Publications

Abstract : Several studies globally have highlighted musculoskeletal risk factors associated with the garment making jobs because of highly repetitive work in awkward work postures. The purpose of the research is to identify possible ergonomic deficiencies in the standing modular workstation of sewing machine operators in a lean environment garment industry . The discomfort analysis by Cornell Musculoskeletal Discomfort Questionnaire (CMDQ) and also the Rapid Entire Body Assessment (REBA) was carried out among a sample of experienced female operators in a garment industry located in Sri Lanka. From this study, compared to other parts, foot, knee, lower leg, neck, shoulders, thigh, and lower back are experiencing ache highly. It is concluded that the shoulder, upper back, upper arm, neck, forearm, and wrist are experiencing aches due to the machine is not ergonomically fit with the operator’s body dimensions, and ache in the leg and lower back due to prolonged standing and working. The ergonomic solutions like fixing the proper height of sewing machine, inclined work table, providing anti-fatigue mats, job rotation, stretching exercises, and short-break approach are suggested for minimizing the absenteeism and turnover due to bodyache and to increase the efficiency and quality of the product and process.