OCCUPATIONAL SKILLS DEVELOPMENT

SHORT COURSE
For
Papua New Guinea Non-Formal Sector

GARMENT PRODUCTION
Workplace Health and Safety TH007i

RATIONALE

This short course was developed as a resource material for the trainer. This
module is one in a series of nine, which covers all competences standard for
Workplace Health and Safety in level one Garment Production. Due to the demand
STRU has developed this short course for the community and other stake holder
to have better knowledge and understanding of safety in sewing. Furthermore the
course aim is to create a link for training those unskilled people in the community
to have the opportunity to understand that occupational health and safety in
garment production is the most important aspect in garment production.

p o box 1097, waigani

national capital district
papua new guinea.

tel: (675) 323 2633 The development of this short course was sponsored by the ADB-PNG
fax: (675) 323 0944 EMPLOYMENT ORIENTED SKILLS DEVELOPMENT PROJECT (EOSDP) and
produced by curriculum officers at the SKILLS TRAINING RESOURCES UNIT
(STRU)
NOT FOR SALE
 Workplace Health and Safety

TABLE OF CONTENT

CONTENTS PAGES

Course Outline 2

Competency Profile 3–4

• Workplace Health and Safety

Curriculum Guide 5

Overview of Learning Outcomes 6–8

• Safety rules
• Hazards and risks
• Contingency measures

Appendix 8 – 11
• Training notes

Attachments 11 – 13
• Sewing station design
• Stitching
• Fine work
• Scissors
• Material handling

Acknowledgement 14

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 Workplace Health and Safety

COURSE OUTLINE: Workplace Health and Safety

Program: TOURISM AND HOSPITALITY
Course: GARMENT PRODUCTION
Module code: TH007i
Module name: Workplace Health and Safety

Module1:
Workplace Health and
Safety

Module 2:
Learning to Sew

Module 3:
Basic Hand Stitches

Module 4:
Decorative Stitches

Module 5:
Seams

Module 6:
Types of Fullness

Module 7:
Types of Attachments

Module 8:
Types of Hems

Module 9:
Types of Fasteners

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 Workplace Health and Safety

COMPETENCY PROFILE: Workplace Health and Safety

Duty Task

A. Workplace A1. Safety regulations A2. Hazard/risk A3. Contingency

Health and measures
Safety

B. Introduction B1. Define sewing B2. Identify tools and B3. Sewing machine
to Sewing supplies operation
[NECESSITIES OF
SEWING]

B4. Sewing area

C. Basic Hand C1. Tacking stitch C2. Running stitch C3. Back stitch
Stitches
[BASIC CONSTRUCTION
TECHNIQUES]

C4. Slip stitch C5. Overcasting stitch C6. Blanket stitch

D. Types of D1. Chain stitch D2. Stem stitch D3. Satin stitch
Decorative
Stitches

D4. Scross stitch D5. Herringbone stitch D6. Lazy daisy stitch

D7. French knot stitch D8. Cretan stitch

E. Types of E1. Open seam E2. French seam E3. Flat seam
Seams

F. Types of F1. Construct darts F2. Sew gathering F3. Sew pleats
Fullness

F4. Sew tucks

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 Workplace Health and Safety

COMPETENCY PROFILE: Types of Hems

Duties Task

G. Types of G1. Attach facing G2. Attach pocket G3. Attach collar
Attachments

G4. Attach sleeve G5. Attach cuffs G6. Attach placket

H. Types of H1. Sew a turned up- H2. Sew a faced edge H3. Sew an enclosed
Hems edge edge

I. Types of I1. Attach hooks and I2. Sew snaps for I3. Sew snaps
Fasteners eyes for overlap, overlap, just meet
just meet and edges and may
exposed edges show

I4. Sew self gripping I5. Make decorative I6. Attach zipper
fasteners fasteners

I7. Make buttons and

buttonholes

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 Workplace Health and Safety

