Why Sewing Machine?

For the assignment I wanted something which I could relate in terms of machinery in garment
industry something I have felt and touch before so that I could understand human - machine
interaction in it which is the main principle of ergonomics. Also to submit something which is
authentic from my side is what made me go deep and do an extensive secondary research which
was a growth in the learning curve of the subject.

Now, the machine that I have interacted the most in garment manufacturing is Scissors, Steam Iron
and Single needle lockstitch machine. And I feel a sewing machine had a lot of issues that I could
discuss and ponder upon. Primarily I had focus on a Single needle lock stitch but since the rest of the
component relating to its workplace are common with many sewing machines so it is vague in terms
of the work environment and handle of the machine.

What is ergonomics?

The root of the term “ergonomics” stems from the Greek “nomos” meaning rule, and “ergo”
meaning work. One could propose that ergonomics should develop “rules” for a more forward-
looking, prospective concept of design.

In sum, the simple hypothesis of modern ergonomics can be stated thus: Pain and exhaustion cause
health hazards, wasted productivity and reduced quality, which are measures of the costs and
benefits of human work.

This simple hypothesis can be contrasted to occupational medicine which generally restricts itself to
establishing the aetiology of occupational diseases. Occupational medicine’s goal is to establish
conditions under which the probability of developing such diseases is minimized. Using ergonomic
principles these conditions can be most easily formulated in the form of demands and load
limitations. Occupational medicine can be summed up as establishing “limitations through medico-
scientific studies”. Traditional ergonomics regards its role as one of formulating the methods where,
using design and work organization, the limitations established through occupational medicine can
be put into practice. Traditional ergonomics could then be described as developing “corrections
through scientific studies”, where “corrections” are understood to be all work design
recommendations that call for attention to be paid to load limits only in order to prevent health
hazards. It is a characteristic of such corrective recommendations that practitioners are finally left
alone with the problem of applying them—there is no multidisciplinary team effort.

The original aim of inventing ergonomics in 1857 stands in contrast to this kind of “ergonomics by
correction”:

... a scientific approach enabling us to reap, for the benefit of ourselves and others, the best fruits of
life’s labour for the minimum effort and maximum satisfaction (Jastrzebowski 1857).

The basic rules for the development of this approach can be deduced from practical experience and
reinforced by the results of occupational hygiene and ergonomics research. In other words,
prospective ergonomics means searching for alternatives in work design which prevent fatigue and
exhaustion on the part of the working subject in order to promote human productivity (“... for the
benefit of ourselves and others”). This comprehensive approach of prospective ergonomics includes
workplace and equipment design as well as the design of working conditions determined by an
increasing amount of information processing and a changing work organization. Prospective
ergonomics is, therefore, an interdisciplinary approach of researchers and practitioners from a wide
range of fields united by the same goal, and one part of a general basis for a modern understanding
of occupational safety and health (UNESCO 1992).

THE NATURE AND AIMS OF ERGONOMICS

Ergonomics means literally the study or measurement of work. In this context, the term work
signifies purposeful human function; it extends beyond the more restricted concept of work as
labour for monetary gain to incorporate all activities whereby a rational human operator
systematically pursues an objective. Thus it includes sports and other leisure activities, domestic
work such as child care and home maintenance, education and training, health and social service,
and either controlling engineered systems or adapting to them, for example, as a passenger in a
vehicle.

The human operator, the focus of study, may be a skilled professional operating a complex machine
in an artificial environment, a customer who has casually purchased a new piece of equipment for
personal use, a child sitting in a classroom or a disabled person in a wheelchair. The human being is
highly adaptable but not infinitely so. There are ranges of optimum conditions for any activity. One
of the tasks of ergonomics is to define what these ranges are and to explore the undesirable effects
which occur if the limits are transgressed—for example if a person is expected to work in conditions
of excessive heat, noise or vibration, or if the physical or mental workload is too high or too low.

