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CISDOC database

Document ID (ISN)77762
CIS number 01-1849
ISBN(s) 2-930003-37-5
Year 2001
Convention or series no. D/2001/6107/38
Author(s) Hague J., Oxborrow L., McAtamney L.
Title Musculoskeletal disorders and work organisation in the European clothing industry
Bibliographic information European Trade Union Confederation (ETUC), 5 bd du Roi Albert II, 1210 Bruxelles, Belgium, 2001. 91p. Illus. 155 ref.
Abstract Occupations in the garment industry are recognized as being associated with the risk of musculoskeletal disease (MSD). For example, studies have shown that the work of a sewing machinist may involve repeating a work cycle 1,500 times a day and lifting 400kg of fabric. The European garment industry is highly fragmented, consisting of over 50,000 mostly small enterprises, which generally devote few resources to training. This report offers a comprehensive review of existing scientific knowledge related to MSD in the garment industry. It also examines organizational changes in the sector and their impact on occupational safety and health. It presents practical examples of how approaches based on worker participation have addressed MSD problems in different workplaces across Europe. Finally, it emphasizes the importance of developing industry-based approaches.
Descriptors (primary) musculoskeletal diseases; clothing industry; ergonomic evaluation; conditions of work
Descriptors (secondary) small enterprises; report; European Communities; repetitive work; repetitive strain injury; manual handling; job study; women; role of workers' organizations; ergonomics
Document type E - Books, reports, proceedings
Country / State or ProvinceBelgium
Subject(s) Textile and clothing industries
Broad subject area(s) Physiology, ergonomics
Browse category(ies) Clothing and finished textile products industry
Diseases of the musculoskeletal system