CURRICULUM GUIDE
Program: TOURISM AND HOSPITALITY
Course: GARMENT PRODUCTION
Module code: TH007i
Module name: Workplace Health and Safety
Module purpose: The purpose of the module is to prepare and equip participants/trainees
with skills and knowledge in Workplace Health and Safety in sewing.
Nominal duration: The module will take approximately 3 hours to complete.
Prerequisites: There are no pre-requisites for this module.
Content: A1. Safety rules
A2. Hazards and risks
A3. Contingency measures
Suggested delivery method: This module should be delivered using these methods:
1. Explanation (what we will do) 5%
2. Demonstration (how we will do it) 15%
3. Implementation (now you do it) 70%
4. Evaluation (how good did we do it) 10%
Instructor: The trainer preferred will be a recognized trainer from the community
or a trained vocational teacher who has sewing skill.
Resource requirement: Teaching notes, charts.
Assessment method: The assessment will be given in a holistic manner through:
• Short aswer
• Oral questions and observation
• Practical application
Assessment condition: In a classroom or a training hall with proper:
• Lighting, ventilation
• Tables and chairs
• Sewing tool and equipment
Reference: 1. Complete Guide to Sewing
2. Complete Book of Handcrafts

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 Workplace Health and Safety

Overview of Learning Outcome and Assessment APPENDIX 2: Training and Assessment guide
Criteria: (Learning outcome).
On successfully completion of the course the
Task A2: Hazards and risks.
participants will be able to:
Suggested minimum instructional time: 1 hour
A1. Identify safety rules
A2. Identify hazards and risks Learning outcome A2.1
A3. Identify contingency measures • Identify hazards and risks in sewing.

Teaching strategy:
Learning activities for the trainee must include
APPENDIX 1: Training and Assessment guide the instructor to;
(Learning outcome). 2.1 Identify hazards and risks in sewing.
2.2 Explain hazards and risks in sewing.
Task A1: Safety rules.
2.3 Describe hazards and risks in sewing.
Suggested minimum instructional time: 1 hour
Assessment condition:
Learning outcome A1.1: The trainee must have excess to;
• Identify safety rules in sewing.
• Teaching notes on hazards and risks in sewing
Teaching strategy: • Sample posters on hazards and risks
Learning activities for the trainee must include
the instructor to; Assessment criteria:
The trainee has;
1.1 Identify safety rules in sewing.
2.1.1 Listed hazards and risks in sewing.
1.2 Explain safety rules.
2.2.2 Discussed hazards and risks in sewing.
1.3 Describe safety rules when sewing.
2.3.3 Reported hazards and risks in sewing.
Assessment condition:
In a classroom situation where all participants are Assessment method:
provided with; • Short answer
• Teaching notes on safety rules in sewing • Oral questions and observation
• Sample posters of safety in sewing • Practical application

Assessment criteria:
The trainee has;
APPENDIX 3: Training and Assessment guide
1.1.1 Listed down safety rules in sewing.
(Learning outcome).
1.2.2 Discussed safety rules in sewing.
1.3.3 Applied safety rules when sewing. Task A3: Contingency measures.
Assessment method: Suggested minimum instructional time: 1 hour
• Short answer
• Oral questions and observation Learning outcome A3.1:
• Practical application • Identify contingency measures to take in
sewing.

Teaching strategy:
Learning activities for the trainee must include
the instructor to;
3.1 Identify contingency measures to take in
sewing.
3.2 Explain contingency measures to take in
sewing.
3.3 Describe contingency measures to take in
sewing.

