Social life cycle assessment of garments production using the psychosocial risk factors impact pathway

Abstract

This study presents the application of a Social Life Cycle Assessment (SLCA) methodology to two Italian case studies, allowing to estimate the possible impacts of the production of two garments “A” and “B”. The hours of exposure to health risks have been accounted for the workers since they are the stakeholder group most immediately impacted. They have been analysed through the Psychosocial Risk Factors (PRF) impact pathway, a type II Social Life Cycle Assessment that allows the quantification of hours of exposure per each phase of the product or service life cycle. Using questionnaire, technical data have been gathered and all productive phases quantified and qualified in terms of duration (hours) and working conditions (ergonomics, exposures, postures, etc.). A literature review has been conducted to find relationships between these working conditions with health problems through odds ratios, a statistical measure of association between variables commonly used in retrospective studies. The functional unit chosen is one garment, and the system boundary is from cradle to firm gate; however, due to the lack of specific information concerning the upstream processes, impacts about inputs supplied from external providers were only qualified, but not quantified (background data). In both case studies, the highest psychosocial risk is linked to musculoskeletal disorders (Low back pain and neck and shoulder pain) and visual fatigue and discomfort. These results are due principally to the postures needed during work, the concentration required, repetitive movements, static and dynamic loads, as well as the use of video monitors during some tasks (especially planning and CAD modelling). Apparently, the process of product “B” is more socially impacting than “A”. Actually, this is due because of the internalization of some operations such as (part of) the fabric production and the dyeing processes, which can expose workers to hazardous chemicals and dusts, and the use of trichloroethylene for stain removal. These working conditions, indeed, expose workers to a higher risk of cancers, according to scientific literature. To reduce risks, it is suggested to avoid the use of bleach and trichloroethylene for cleaning, to reduce the exposure to textile dusts (for example with the use of vacuums or masks), to avoid skin contact with the azo dyes and azo pigments, by using protective individual dispositive such as gloves, long-sleeved shirts, and aprons. To improve the ergonomics workplace, it is recommended to take more breaks during the timework, ensure the firmness of chairs and add lumbar support, as well as control the height of chairs and worktops. Promoting employees’ physical activity would be useful to prevent musculoskeletal disorders.