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Introduction

Ergonomics (or human factors) is the scientific discipline concerned with the understanding of interactions among humans and other elements of a system, and the profession that applies theory, principles, data and methods to design in order to optimize human well-being and overall system performance.
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The Clothing Industry

Prevalence of WMSDs in sewing machine operators is higher than any other occupational group Sewing is highly repetitious, requiring substantial force and constrained postures Strong need for low-cost, quick solutions to reduce these risk factors
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Stitching Tasks are Associated With Pain in the Shoulders, Wrists, and Hands Foot Operated Sewing is Associated With Pain in the Back

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Objective

To adapt the workplace for the worker in order to decrease the risk of injury. To improve the link between the worker and their environment.

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Work surface height should be around elbow level

Work surface thickness 5 cm maximum

66-72 cm

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m

40

Thigh clearance 20 cm maximum Seat height 34-45 cm (adjustable to each worker)

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Work Enhancements

Foam Padded Edges to Sharp Table Edges Provide Cloth Upholstered Adjustable Chairs Angle Packing Boxes to Workers With Tilt Equipment Provide Anti-Fatigue Matting for Standing Workers
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Improved Lighting

*Info fr sewing ergonomics

Sewing machine operators face a substantially higher risk of muscle pain and injury than workers in other jobs. Sewing machine operators experience as many cases of repetitive strain injuries as data entry operators and secretaries combined. These injuries lead to long term health effects. 5/5/12

*Info fr sewing ergonomics

Standard lux 400 fr sewing. For sewing operations, additional task lighting is to be provided in the machine in such a way that the visibility of the needle points will be optimum. The recommended dimensions of the sewing machine operator's work seat height should be 41.5 cm for women 5/5/12

*Info fr sewing ergonomics

Workers exposed to high noise levels should be provided with ear protection or their working periods rotated so that they remain within the permissible limit of 4 hours' exposure to 95.0 dB (A). A gap of 4-5 feet between rows of machines will minimize the workers' exposure to heat from the sewing machine motor. 5/5/12

SEWING

Assembly tasks have many different components that must be considered in an ergonomic assessment including: sewing table, chair, floor surface, foot pedals, lighting,

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APPROACH

We have taken Attaching Waistband to the bodice study.. The operation off waistband attaching includes: Taking front bodice panel out of the bundle Putting the left-side panel under needle Putting waistband panel over it & stitching 5/5/12

Cutting

Operation study: (Respective MSDs)

Operators use a pinch grip to hold small scissors between the index finger and thumb. Repeated pinch grip may cause hand or wrist injuries. Holding small scissors between the index finger and thumb also can cause contact stress on the fingers. Cutting and manipulating fabric requires the operators to use repeated motions.
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Operators push fabric through the sewing machine, which may require extending arms, bending at the waist, and applying force. Awkward posture causing ergonomic stress to arms, shoulders and back. Frozen shoulder (caused due to stiffness in joint) shoulder dislocation; calcify tendonitis, slap lesion, biceps tendons rupture etc.
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Stitching

Continuous shoulder pain if left

Checking

Operators hold their neck, trunk, and arms in an awkward position as they strain to see details in an object. Insufficient lighting makes it difficult for the operators to see their work, and may cause eye fatigue and headache. Permanent loss of vision, if lighting conditions are not good and the stress so observed id left unattended.
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Boxes.

Problem:- Large boxes that are low to the ground create an awkward reach and bend during each pickup. Slolution:-Place small boxes on a platform to supply the operator with the necessary pieces at a good height and within easy reach.

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Tables

Problem:-

Tables are in poor locations, unstable or garments fall off them so operators have to reach to the floor to pick them up.

Solution:-Tables should match the height of the sewing table, or be slightly lower if bundles are placed on them. They should be stable and 5/5/12 sufficiently large or have raised

Attachments to the sewing table.

Problem:-Wooden bars attached to the sewing table are sometimes located too far from the operator, are too small or allow the garments to slip off them. Solution:-Bars extended from the sewing table work well if they are close to the operator, at a good height and have friction tape on them to help prevent the garments 5/5/12

Sewing Table
The dimensions of the sewing table that should be considered are the:

height, size, shape, tilt and leg room.

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Height

Problem:- Sewing tables are 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. Solution:-A good height for sewing tables is at or slightly above elbow height. The height should be easily 5/5/12

Table angle

Problem:-Almost all sewing tables are flat. Flat sewing tables do not maximize visibility and compromise the posture of the upper extremity and neck. Solution:- An optimum of 12 degree 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 5/5/12

Leg room

Problem:-Sewing machine operators have limited leg room because of drawers and/or trash chutes attached to the underside of the table. Solution:-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.
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Chairs

Problem:Operators are provided with very poor chairs such as stacking chairs. These chairs are not adjustable. They provide no cushioning or back support and the edge of the seat constricts blood flow at the back of the legs because of a large rounded hump or square edge. Some plants provide slightly better

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Chairs

Solution:The best chairs 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;

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Knee Switches

Problem:-Knee switches are located in a poor position and are hard, creating contact stress on the leg. Solution:-Place the knee switch so that it rests very close to the leg, just above the knee, and is well padded.

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Lighting

Problem:-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 operators eyes create glare.

Solution:-Ensure there is good general lighting and task lights are 5/5/12 provided for operators who desire

Scissors

Problem:-Large, heavy scissors are used for trimming threads and are held by the blade to provide accuracy.

Operators cut through several layers of fabric with scissors that are too small and do not provide enough leverage. Scissor handles are narrow and 5/5/12 create contact stresses.

CONCLUSION

As shown in this study, ergonomics can be used as an effective guide to enhance the worker ease which can in turn materialize into profits through higher productivity. The various operational elements taken here posses common work problems among all the operators, hence a deep and further study over the same can proved to be a profitable 5/5/12 step