Title: Workplace ergonomics: a comparative analysis of sitting and standing workstations in Ethiopian garment manufacturing industries

Authors: Wendosen Seife; Berihun Bizuneh; Eyob Minbale

Addresses: Ethiopian Institute of Textile and Fashion Technology, Bahir Dar University, Bahir Dar, Ethiopia ' Ethiopian Institute of Textile and Fashion Technology, Bahir Dar University, Bahir Dar, Ethiopia ' Ethiopian Institute of Textile and Fashion Technology, Bahir Dar University, Bahir Dar, Ethiopia

Abstract: Sewing operator safety is vital in Ethiopia's clothing industry, but poor ergonomics cause long-term health risks. Despite their importance, little research exists on Ethiopian sewing operators' health. This study identified ergonomic issues in their workstations and assessed their discomfort, aiming to recommend solutions for reducing musculoskeletal problems. The study used three ergonomic tools: RULA for sitting workstations, REBA for standing ones, and CMDQ for both. Sitting workstations showed high risk (RULA score: 6.3), while standing had medium risk (REBA score: 5.95). The CMDQ results showed that sitting workstations caused high pain in the neck (9.94), lower back (8.56), and upper back (7.93). For standing workstations, the most affected areas were the right lower leg (10.56), left lower leg (9.23), foot (7.59), neck (6.84), and knee (6.07). The study concluded that standing workstations may better reduce musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) than sitting ones and recommended control measures to minimise ergonomic risk exposure.

Keywords: ergonomics; standing workstations; sitting workstations; rapid upper limb assessment; RULA; rapid entire body assessment; REBA; Cornell musculoskeletal discomfort questionnaire; CMDQ.

DOI: 10.1504/IJHFE.2025.147908

International Journal of Human Factors and Ergonomics, 2025 Vol.12 No.1, pp.58 - 81

Received: 29 Jun 2024
Accepted: 07 Jan 2025
Published online: 07 Aug 2025 *

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