Ergonomics examines not only the passive ambient situation but also the unique advantages of the
human operator and the contributions that can be made if a work situation is designed to permit
and encourage the person to make the best use of his or her abilities. Human abilities may be
characterized not only with reference to the generic human operator but also with respect to those
more particular abilities that are called upon in specific situations where high performance is
essential. For example, an automobile manufacturer will consider the range of physical size and
strength of the population of drivers who are expected to use a particular model to ensure that the
seats are comfortable, that the controls are readily identifiable and within reach, that there is clear
visibility to the front and the rear, and that the internal instruments are easy to read. Ease of entry
and egress will also be taken into account. By contrast, the designer of a racing car will assume that
the driver is athletic so that ease of getting in and out, for example, is not important and, in fact,
design features as a whole as they relate to the driver may well be tailored to the dimensions and
preferences of a particular driver to ensure that he or she can exercise his or her full potential and
skill as a driver.

In all situations, activities and tasks the focus is the person or persons involved. It is assumed that
the structure, the engineering and any other technology is there to serve the operator, not the other
way round.

What are the major ergonomic concerns of a hand tool

design?

Weight of the tool

Ideally, a worker should be able to operate a tool with one hand. The weight of the
tool may depend on the use:

 2.3 kg (5 lb) if the hand tool will be used away from the body or above shoulder
height.
 0.4kg (1 lb) for precision tools to allow for good control.

Tools above these recommendations should be supported with a counterbalance.

Figure 1
It is also important that the centre of gravity be aligned with the centre of the gripping
hand. In other words, tools should feel "easy" to hold either in an upright position or
in the position it will be used (i.e., pointing down). For example, drills that are "front-
heavy" will require effort (especially in the wrist and forearm) to hold in a usable
position and should be avoided. The exception to this principle is a power hand tool,
such as a grinder, that has to be heavy in order to reduce the force that the worker
has to exert while using it.

Handles
With the exception of tools for precision work (e.g., watchmaking, microsurgery,
carving), the handles and grips of hand tools should be designed for a power grip.
The belief that smaller tools should have smaller handles while larger tools have
larger ones is debatable.

Handle shape
Tools with "bent" or angled handles or tools with pistol-grips are beneficial where the
force is exerted in a straight line in the same direction as the straightened forearm
and wrist, especially when the force must be applied horizontally (see Figures 2, 3,
4).

Figure 2
Figure 3

Figure 4

Tools with straight handles are for tasks where the force is exerted perpendicular to
the straightened forearm and wrist, for instance, when the force must be applied
vertically.
Shaped tools such as bent-handle tools are effective where most of the tasks are
done in the same plane and height as the arm and hand, and when only one or two
other tools are used (see Figure 5).
Figure 5

Knowing the tasks and the layout of the workplace where they will be used is vital for
selecting the right tools for any given job. Select tools that do NOT require wrist
flexion, extension or deviation. In other words, select tools that allow you to keep the
wrist straight or in a neutral position.
The crucial ergonomic principle in tool use and design -- bend the tool, not the
wrists -- however correct and valuable does not always prevent discomfort and
injuries when bent-handle tools are used indiscriminately, regardless of the layout of
the work situation.

Diameter
Handle diameter recommendations vary. In general, cylindrical handles at 40mm
(1.5 in) offer a better power grip, with a range from 30-50mm (1.25 to 2 in). For
precision grips, a diameter of 12mm (0.45 in) is recommended, with a range of 8-
16mm (0.3 to 0.6 in). The larger diameter will allow for maximum torque, while the
smaller diameter helps with dexterity and speed.

Length
A handle that is too short can cause unnecessary compression in the middle of the
palm. It should extend across the entire breadth of the palm. Tool handles should be
not less than 100 mm (4 in) to reduce the negative effects of any compression
exerted. Handles around 120 mm (5 in) are generally recommended. Keep in mind
that the use of gloves requires longer tool handles.

