ISSN 2329-9843
International Journal of Educational Research and Review ISSN: 2329-9843 Vol. 2 (5), pp. 017-022, May, 2013. © International Scholars Journals
Full Length Research Paper
A review of ergonomically designed work seats; the situation of small-scale garment producers in Ghana
Efua Vandyck1, Seth Oppong2, William Senayah3 and Elizabeth Ba-ama4
1Department of Family and Consumers Sciences, College of Agriculture and Consumer Sciences, University of Ghana. Legon, Ghana.
2Discipline of HRM, Sam Jonah School of Business, African University College of Communication, Accra.
3,4Department of Family and Consumers Sciences, University of Ghana. Legon Ghana.
Accepted 04 October, 2013
Abstract
The knowledge of the role of seats and posture in everyday occupations has generated attention lately. Research has consistently found that the physical characteristics of the job of the machinist in garment production are an important risk factor for muscle pain and injury. The risks have often been linked to conditions such as chairs and awkward postures. Working chairs that are too high or too low result in awkward bodily positions that may cause pain and injuries that may reduce production rates and quality. This paper contrasts evidence on biomechanics of sitting posture and anthropometric measurements for seated workers from western sources with recent empirical evidence in Ghana so as to highlight any differences in ergonomic practices with respect to work seats. Findings from recent empirical study in Ghana revealed that the height and depth of seats of dressmakers and tailors did not meet standards as recommended in the literature. Seats were non-adjustable, had no backrest and seat pads. Our review thereby sheds new light on the effects of difficult practices on dressmakers/ tailors vocation. It is therefore suggested that trade organizations assist garment producers to improve work seats.
Key words: Seats attributes, garment manufacturing, ergonomics, Ghana, small scale.