RIGHT AND LEFT HAND MOTION ANALYSIS OF SEWING MACHINE OPERATOR

Abstract

Textile and Apparel Industry second largest employment generation sector, after agriculture gives a safe place to work as compared to other manufacturing industries. But hazards and injuries faced by operators here are not fatal immediate but subtle and grow with period of time. Repetitive motions with high frequency make sewing operations ergonomic vulnerable. In this study the authors have focussed on left and right hand motions of sewing operators. Selected six different operations based on type of operation and number of plies to be attached. With the help of markers specific body parts distinguished with other body parts. Digital Camera used for capturing videos. Data Analysis (Human motion Tracking and Simulation) done by open source physics available software named Tracker. With the help of Autotracker feature of software all motions of body part analysed in every frame of video. Graph and table plotted for the x-position, y-position with respect to time. Principles of Motion economy given by International Labour Organisation (ILO, Geneva) are also verified in this paper. After analysing results and calculating distance travelled, different statements concluded like left hand moves more than right hand. Left hand never crosses needle point but right hand crosses. All pivots of hand move in synchronise with each other just the magnitude varies, finger with most movement and shoulder with lowest. Copy Right, IJAR, 2020,. All rights reserved. …………………………………………………………………………………………………….... Introduction:-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. Research shows that 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 keyers and secretaries combined. These injuries lead to long-term health effects. (Gunning, et al., 2001) Int. J. Adv. Res. 8(07), 942-954 943 As per Principles of Motion Economy, there are some sets of human body motions. They are: 1. The two hands should begin and complete their movements at the same time. 2. The two hands should not be idle at the same time except during periods of rest. 3. Motions of the arms should be symmetrical and in opposite directions and should be made simultaneously. 4. Hand and body motions should be made at the lowest classification at which it is possible to do the work satisfactorily. 5. Momentum should be employed to help the worker, but should be reduced to a minimum whenever it has to be overcome by muscular effort. 6. Continuous curved movements are to be preferred to straight-line motions involving sudden and sharp changes in direction. 7. "Ballistic" (i.e. free-swinging) movements are faster, easier and more accurate than restricted or controlled movements. 8. Rhythm is essential to the smooth and automatic performance of a repetitive operation. The work should be arranged to permit easy and natural rhythm whenever possible. 9. Work should be arranged so that eye movements are confined to a comfortable area, without the need for frequent changes of focus. (Kanawaty, 1992) Figure 1:-Normal and Maximum Working Areas, Source ILO Geneva.