Separation between handles

Crushing, gripping or cutting tools such as pliers or tongs are equipped with two
handles. The recommended distance separating the handles is between 65-90 mm
(2.5 to 3.5 in). Grips that are larger than 100 mm (4 in) will be difficult for some
users. Tools with larger or smaller spans will reduce one's maximum grip strength.

Materials and texture of handles

To ensure a good grip on a handle, sufficient friction must exist between the hand
and the handle. This is particularly important where a considerable force must be
applied with a sweaty hand. Hand tools should be made of non-slip, non-conductive
and compressible materials. For example, textured rubber handles provide a good
grip, reduce the effort needed to use the tool effectively, and prevent the tool from
slipping out of the hand. Glossy coatings and highly polished handles should be
avoided. The electrical and heat insulation properties of the handles are important for
power hand tools. Handles made of plastics or compound rubber are recommended.
Sharp edges and contours can be covered with cushioned tape to minimize
lacerations.
The table below summarizes some of the guidelines presented above.
Guidelines - Summary

Description Guideline Reason

Tool shape Slightly contoured Easy grip

Direction of force is in-line with forearm and wrist Bent handle Minimal wrist deviation
(typically horizontal)

Direction of force is perpendicular to forearm and Straight handle Minimal wrist deviation
wrist (typically vertical)

Separation distance between handles (for 65-90 mm Maximum grip strength

crushing, gripping or clipping tools such as pliers or (separation distance)
tongs)

Handle length > 100 mm Keep contact out of palm

Handle diameter (power grip) 30-50 mm Greater force and stability

Handle diameter (precision task) 8-16 mm Greater control

Material and texture of handles Non-slip non- For comfort and reduces
conductive materials effort required to use tool

When should power tools be used?

When manual hand tools are used for tasks that require the frequent and repetitive
use of force to perform a task or job, the risk of contracting an WMSD increases.
One of the most effective ways in reducing injury risk associated with the use of
manual hand tools is to replace them with power tools. Always conduct a risk
assessment before making any change. Make sure that all aspects of the new tool
have been considered (weight, size, etc.) to be sure that one type of hazard has not
been exchanged for another.

What ergonomic factors are unique to powered hand tools?

Power tool triggers

Frequent movements of the index finger while operating the trigger of power tools
(such as a power drill) poses a considerable risk for both "trigger finger" and "trigger
thumb" (tendonitis in the index finger and/or thumb). A longer trigger which allows
the use of two or three fingers to activate them reduces discomfort and minimizes
the risk for injury.

Vibration
The only effective way to reduce vibration in power tools is at the design stage. This
fact makes tool selection most critical. "Anti-vibration" materials will dampen some
vibration above certain frequencies that are characteristic for the kind of material
used.

What should one remember when selecting and using hand

tools?
When selecting and using a hand tool it is important to:

 "Bend" the tool, not the wrist; use tools with angled or "bent" handles, when
appropriate.
 Avoid high contact forces and static loading (see Hand Tool Ergonomics - Health
Hazards).
 Reduce excessive gripping force or pressure.
 Avoid extreme and awkward joint positions.
 Avoid twisting hand and wrist motion by using power tools rather than hand tools.
 Avoid repetitive finger movements, or at least reduce their number.
 Avoid or limit vibration.
 Minimize the amount of force needed to activate trigger devices on power tools.

How does hand tool maintenance reduce the risk for

injuries?
The condition of tools is an important factor. Blunt or dull tools such as scissors,
cutters, saws, screwdriver tips, in fact any tools in a poor state of repair, not only
compromise safety but also increase (sometimes by a factor of ten) the effort needed
to use them. Tools in poor condition should be discarded (with the exception of those
few that can be restored to optimum condition, for example, a wood chisel or wood
saw) and replaced with new ones.

In India, the readymade garment industry had its

beginning during the first half of the 20th century and
has witnessed impressive growth during the last four
decades. It is reported to be the second highest
contributor to India's export basket, after gems and
jewellery. There are around 70,000 garment manufacturing units in the country
providing employment to more than 3 million persons.