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Assessment condition:
In a classroom situation or a training hall where
all participants are provide with;
• Teaching notes on contingency measures
• Sample posters on contingency measures
Assessment criteria:
The trainee has;
3.1.1 Listed contingency measures to take in
sewing.
3.2.2 Discussed contingency measures to take in
sewing.
3.1.3 Applied contingency measures to take in
sewing.
Assessment method:
• Short answer
• Oral questions and observation
• Practical application
APPENDIX 4: INTRODUCTION
WORKPLACE HEALTH AND SAFETY
Workplace Health and Safety an important factor in
any sewing industry either in hand sewing, using
a sewing machine both an electrical or a manual
sewing machine. Employees/individuals
encounter several risk factors, such as awkward
arm, neck, trunk, leg postures and back pains.
Posture in sewing is also an important factor.
Safety measures have to be taken seriously
especially when sharp pointed objects are used
such as, scissors, tacking pins, needles, and other
equipment.
INSTRUCTIONAL NOTES
A1: Safety rules
Safety is very important in Sewing. To make sure
that everyone can learn and have fun in a safe
environment, keep the following rules in mind:
1. ALWAYS: Place your coats, books and bags in
separate places, away from your sewing area.
2. ALWAYS: Leave your shoes on during sewing
class. You do not want to accidentally step on
a pin or needle.
3. ALWAYS: Keep your fingers away from the
sewing machine needle when winding the
bobbin and operating the machine.
4. ALWAYS: Look under your fabric before
cutting with scissors and carry scissors with
the sharp edge pointing towards the floor.
When the scissors are not being used, place
them on the cutting table, sewing table, or in
EMPLOYMENT ORIENTED SKILLS DEVELOPMENT PROJECT - SKILLS TRAINING RESOURCE UNIT
Workplace Health and Safety
your sewing box.
5. ALWAYS: Thread the needle with caution and
lower the pressure foot before starting to
sewing on your fabric.
6. ALWAYS: Remove the pins from your fabric
as you sew and place them in the pin cushion
after you use them. NEVER put straight pins
or needles in your mouth.
7. ALWAYS: Place the iron in the upright
position after use. When using the iron hold
it by the handle only.
8. ALWAYS: Let your teacher/trainer help you
use the seam ripper (unpicker).
9. ALWAYS: Place your seam gauge, ruler,
scissors and pins in the sewing box after
using them.
10. ALWAYS: Listen to the teacher’s/trainer’s
instructions.
A2: Hazard and risks
Hazards that may be encountered when
conducting sewing activities include:
• Cut and injuries from sharp edges, knife
blades, scissors and pins.
• Holding the wrist in awkward position while
cutting with scissors cause injury to the wrist.
• Participants/trainees hold their neck, trunk and
arms in an awkward position as they strain to
see detail in an object.
• Finger injuries while sewing.
• While cutting fabric the participants/trainees
often bend over table, which may cause low
back injury from poor posture.
• Eye strain from poor lighting.
• Back injury from improper lifting procedures.
A3: Contingency measures
The following safety checks and precautions
should be carried out when preparing to set up
when beginning to sew (hand sewing) and use
the sewing machine.
• Check all sewing equipment are carefully
prepared before commencing any sewing.
• Always have extra bobbins ready winded.
• Sewing machine should be thread ready for
sewing.
• Always have extra sewing machine needles
incase of a broken one.
• The sewing machine should be turned off and
isolated from the main electricity supply when
not in use.
7
 Workplace Health and Safety

• The trainee/participant seeks permission from

the teacher/trainer before using the sewing
machine.
• Always check that the sewing machine and its
cord are in good working order.
• Check all adjustments and settings carefully
before commencing any sewing operation.
• The work area should be clean and free of
equipment, rubbish and other obstacles.
• Ensure you have had instruction and training
in the use sewing machine and satisfactory
completed the relevant WHS test.

ATTACHMENTS: Fig.3: Properly placed chair.

SEWING STATION DESIGN
TABLE
Employees encounter several risk factors at
sewing workstations, such as awkward arm, neck,
trunk, and leg postures. These postures are
influenced by the size of the worker and the
design of the workstation. This section explains
potential hazards encountered at the workstation
and a general description of a proper workstation
design.

CHAIR

Fig.1: Table too high, causing worker's left elbow

to be raised.

Fig.1: Awkward postures

Fig.2: Employee leaning on sharp edges.

Fig.2: Padded chair with rounded, waterfall edge.

Narrow back rest is ideal for twisting jobs.

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 Workplace Health and Safety

TREADLE/PADDLE

Fig.3: Tables should be at elbow height.

Fig.1: Poorly-designed treadle causes the worker

to use awkward posture.

Fig.4: Table should allow room for worker's legs.

Fig.2: Treadle too close.

Fig.5: Table edges should be padded or rounded.

Fig.3: Treadle that eliminates awkward leg

posture and requires minimal force to
operate, especially while standing.

