Health Seeking Behaviour Results

A study of ergonomic factors contributing to the occurrence of occupation-related musculo-skeletal problems in garment workers 103

3.4. Risk Factor Analysis

The possible risk factors in the garment industry were identified using the Ergonomic Hazard Identification checklist Occupational Safety and Health Administration 2007. The risk factors were mainly exertion of force with their hands 157; 83.8; usage of handle tools or handle parts 157; 83.8; continuous standing 45; 24.3 and continuous sitting 140; 76.8; use of electronic devices 1; 0.5; bending and twisting at waist 147; 79.4 and exposure to vibration 126; 68.6.

3.5. Work Station Analysis

Work station analysis showed that static muscle loading contributed to the musculo-skeletal pain in all 185 100 workers. Of these, 169 91.3 were not able to vary posture during their work time. Out of 138 workers who worked in a sitting position, 137 99.3 were not provided with an arm rest on their chair, and 50 36.2 had chairs that were not adjustable. None of the 185 100 workers were provided with a foot rest while they were at work. Floor mats were not provided for any of the 24 100 workers who had to stand for long durations..

3.6. Task Analysis

Task analysis revealed that 157 84.9 workers had to bend or twist their back during work; 139 75.1 workers had to sit in a hunched posture continuously for long periods; and 172 93 workers had to work with raised elbows. All of the workers had to sit or stand continuously for long durations, which increased the static muscle load on their back muscles. None of the workers in the company were trained in proper work practices including adjustment of work chairs and early recognition of signs and symptoms of their potential problems. None of the workers had any job rotation, self pacing, sufficient rests or adjustment of job skill level, which are all standard procedures to prevent ergonomic problems.

3.7. Mental Health Status

The GHQ-12 test showed that 11 5.9 of the workers were under severe psychological distress Score ≥ 20; 18 9.7 had evidence of some distress Score 15 to 20, and the rest 156; 84.3 were normal.

4. Discussion

Few studies in the garment industry have evaluated the parameters that are described in this study. Health-seeking behaviour, physical assessment, risk factor