Today most of us spend our working days carrying out repetitive activities in
awkward postures. At first we will not be aware of this because it feels
comfortable. If we do not sit properly, take regular breaks, and also use correctly
positioned furniture and equipment, we become vulnerable to pain and discomfort.
Injuries and muscle pain affecting the wrists, shoulders, neck and back are
common problems for workers in the garment industry.

Contributing factors for these problems are adverse working environments, such as
those are too hot or too cold, inadequate illumination, poor air quality and noise
level, these areas need attention for improvement takes place. The work
environment in a majority of these units is unsafe and unhealthy. These include
poorly designed workstations, unsuitable furniture, lack of ventilation,
inappropriate lighting, excessive noise, insufficient protection from dangerous
chemicals, insufficient safety measures in fire emergencies and lack of personal
protective equipment. People working in such poor or substandard environment are
prone to occupational diseases.

The clothing industry is generally seen as a safe place to work, and when 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. Sewing
machine operators face a substantially higher risk of muscle pain and injury than
workers in other jobs.

Studies also show that frequency of persistent neck

and shoulder injuries increases with years of
employment. Sewing machine operators experience as
many cases of repetitive strain injuries as data entry
operators and secretaries combined. These injuries lead
to long-term health effects. The physical
characteristics of the job are an important risk factor
for muscle pain and injury. The risks for sewing
machine operators have been linked to conditions such
as poor workstation design and chairs, and organisational factors such as the
piecework system. Factors such as repetition, force, posture, and vibration are
associated with higher rates of injury. But you cannot look at the workstation alone
to understand these injuries. The factors that relate to reduce injury rates include
empowerment of the workforce, safety protocols, and greater seniority of the
workforce, good housekeeping and active role of top management.
Anthropometric measurements of garment industry workers of tamil
nadu

SEWING MACHINE

The ergonomic design of sewing machine workstations aims to encourage adequate body position
and reduce movement constraints to a minimum. The layout is not the only factor in the prevention
of professional injuries, and the way work and working methods are organized must also be
examined. Elements to consider include the adjustment of workstation components and the
selection and maintenance of equipment. This information bulletin is limited to basic notions of
ergonomic planning for sewing machine workstations.

ADJUSTMENTS TO THE WORKSTATION

When should the workstation components be adjusted ?

Adjustments should be made or reviewed every time:

■ operators change workstations ;

■ a sewing operation is modified ;

■ the equipment is modified ;

■ pain or discomfort is signaled ;

■ a new working station is set-up ;

■ preventive maintenance is done.

In what order should components be adjusted?
The components located nearer the floor should generally be adjusted first, in the following order:

lateral position of the pedal, and footrest if any ;

height of seat and position of backrest ;

front/back position of footrest ;

second pedal if any ;

height of table or level of machine in case of free-standing machine ;

material pick up and delivery areas.

ADJUSTMENT OF PEDALS

Types of pedals

There are two different types of pedal, with different potential types of constraints:

■ The sewing pedal is pressed during the entire sewing operation.

■ The on/off pedal is pressed down to start the machine and released immediately. It is found as an
additional pedal, beside the sewing pedal, or as an on/off pedal on automatic machines.

The sewing pedal

WIDTH OF PEDAL

When operators activate the sewing pedal with two feet, the pedal should be wide enough to allow
simultaneous activation with both feet. When it is not wide enough, operators have to push their
knees together to activate the pedal with their two feet, a movement causing discomfort in the hips
and back. Wider pedals encourage better posture and allow proper spacing between feet.

When operators activate the sewing pedal with one foot, it is recommended to install a footrest
beside the sewing pedal which should be:

■ the same height and at the same angle and front/back position as the pedal ;

■ wide enough ;

■ solidly fixed with a non-skid surface.

