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Brohi S, Khokhar R, Marriam P, Rathor A, Memon AR. Prevalence of symptoms of work-related musculoskeletal disorders and their associated factors: A cross-sectional survey of sewing machine operators in Sindh, Pakistan. Work 2022; 73:675-685. [DOI: 10.3233/wor-210620] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND: The nature of the work of sewing machine operators predisposes them to a wide variety of symptoms of musculoskeletal disorders and obesity. However, there is a paucity of studies on the prevalence and associated factors for symptoms of work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) among this occupational group. OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to determine the prevalence of symptoms of WMSDs and their association with personal and occupational factors and body mass index (BMI) among sewing machine operators of Sindh province in Pakistan. METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted on male sewing machine operators in two major cities (i.e., Hyderabad and Nawabshah) of Sindh province in Pakistan. Obesity was determined through the BMI cutoff values for Asians. Standardized Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire and Numeric Rating Scale were used. Data analysis was performed using SPSS v20. RESULTS: Of the 200 participants, 91% participants had symptoms of WMSDs in the past 12 months. Most (41.5%) participants reported pain and discomfort during the last 12 months in the lower back region. Symptoms of WMSDs in the lower back region had a significant positive association with working days/week (r = .196** p = .005). Symptoms of WMSDs in the ankle/feet region had a significant positive association with age (r = .246** p = .001) and work experience (r = .276** p = .001). CONCLUSIONS: Prevalence of symptoms work-related musculoskeletal disorders is high among sewing machine operators of Sindh province in Pakistan, with significant associations between personal and occupational factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saman Brohi
- Institute of Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation Sciences, Peoples University of Medical and Health Sciences for Women, Nawabshah, Pakistan
| | - Rasham Khokhar
- Institute of Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation Sciences, Peoples University of Medical and Health Sciences for Women, Nawabshah, Pakistan
| | - Paras Marriam
- Institute of Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation Sciences, Peoples University of Medical and Health Sciences for Women, Nawabshah, Pakistan
| | - Ameeta Rathor
- Institute of Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation Sciences, Peoples University of Medical and Health Sciences for Women, Nawabshah, Pakistan
| | - Aamir Raoof Memon
- Institute of Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation Sciences, Peoples University of Medical and Health Sciences for Women, Nawabshah, Pakistan
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Buyer–Supplier Role in Improving Ergonomics in Garment Supplier Factories: Empirical Evidence from the Garment Industry of Bangladesh. SUSTAINABILITY 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/su14010492] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
Ergonomics is a key concern of garment suppliers to improve their workers’ well-being and efficiency. However, suppliers’ isolated initiatives are not sufficient to improve ergonomics conditions. Thus, buyers’ cooperation and collaboration with suppliers are necessary to make the ergonomic initiatives successful and sustainable. The purpose of this study is to investigate the impact of buyer-assisted ergonomics intervention on suppliers’ performance and the role of buyers’ assistance and suppliers’ initiatives for improving ergonomics conditions in garment supplier factories. Following a qualitative research approach and multiple embedded case study method, this study intervened in supplier factories and collected qualitative and quantitative data from one Danish buyer and their four key suppliers on ergonomics and the role of buyers and suppliers in improving ergonomics conditions. Collected data were analysed by employing both quantitative and qualitative data analysis techniques. This study demonstrates that buyer-assisted ergonomics intervention on the shop floor can improve ergonomics conditions in garment supplier factories. This study also shows that improving ergonomics in supplier factories need joint efforts of buyers and suppliers. The findings of this study will enrich the literature on ergonomics, sustainability, and buyer–supplier relationships by demonstrating how garment suppliers in developing countries can improve ergonomics to meet the expectations of lead buyers and their workers. This is a unique research attempt to understand ergonomics from a buyer–supplier relationship perspective and its impact on the social sustainability of garment suppliers.
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Santos L, Catelani F, Mayworm S, Quinart H, Machado CB, Taïar R. Effect of a wellness room with a physiotherapist in an intimate fashion company on ergonomics: stress level, quality of life and musculoskeletal symptoms. THEORETICAL ISSUES IN ERGONOMICS SCIENCE 2020. [DOI: 10.1080/1463922x.2020.1780343] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Laura Santos
- Associação Pestalozzi, Duas Barras, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Fernanda Catelani
- Raul Sertã Municipal Hospital, Nova Friburgo, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Sandra Mayworm
- Estácio de Sá University, Niterói, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | | | | | - Redha Taïar
- University of Reims, Reims Champagne-Ardenne, France
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