IMPLEMENTING SUSTAINABLE ERGONOMICS FOR POWER-LOOM TEXTILE WORKERS

Somnath Kolgiri,Rahul Hiremath

doi:10.22159/ijpps.2018v10i6.26213

Somnath Kolgiri, Rahul Hiremath

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.22159/ijpps.2018v10i6.26213

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Abstract

Objective: This ergonomic study focuses on identifying and understanding the occupational health and safety risk aspects of power-loom industry workers from Solapur City, Maharashtra, India.Methods: The samples of 540 workers were assessed for their general physique, muscle tone (MT), a lung condition, and eyesight (ES) using different techniques. The body mass index (BMI) was used to asses normal physique. The Snellen chart was used to check normal eyesight. A peak flow meter was used to determine lung condition.Result: In this study, it was found that most of the workers were influenced by respiratory issues, increase in muscle tone, eye issues and musculoskeletal issues. The subjects were compared with controls. Linear regression analysis shows (OR: 0.356; 95% CI: 0.287–0.426) p<0.05*.Conclusion: Based on these outcomes; it strongly emphasized the need for policies for successful implementation of health safety program. Therefore, to improve the health of these workers the suggestions and recommendations were presented in accordance with the ergonomics principle and existing labor laws.

Highlights

The textile sector in India plays an important role in the country's economy and provides employment to many people in peri-urban and rural areas
To improve the health of these workers the suggestions and recommendations were presented in accordance with the ergonomics principle and existing labor laws
The yarn is mostly produced in the spinning mills, fabrics are produced in three major segments the power loom, handloom and hosiery., Out of three segments, the power loom plays a vital role in Indian textile industry and providing the employment opportunities to 4.86 million people of the country in 2009 [2, 3]

Summary

Introduction

The textile sector in India plays an important role in the country's economy and provides employment to many people in peri-urban and rural areas. The sector employs nearly 35 million people and after agriculture, is the second-highest employer in the country [1] This sector has wide spectrum of industries ranging from small-scale units that use traditional manufacturing process, to large integrated mills using modern machineries and equipment. It can be broadly classified into two categories, the organized mill and the unorganized decentralized sector. Solapur city is an important district head quarter in western Maharashtra located at 17.6599° N, 75.9064° E, and is famous for its power-loom industry (Chaddar and Towel), and Beedi making Industries [4]

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