LATERAL POSITION OF PEDALS

The pedal should be adjusted when the operator is facing the work zone, not necessarily in front of
the needle. The pedal should be laterally positioned so that the tight, leg and foot are in line.

FRONT/BACK POSITION OF PEDALS

The front/back position of pedals should be adjusted when the operator is sitting at the machine in a
position that provides a clear view of the work at hand and does not impede movements. The
front/back location of the pedal partly depends on the height of the chair.

The front/back adjustment is correct when:

■ thighs are approximately horizontal (with a horizontal seat) ;

■ knees are at an angle of approximately 120 degrees.

Adjustment of sewing pedal for work in upright position Activating sewing pedals while in an upright
position causes an unbalance that can result in injuries to the legs, hips and back. These constraints
can be eliminated by:

■ using thinner pedals so part of the foot remains on the floor ;

■ linking pedals to a flexible cable so the operator can position the pedals as desired ;

■ electric pedals embeded in antifatigue rugs.

In addition:

■ ensure that pedals adhere to floor surface so they will not move when activated ;

■ if possible, cover floor surface with shock-absorbing material to reduce leg fatigue or provide
shoes with ergonomic soles.

To posture constraints is added the fatigue caused by working in an upright position. There are
several ways to reduce fatigue.

If operators change machines regularly

When work conditions allow, provide a seat rest even if the operator uses it only for short periods
such as when waiting for next batch of material. If operators work continuously with one machine,
including for short periods of time (one hour or two) Additional fatigue is caused by working in an
upright position while continuously remaining in the same location. A higher chair should be
provided, including a second raised position for pedals.

Additional pedal

A second, very thin pedal is sometimes located beside the sewing pedal. This pedal activates the
sewing machine’s presser foot. It is recommended to eliminate the second pedal since operators
have to lift and move their foot to press it, causing additional strain to the legs and hips. The second
pedal should be replaced with a foot control integrated to the sewing pedal.

If it is impossible to remove the second pedal, position it:

■ as close as possible to the sewing pedal to reduce the foot movement ;

■ at the same height, angle and front/back distance as the sewing pedal.

On/off pedals

On/off pedals are found on automatic machines such as lockstitch machines, buttonhole and button
machines, rivet machines and robot machines. They are generally very thin.

If operators work sitting down, pressing the pedal with only one foot will not lead to fatigue or
discomfort as long as the workstation design follows certain rules:

■ place the pedal under the foot used to press on it, off center from the operator ;

■ adjust the front/back position of the pedal ;

■ place a footrest under the inactive foot to balance posture and prevent numbness in the inactive
leg.
If operators work standing up, applying pressure to pedals is an important source of strain to the
legs and back, especially if the operator always remains in the same location. Even on automatic
machines, it is much preferable to work in a sitting position if the job design allows it.

If it is not possible to work sitting down, the pedals should be replaced with other types of command
mechanisms such as hand controls or foot forward commands.

ADJUSTMENT OF CHAIRS

In order to maintain adequate body position when working in a sitting position, operators should be
provided with the right chair. The chair should be adjusted according to the size of the operator and
the type of operation performed.

Features

Chairs for sewing machine operators must be of solid construction and include the following
features:

SEAT:

■ easy and rapid height adjustment;

■ pivoting mechanism (particularly if operators need to turn sideways to pick up and deposit
material) ;

■ smooth surface to avoid compressing underside of thighs and adequate width to accommodate
larger persons ;

■ not to deep.

BACKREST:

■ adjustable height, low enough to support lower back of smaller individuals ;

■ adjustable front/back position, advancing enough to support back of operators of all sizes ;

■ relatively small size, to avoid blocking movements of the shoulder blades and elbows.

OTHER FEATURES:

■ no rollers or blocking mechanism for roller feet, if applicable;

■ padded cover for seat and backrest.

