Title: Investigating ergonomic issues among workers in hand block textile printing industries

Authors: M.L. Meena; G.S. Dangayach; A. Bhardwaj

Addresses: Department of Mechanical Engineering, Malaviya National Institute of Technology Jaipur, J.L.N. Marg, Jaipur-302017, India ' Department of Mechanical Engineering, Malaviya National Institute of Technology Jaipur, J.L.N. Marg, Jaipur-302017, India ' Department of Mechanical Engineering, Malaviya National Institute of Technology Jaipur, J.L.N. Marg, Jaipur-302017, India

Abstract: India has a rich heritage of hand work and handicrafts like marble handicrafts, hand block textile printing, blue pottery, etc. Jaipur is an important place not just of Rajasthan, but also of India for the production and export of hand block textile printing. The workers engaged in this industry are victims of different musculoskeletal disorders. The present study investigated musculoskeletal disorders among workers in hand block textile printing industry and suggested that suitable risk reduction and health promotion programmes should be implemented to enhance safety and well-being among workers. Ergonomic interventions could reduce musculoskeletal disorders and increase productivity.

Keywords: ergonomics; hand block printing; handicrafts; occupational hazards; musculoskeletal disorders; MSDs; productivity; textile industry; garment industry; apparel industry; clothing industry; India; health and safety; H&S; risk reduction; health promotion; wellbeing; intervention.

DOI: 10.1504/IJBSR.2014.065014

International Journal of Business and Systems Research, 2014 Vol.8 No.4, pp.392 - 401

Received: 03 Sep 2013
Accepted: 16 Apr 2014

Published online: 30 Sep 2014 *

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