SYSTEMATIC ERGONOMIC WORKPLACE DESIGN IN SEWING WORK

The number of work-related diseases and lost working hours  has increased in the German sewing industry, mainly due to  spine and shoulder/arm disorders which account for more than 34% of all working days lost.

• Sewing involves highly repetitive movements of the shoulder and arm.
• Static postures of the spine and lower extremities – leaning a long way forwards while sitting - are involved for much of the work.
• The height of many sewing tables is still the same as the foot-operated machines common at the end of the 19^th century.
• There is not enough room for the legs between the workbench and foot pedal.