title: Ergonomic risk factor identification for sewing machine operators through supervised occupational therapy fieldwork in Bangladesh: A case study.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Many sewing machine operators are working with high risk factors for musculoskeletal health in the garments industries in Bangladesh.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To identify the physical risk factors among sewing machine operators in a Bangladeshi garments factory.
  
  
  METHODS
  Sewing machine operators (327, 83% female), were evaluated. The mean age of the participants was 25.25 years.
  
  
  METHODS
  Six ergonomic risk factors were determined using the Musculoskeletal Disorders risk assessment. Data collection included measurements of sewing machine table and chair heights; this data was combined with information from informal interviews.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Significant ergonomic risk factors found included the combination of awkward postures of the neck and back, repetitive hand and arm movements, poor ergonomic workstations and prolonged working hours without adequate breaks; these risk factors resulted in musculoskeletal complaints, sick leave, and switching jobs.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  One aspect of improving worker health in garment factories includes addressing musculoskeletal risk factors through ergonomic interventions.
authors: Department of Occupational Therapy, Bangladesh Health Professions Institute (BHPI), Centre for the Rehabilitation of the Paralysed (CRP), P.O: CRP-Chapain, Savar, Dhaka-1343, Bangladesh. Tel.: +880 2 7745464 5, Ex 232; Cell: +880 1716709253; E-mail: monjurulshagar@yahoo.com.
authors: Md Monjurul
authors: MM
authors: Habib
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001459:Bangladesh; D012090:Cumulative Trauma Disorders / Q000517:prevention & control*; D006804:Ergonomics; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009140:Musculoskeletal Diseases / Q000517:prevention & control*; D009784:Occupational Diseases / Q000517:prevention & control*; D009788:Occupational Therapy; D011187:Posture; D012307:Risk Factors; D013783:Textile Industry; D013997:Time Factors; D016526:Workload; D017132:Workplace / Q000458:organization & administration; D055815:Young Adult
keywords: Bangladesh; Ergonomic risk factors; ergonomic intervention; garments industries; musculoskeletal complaints