Chair adjustment

HEIGHT OF CHAIR

Adjustments should be made when the operator is sitting at a normal distance from the sewing area
and feet are on the pedals. The chair height should be adjusted to make the seat and thighs
approximately horizontal. If the chair is too high, the underside of thighs will be pressed against the
front edge of the chair; if too low, the body weight will be tilted backward, which will cause
discomfort in the buttocks area. If significant modifications to the adjustment are made, the height
of the chair and the location of pedals will both need to be adjusted accordingly.

BACKREST ADJUSTMENT
The backrest should be adjusted when the operator is sitting at a normal distance from the sewing
area. The backrest is moved forward until it comes in contact with the lower back of the operator.
The operator should not need to back up in the chair in order to lay against the backrest, and the
backrest should not push the operator forward either. The backrest should be positioned at the
most appropriate height for the operator.

ADJUSTMENT OF SEWING TABLES

Most industrial sewing machines are mounted on sewing tables. Some types of machines such as
ordinary and overcasting machines are built into the table while others are top-mounted, like most
automatic machines and those with raised flatbed.

Features

TABLE SIZE

The table should be large enough to support material while sewing is being done. Tables that are too
small may:

■ cause bunching around the needle, or

■ force operators to push and pull material during the sewing operation.

A work surface of adequate size gives operators ample room to pick up and deposit material, and
avoids the need for potentially harmful movements to lean sideways or backward.

WORK SURFACE

The surface should be completely smooth in order to make material handling easier. In order to
prevent visual fatigue:

■ avoid severe light contrasts on the table, especially around the needle ;

■ remove any source of light reflection around the needle to prevent dazzling;

■ select a surface with a matte finish in a neutral shade.

WORK LAMP

Adequate lighting of the work area helps prevent visual fatigue and promote proper body position.
Lamps used for spot lighting should include the following features:

■ adjustable components to accommodate different operators ;

■ swan neck or articulated arm to direct light as needed ;

■ a lamp shade completely covering the sides of light bulbs to avoid dazzling ;

■ blocked air holes (on operators’ side only), also to avoid dazzling ;

■ light bulbs with adequate wattage and low heat diffusion. The desired light intensity varies
according to factors such as the age of the operator, the level of precision of the work being done
and the quality of the work surface.

Armrests

Tables should be equipped with supports for the forearms except where operators work with hands
close to the body, as is the case with some automatic machines. In order to prevent back and
shoulder injuries, proper forearm support should be provided in situations where operators have to
work with hands above and in front of them, or with elbows raised sideways. If the table design does
not include arm support, consider adding armrests, which can be installed on the table or the chair.
They should be adjustable for height and for front to back position so that arms and elbows are
supported without impeding the operator’s movements or preventing operators from bringing their
chair closer to the machine. If armrests cannot be installed, other solutions should be found.

Space under the table

The space under the sewing table must be left uncluttered to leave ample leg room. Clutter under
the table can force the operator to adopt an uncomfortable body position at the workstation.
Remove motors, control boxes, drawers and any other equipment that may prevent proper
positioning of the legs or obstruct pedal operation. For instance, chutes for cuttings of material at
overcasting machines should not be located under the table: they can be placed higher up or
replaced with aspirators.

Table adjustment

HEIGHT

Even if the operator remains the same, the proper table height can vary according to the work done
and the size of the material handled. Therefore the right height is not always at elbow level. The
proper height for the table can be determined by observing the operator’s body position. If she
needs to bend forward to work, the table is probably too low. If she needs to raise her shoulders, the
table is too high. The table should be adjusted within ± 2 inches of the operator's elbow. An operator
working at a well adjusted table will not need to lean forward or raise her shoulders. Remember that
adjustments to the table should be done after the pedals and chair have been adjusted. 4 ± 2 inches

TILT

The sewing table can be tilted forward to encourage operators to refrain from bending their heads.
If tables with an integrated tilting mechanism are unavailable, the same result can be achieved with
ordinary sewing tables by raising the back legs. The angle of tilt is adjusted once the table is at the
proper height. However, this adjustment may cause problem to the lubrication system of certain
models of sewing machines.

