Abstract

Efua Vandyck1, Seth Oppong2, William Senayah3 and Elizabeth Ba-ama4

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.