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 Workplace Health and Safety
STITCHING
Stitching involves taking cut material, placing it
on the sewing mount, then running it through a
sewing machine. This operation may require
pinch grips and awkward arm, neck, and trunk
postures. Force may also be required to push
fabric through the machine. Some of the
common risks and possible solutions associated
with stitching are listed below.
STITCHING MATERIALS
Fig.1: Awkward posture causing ergonomic stress
to arms, shoulders, and back.
Fig.2: Height-adjustable table.
10 EMPLOYMENT ORIENTED SKILLS DEVELOPMENT PROJECT - SKILLS TRAINING RESOURCE UNIT
FINE WORK
Employees often perform fine work or tedious
jobs at cutting, sewing, and quality control
stations. Many times these jobs have acute visual
requirements, coupled with intense wrist, hand,
and finger movements. Following are potential
risk factors and possible solutions involved in this
process.
HANDLING TOOLS AND FABRIC
Fig.1: Small scissors.
Fig.2: Ergonomic snippers that spring back
without operator force.
 Workplace Health and Safety

VISUALLY CHECKING WORK SCISSOR WORK

Employees working at manual scissor stations
often have repeated exposure to awkward wrist
postures, repeated grip force, and contact stress
to the hands and fingers. This task may also
require the employee to bend over a table and
reach with arms fully extended to cut the full
length of the fabric. Scissor work may also
include tedious or small range hand motions
during finishing or quality control tasks.
Following are some possible risk factors involved
in this process, and possible solutions.

Fig.1: Straining to inspect product.

Hand Postures

Fig.2: Example of improved workstation.

Fig.1: Shears designed to promote neutral joint

postures

Fig.3: Height-adjustable table.

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 Workplace Health and Safety

Arm and Back Posture MATERIAL HANDLING

Some of the risks identified with this operation,
and possible solutions, are listed below.

Fig.1: Extended reach and bending over table

causes ergonomic stress on back,
shoulders, and arms.

Fig.2: Design stations to allow most lifts at waist

level.

Fig.2: Using automated tools, shorter width tables SEWING MACHINE

and height-adjustable tables can minimize
OPERATION SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
injuries.
O Make sure all other participants/trainees keep
Repetition away from the immediate work area at all
times.
O Remove the cover from the sewing machine
and replace it on the back of the chair before
use.
O One person only is to operate a sewing
machine at anytime.
O Do not touch a sewing machine whilst another
person is operating it.
O Turn the power off when making adjustments
to the sewing machine.
O Examples include changing the pressure foot
Fig.1: Partially automated air shears require less and the needle.
operator.

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O Never raise the sewing machine at high speed. Shining

O Take care not to machine over pins. O Wipe the surface of the machine with a clean
O Make sure the take-up lever is in the upper soft, damp cloth. Do not use abrasives on your
most position before pulling out the fabric and machine and do not place pieces of tape on it.
cutting threads. Seam guides can be purchased from the shops
or the dealer. Clean the LMD screen with a
MAINTENANCE soft, damp cloth and never use alcohol or
solvent on the machine.
Oiling
O Keep the sewing machine well oiled. Oil it every Storage
8 -10 hours of actual sewing or once a month or O Avoid exposing the sewing machine to
when you are sewing after the machine has not extreme temperatures. Do not store it in a
been used for a few months. Be sure not to room that is cold, hot or humid. Cover the
over oil. After oiling, sew a few stitches on a machine when not in use to keep and lint to a
small swatch of fabric to observe any excess minimum.
before beginning your project.
Cleaning
O Along with oiling; it is important to keep the
machine as free of lint (fine fibres which
separate from cloth or yarn during processing)
as possible. Remove needle plate to clean lint
from the feed dogs, under the needle plate,
and in the shuttle area of the bobbin. Do not
use “canned air’ to clean your machine as this
may push debris further into the machine.

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 Workplace Health and Safety

Acknowledgement

The Skill Training Resource Unit (STRU) of Employment Oriented Skills Development Project (EOSDP)
in conjunction with Department (TVET) division and the implementing agency Department for
Community Development Services wish to express their thanks to the people who have contributed in
producing the module.
We hope it will provide basic knowledge and skills for the informal and the formal sectors especially the
women, men and the youth to be employed or self-employed through having better skills for tomorrow.

14 EMPLOYMENT ORIENTED SKILLS DEVELOPMENT PROJECT - SKILLS TRAINING RESOURCE UNIT

p o box 1097, waigani
national capital district
papua new guinea.

tel: (675) 323 2633

fax: (675) 323 0944

The development of this short course was

sponsored by the ADB-PNG
EMPLOYMENT SKILLS DEVELOPMENT
PROJECT (EOSDP) and produced by
curriculum officers at the SKILLS
TRAINING RESOURCES UNIT (STRU)