Work, Workspace Organisation and Body Discomforts of Women Working in Tailoring Units

Abstract

Tailoring industry is one of common small-scale service sector where women, belonging to the low-income groups are employed in large numbers. Work related musculoskeletal disorders are one of the greatest occupational health concerns of these women today. Studies have proved that due to working in a constant and iterative position, injuries occur in shoulder, neck, back, and lower extremities of sewing machine operators. This study was done to assess the work, work space organization and the extent of bodily discomfort experienced by the women working in tailoring units. An interview schedule was used to collect information regarding the worker characteristics. 200 samples were selected for baseline assessment and out of the total, 50 samples were selected after Body Discomfort mapping for Posture analysis. A body part discomfort map was used to identify discomfort in the different body parts. Technique applied for postural analysis of work-related musculoskeletal risk factor was Rapid Upper Limp Assessment method. The study found that tailoring women were suffering from work related musculoskeletal problems, as evidenced by the occurrence of low back pain, perceived fatigue and occupational stress. Preventive measures need to be adopted to eliminate body discomfort and maintain good posture, thereby increase in productivity