Assessment and reduction of ergonomic risk factors associated with tailoring

Document Type : Case Study

Author

Department of Physical therapy for musculoskeletal disorders and its surgery, Faculty of Physical therapy, Benha University

Abstract

Background: Sewing is one of the occupations that have high work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) prevalence because of repetitive tasks. However, limited research has investigated work-related musculoskeletal disorders among tailors.

Objective: this study aimed to assess and reduce ergonomic risk factors that affect tailors in their workplace.

Methods: This is a case study in which a 31 years old male tailor complained with mechanical back and neck pain. Ergonomic risk factors associated with his complaint was assessed by "Assessment of Repetitive Task" (ART) tool. In addition, range of motion of spine was assessed with goniometer and pain intensity was assessed using visual analogue scale (VAS).

Results: ART tool showed that this worker had moderate to high risk (18-43.5) for having WMSDs. VAS was 8. As well, there were inadequate light, loud noise, and poor ergonomic posture sitting (e.g. increased neck and trunk bending).

Conclusion: Sewing involves moderate to high risk for WMSDs as neck and back pain may be from poor posture from working over chairs and tables that are not dimensionally appropriate and without enough rest. Therefore, authors recommended some corrective strategies based on ergonomic principles to reduce these risks and then the pain may decrease.

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