APPLICATION OF ERGONOMICS PRINCIPLES IN SEWING CLOTHES AMONGST FASHION DESIGNERS IN POST COVID 19 PANDEMIC IN OGBA/EGBEMA/NDONI LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA OF RIVERS STATE.

Abstract

The study focused on application of ergonomics principles in sewing cloth amongst fashion designers in PostCOVID Pandemic in Rivers State. Specifically the study determined hunching over a sewing machine, useanti-fatigue mat, and keep working surfaces/table at elbow height. Research design was a descriptive survey.Three research questions guided the study. Area of the study was Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local GovernmentArea of Rivers State. Population was made up of 96 Fashion Designers in ONELGA. Multi-stage samplingtechnique methods were used to select 45 Fashion Designers. Questionnaire was used for data collection.Data were analyzed using Mean and Standard Deviation. Results of the study was five (5) questions on avoidhunching over a sewing machine, these includes the use of Appropriate Posture (????= 3.15), Use ofComfortable Stool (???? 2.96), Stool should be Placed on Flat Surface (???? 3.25) and others. There are Five (5)Questions on keep working surfaces at elbow height, these includes Cutting Tables (???? 3.42),Ironing Table(???? 3.20), Weaving Table (???? 2.95) and others. And five (5) questions on the use of anti-fatigue mat theseincludes avoid the use of Hilly Shoes (???? 2.92), Worn-Out Shoes (???? 3.00), Rough Floor (???? 3.10) and others.Based on these finding, the study recommended that the fashion designers should avoid hunching over asewing machine in order to prevent musculoskeletal pains, they should use suitable table/surfaces in cutting,ironing and sewing clothes as this will reduce fatigue stress and other illness and also they should use antifatigue mats in their fashion homes as it will allow them to move to and fro without getting stressed out.