Problems in the Textile Industry
Manual handling is one of the most common causes of problems in the textile industry. Grave and unprecedented injuries include back injury and permanent disability. Usually, injuries are not results of a single event but of stresses and pains acquired over time in intense involvement to strenuous work. The root of many manual handling problems emanates from very poor job design or workplace management.
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Problem Factors in the Textile Industry
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The main risks in the industry are usually associated with four main factors. The first one is about individual capabilities. Here comes the fact that the strength, skill and disposition vary from one person to another. A certain task may be perceived in many different ways such that the effects of the task change in terms of intensity and gravity for each employee. The effects of protective equipment and clothing and health problems are factors in maintaining a well-managed work place. The second factor to be tackled is the work environment. Poor floor surface, hot, cold, humid conditions and/or constraints in posture are what make up the risk in the surrounding. Ease of grasp, size, shape and stability is the third factor. Lastly, consider the task itself. The activities engaged in by employees are same activities that can bring them injury.
The Scope of Manual Handling
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Manual handling includes risky activities like twisting into an awkward posture, difficulty in gripping, heavy or awkward loads, excessive use of force, and repetition. Coverage on the physical effort entailed with work is not included in the Manual Handling Regulations. Samples of the physical efforts not covered are the act of lashing down of ropes on a wagon and controlling the weaving or spinning equipment.
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How to Avoid Manual Handling
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The people behind the textile industry management should ask themselves the following questions before deciding on to opt for manual handling: Is manual handling necessary? Are there other alternatives to achieve the desired result aside from manual handling? Is excessive force required of every employee to accomplish work? Are workers complaining about pain and injuries, pains and aches? Does the task require stooping or stretching?
Areas of Risk
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The textile process has installed specific areas for each task. Precautionary measures are required of the workers in the industry's most dangerous zones. Textile problems usually happen in packaging areas and those close to gilling and carding machines; storage and dispatch areas; and in weighing or quality control departments.
Solutions to Problems in the Textile Industry
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Precautionary measures are advised to workers in order to ensure safety in these dangerous zones. For instance, an employee should be able to consider mechanical methods of handling by familiarizing themselves with definite tasks. By organizing rolls according to their size and height may be a practical solution.
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