MATERIAL PICK UP AND DEPOSIT

Movements to pick up and deposit material can cause injuries to the back and shoulders. Risks result
from the weight of material bundles and the location of handling areas in relation to the operator.

There are several ways to reduce risks of injuries:

■ design pick up and deposit areas adequately;

■ pack material in lighter bundles;

■ install mechanical aids where possible.

Material handling areas

POSITION

Operators should be able to pick up and deposit material directly in front of them, never behind, to
avoid potential back and shoulder injuries.
Handling areas may be located:

■ on the sewing table ;

■ on shelves installed over the table ;

■ on a retractable shelf over the operator’s knees ;

■ on a retractable stalk.

If material handling areas cannot be positioned in front of the operator, they can be positioned
slightly to the side as long as operators do not have to make movements that may lead to shoulder
injury. Material is generally picked up and deposited on tables, carts, bins, stands or conveyors.

HEIGHT

Pick up and deposit areas should be located at waist level so operators are not required to bend
down or reach up too far. Remember that the location of handling areas should be determined only
once other components of the workstation have been adjusted. The workstation design should place
handling areas:

■ directly in front of operators ;

■ approximately at waist level.

Material bundles

Handling material bundles from a sitting position puts a greater strain on the back and shoulders.
Handling operations should be performed standing up. If this is not possible, the following measures
should be taken:

■ reduce the size and weight of bundles to a minimum ;

■ stack bundles properly ;

■ use solid ties that are easy to put on and remove. If material handling areas are located at waist
level, prepare smaller bundles of material. Place larger and heavier bundles on work surfaces that
can be lowered or raised by the operator.

Mechanical aids to facilitate material handling such as automatic stackers or robot arms are
available. They can help reduce back and shoulder strain. Handling aids should be installed only if no
other ways to eliminate risks have been found.

ACCESSORIES

Various accessories can be added to sewing machines in order to lower the work load and help
reduce the risks of injuries to the back or upper limbs (hands, wrists and elbows). However, some
accessories such as manual hemming machines will cause additional strain so all aspects of proposed
attachments should be carefully examined. Accessories to facilitate work Accessories such as pullers,
automatic thread cutters and automatic feeders for material strips and elastic material can all make
the operators’ work easier. They can also help eliminate movements presenting a potential risk of
injury such as pulling and pushing material with the fingers, pressing down on material with the
fingers or repeatedly stretching the arms forward (to cut thread by hand). 5 PULLER TOOLS The tools
most widely used by sewing machine operators are scissors and thread cutters. Using these tools can
lead to hand and wrist strain. There is also a danger caused by dropping scissors. When using
scissors or thread cutters, avoid: ■ making strenuous movements with the wrists (flexing or bending)
; ■ applying excessive pressure on fingers or palm ; ■ rubbing the skin on rough or sharp parts of the
tools. To avoid strenuous movements of the wrists: ■ choose scissors or cutters designed to keep
wrists straight during use ; ■ perform cutting operations in an area with enough room to allow work
with straight wrists. To avoid excessive pressure on hands: ■ adapt the size of the handle to the size
of the operator’s hand ; ■ provide a choice of left-handed and right-handed scissors ; ■ keep tools
sharp. To avoid injuries to the skin: ■ choose models with a rounded, smooth design. Finally, in order
to avoid dropping scissors, secure them to the table with a solid elastic band or with Velcro.
Refrences:

http://www.ilocis.org/documents/chpt29e.htm

https://www.ccohs.ca/oshanswers/ergonomics/handtools/tooldesign.html

http://inet.vidyasagar.ac.in:8080/jspui/bitstream/123456789/200/1/14.Gait%20Pattern%20with
%20the%20Use%20of%20Two%20different%20Prosthesis_enc.pdf

https://ergo-plus.com/ergonomics-awareness-training-for-employees-pdf/