A Study on Work-related Musculoskeletal Disorders among Sewing Machine Operators

Abstract

A musculoskeletal disorder is highly dependent on the workplace design. The workers whose job requires repetitive tasks, are more prone to this disorder. Textile industry is one of the labor intensive industries and most of its jobs require continuous engagement with the work. Sewing machine operators in this sector due to workplace design are facing high risk of health issues due to focused attention and static posture of the body. Understanding the health issues linked with continuous working hours and static posture need to be addressed. Both Government and non- government organizations need to be better involved in designing interventions targeting these people and protecting them from such health risks.The present study was conducted in Hisar district from Haryana state in which respondents were selected randomly. Total number of respondents were 60 in which 28 were males and 32 were females with objectives to assess work organization and work space design and to find out the occupational health problems and musculoskeletal symptoms among sewing machine operators. The results showed that maximum numbers of the respondents (68.4%) were took break of fixed duration and (53.4%) respondents were work along with others. Majority (43.3%) respondents were the first experience of MSK symptoms from 7 days to 12 months followed by (33.3%) respondents in 2-3 years.