few sewing tables that we saw were tilted 10° to 25° towards
the operator. This tilt improves visibility of the task and helps to keep the
neck in a more upright position while having the table at an appropriate
height for the upper extremity.
 Leg room. Make sure that operators have sufficient leg room. Drawers and
trash chutes either should be not present or in a location that does not hinder
leg room.
Lighting plays an important role in ergonomics for sewing machine operators.
Without properlighting, operators may be encouraged to adoptpoorpostures in
order to see their work better; they may strain their eyes or be less productive.
Lighting requirements depend on the task, fabric and individual preferences.
COMMON PROBLEMS
Workstations are too dim. Light sources are not arranged properly and shadows
create uneven light across the work surface. Shiny surfaces that reflect light or task
lights that shine directly into the operator’s eyes create glare.
POSSIBLE recommendations
Ensure there is good general lighting and task lights are provided for operators who
desire them or have visually demanding tasks. The task lights should have a
“goose-neck”so the light can be directed to the work area. Lampshades should

19
have ventilation holes, but where necessary these can be covered so that the light is
not directed through these holes towards the operator.
CONCULISION
The study revealed that respondents’ knowledge level of the relationship between
ergonomic features and productivity was poor as the reasons for changes they
wished to effect at the workplaces were not related to ergonomics principles. The
ergonomic education however, made them aware of the importance of
Ergonomics and work performance. The information gained on work conditions
and the ergonomic analyses, with implemented solutions, add to the state of
knowledge of these workplaces and focus our attention on where work condition
improvements as we needed.
Generally in order to create a safe work place for workers and to increase the
productivity and also to increase the quality of productthe company (BDTSC)
should must apply the application of ergonomics principles unless the workers do
not work effectively and accurately due to the problem related to machine , chairs
and work stations

20
Reference
[1] Ruth E. Glock and Grace i .Kunz 1990 apparel manufacturing sewn
products analysis secondedition page 332-337
[2 ]Jennifer Gunning,Jonathan Eaton, Sue Ferrier, Eric Frumin, Mickey
Kerr, Andrew King, Joe Maltby 2001 . Ergonomic Handbook for the Clothing
Industry by the Union of Needletrades, Industrial and Textile Employees, the
Institute for Work & Health, and the Occupational Health Clinics for Ontario
Workers, Inc. vol 1
[3] U.S. Department of Labor occupational Safety and Health Administration
Ergonomics:The Study of Work OSHA 2000 (Revised)

Research project section a peer group 2

More Related Content

What's hot (19)

Similar to Research project section a peer group 2 (20)

More from kibrom G (20)

Recently uploaded (20)

Research project section a peer group 2