Ergonomic challenges in conventional and advanced apparel manufacturing

Kelly, Michael J.; Ortiz, Daniel J.; Courtney, Theodore K.; Folds, Dennis J.; Davis, N.; Gerth, Jeffrey M.; Rose, Schryl

doi:10.1002/hfm.4530020104

Cited by 11 publications

(8 citation statements)

References 10 publications

(15 reference statements)

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“…Bao et al (1996) and Galka (1991) used a design with a post-test only and a comparison group. Kelly et al (1992) reported on several small studies in their article with varying designs. Rowe (1987) used a non-traditiona l design comparing groups of individuals with repetitive strain injuries at diVerent periods after the intervention, and Yamada et al (1993) did not provide su cient information to determine the design.…”

Section: Multiple Component Studiesmentioning

confidence: 96%

The efficacy of workplace ergonomic interventions to control musculoskeletal disorders: A critical analysis of the peer-reviewed literature

Karsh¹,

Moro²,

Smith³

2001

Theoretical Issues in Ergonomics Science

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Section: Multiple Component Studiesmentioning

confidence: 96%

The efficacy of workplace ergonomic interventions to control musculoskeletal disorders: A critical analysis of the peer-reviewed literature

Karsh¹,

Moro²,

Smith³

2001

Theoretical Issues in Ergonomics Science

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“…Several studies examined musculoskeletal disorders associated with sewing operator^.'^.'^. '^^'^ o ther studies have focused on evaluating sittinglstanding postures, chair designs, workstation design, and the use of specialized sewing equip-Kelly et al 24 conducted research in three apparel manufacturing plants in the southeastern United States. Data included observations, anthropometric measurements, and interviews with operators.…”

Section: Review Of Related Researchmentioning

confidence: 99%

Education and training as a strategy for improving worker health and safety: a survey of U.S. apparel companies

Dillard

1996

Journal of Consumer Studies & Home Economics

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Maintaining a healthy work force is becoming increasingly important to apparel manufacturers today. The purpose of this study was to examine the issues involved in worker health and safety, particularly that of educating and training production workers. Data were generated from responses to a mailed questionnaire by 134 upper level managers in companies located throughout the United States. Results indicated that educating workers was an important concern for managers, ranking second to controlling workers' compensation costs. Chi‐square analysis showed that there was a significant difference between those who used education and training as a cost‐reduction strategy and a decrease in workers' compensation costs. Education and training was reported as a component of ergonomics and safety programmes by over three‐quarters of those who were developing and implementing such programmes. The findings from this study suggest that apparel manufacturers should seriously consider the importance of education and training programmes as a cost‐reduction strategy as well as a means of improving the safety and health of production workers.

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“…The development of musculoskeletal diseases as a result of poor postures, poorly designed and maladjusted workstations, and lack of awareness about the potential benefit of ergonomics have been widely reported (Kelly et al ., 1992; Parimalam et al ., 2006). Studies of the work practices of machine operators, both in the developed and some developing countries, have consistently shown that ergonomically appropriate sewing workstations are needed if sewing machine operators are to perform their tasks comfortably and efficiently (Yu and Keyserling, 1989).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…They were lack of worker selection and lack of appropriate training to prevent occupational hazards or work‐related diseases, the poor ergonomic design of the work place and task including work organization, poor working postures, lack of task variation and insufficient rest breaks. Ergonomic interventions including the redesign and proper adjustment of workstations, use of ergonomically designed seating, and training in low‐risk methods and postures substantially reduce these complaints (Kelly et al ., 1992; Kawakami and Kogi, 2005). A healthy and safe work environment therefore helps reduce costs associated with absenteeism and the loss of skilled staff while increasing staff morale, job enrichment and quality of work life.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

The work practices and ergonomic problems experienced by garment workers in Ghana

Vandyck

Fianu

2012

Int J Consumer Studies

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Although the role of ergonomics in everyday occupations has generated increased attention in the last few years, poor working environments present a serious threat to the livelihood and career of small‐scale garment producers. This paper is one of the first to study dressmakers and tailors and their work environments in Ghana. The apparel industry holds a dominant share (40% out of a total of 24 133 establishments) in the country's manufacturing industry. However, to date, very little consideration has been given to the nature of this working environment. For example: do dressmakers and tailors perform their work under stressful conditions and do they attribute injuries to the tasks they perform in the workplace? Involving a sample of 100 individual garment producers as participants, a semi‐structured interview schedule was used to elicit information on dressmakers' and tailors' knowledge of workplace stressors. Their work environment was observed and assessed for stressors. A physical discomfort survey was employed to identify the injuries they attributed to the performance of tasks in their workplace. Findings revealed that stressors included noise, poor ventilation, unsuitable seat heights, widths and depths, and awkward postures. Encountered discomforts affected the performance of sewing tasks and resulted in occasional and frequent pains in the lower back, neck, upper back and shoulders. These working conditions are detrimental to the development of this sector and the study concludes that there is an important educational role for trade organizations to assist manufacturers to improve working conditions for their workers.

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Ergonomic challenges in conventional and advanced apparel manufacturing

Cited by 11 publications

References 10 publications

The efficacy of workplace ergonomic interventions to control musculoskeletal disorders: A critical analysis of the peer-reviewed literature

The efficacy of workplace ergonomic interventions to control musculoskeletal disorders: A critical analysis of the peer-reviewed literature

Education and training as a strategy for improving worker health and safety: a survey of U.S. apparel companies

The work practices and ergonomic problems experienced by garment workers in Ghana

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