Ergonomics

Ergonomics is a topic that affects us all, yet few of us have a good understanding of what the term
actually means or realize how it affects us.

Ergonomics is a science that focuses on designing a job for the worker. An ergonomically -designed
job would ensure that a taller worker had enough space to safely perform his/her job, and also that
a shorter worker could reach all of his/her tools and products without reaching beyond a
comfortable and safe range. The opposite of this, what typically happens in the workplace, is that a
worker is forced to work within the confines of the job or workstation that is already in place. This
may require employees to work in awkward postures, perform the same motion over and over again
or lift heavy loads-all of which could cause work related musculoskeletal disorders(WMSD).

These injuries often start as minor aches and pains but can develop into disabling injuries that affects
our activities of daily living such as laundry and even the ability to pick up our children.

Ergonomics aims at preventing injuries by controlling the risk factors such as force, repetition
posture and vibration that can cause injuries to develop. Some fundamental ergonomics principles
that should be followed in our workplaces are:

 Use proper tools.

 Keep repetitive motions to minimum.
 Avoid awkward postures.
 Use safe lifting procedures.
 Get proper rest.
 Cutting
The primary task in the cutting department are:

 Loading the spreading machine.

 Spreading the fabric.
 Cutting the fabric.
 Stacking the cut pieces.

Ergonomical measures to be taken in the cutting operation:

Loading the spreading machine:

 Spreader loaded with fixed assist accompanying the spreader.

 Ramp for loading the spreader- from ergonomic point of view using ramps for
loading spreader is the best technique.

Spreading the fabric

 Use of fabric catcher to eliminate the need the need for the operator to pick up and
manipulate weights to hold the fabric in place.
 Table and platform should be at appropriate heights for the operator, and the
operator has something to lean on to support his or her upper body weight while
smoothening the fabric.

Cutting the fabric

Band saw

 The table should be at an appropriate height and the operator should be able to
reach the blade without fully extending his/her arm and leaning forward.
 Die cutters
 A good height for the cutting surface is several inches below elbow height.
 The input and the deposit surfaces should be at similar heights and easilyaccesible.
  The best location for controls is directly in front of the operator, at approximately
elbow height.
 The die can be located under the fabric. This is a good technique for large, heavy dies
so they do not have to be picked up each other a new section of fabric is cut.
 A raised platform can be used to bring the operator to a good height.

Electric saws

 Maintain saws and use a vibration dampening handle to reduce the amount of
vibration.
 Extend the handle and cut from both sides to reduce excessive reaching.
 The best way foe holding down the pattern are small and have handles on the top.
Clamps are also good for holding fabric in place.
 Place anti-fatigue mats under the table to reduce foot and leg fatigue.

Automatic cutters

 The out feed table should also be adjustable in height to meet the requirements of
each operator.
 Locate waste bins at the end of the table, running the entire width of the table and
providing space for feet underneath.

Stacking the cut pieces

 The best carts for this job have one shelf that is at the same height as the cutting
table. The cut pieces can be slid off the table directly onto the cart with very little
things by the operator.
 Carts with multiple shelves located close together are also good. This minimizes the
operator’s range of lifting.

Standing posture

 Provide sit/stand workstations which encourages changing positions.

 Tables may be tilted slightly toward the worker, to enable them to see the work
more easily and to reduce awkward wrist postures.
 Using foot rest, can take stress off a worker’s back and legs.
 Provide height and tilted adjustable tables; tables should be set at elbow height.
 Allow operator to rotate between sitting and standing work postures.
 Institute job rotation through tasks that do not require bending at the waist and
cutting.
Hand postures

 Institute job rotation through tasks that do not require cutting with scissors.
 Reduce the amount of force needed to operate tools by keeping tools well
maintained(oiled and cleaned).
 Instituting a tool sharpening program.
 Adhesives can be used to stick the pattern to the fabric for easy cutting.
 Use of vibration dampening tools to reduce vibration during cutting.

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