Prevention of Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders (WMSDs) in the Ontario Clothing Industry: A Focus on Small Business Natale, J. (1) (2), Bredin, R. (1) Eaton, J. (2), Ferrier, S. (4), Frumin, E. (3), Kerr, M. (4), Naqvi, S. (5), Wells, R. (1). (1) Department of Kinesiology, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON, (2) Union of Needletrades, Industrial and Textile Employees (UNITE), Toronto, ON, (3) Union of Needletrades, Industrial and Textile Employees (UNITE), New York, NY, (4) Institute for Work & Health, Toronto, ON, (5) Occupational Health Clinics for Ontario Workers, Toronto, ON. Goal: To lower the rate and severity of WMSDs in the Ontario clothing industry using ergonomic programs and awareness through passive or active participation of workers and management. 1. Occupational Health Clinics for Ontario Workers Inc. Exchange vehicle: The Ergonomic Handbook produced from Phase I of the project is an illustrated, easy-to-read reference for employees, employers and health professionals dealing with the clothing industry. PHASE I: A prior study, entitled “Dealing with Workplace Musculoskeletal Disorders in the Ontario Clothing Industry” provided a base of knowledge with regard to the common ergonomic problems and solutions currently seen in the industry. The study involved: Data collected from 29 clothing plants within Ontario including:  Questionnaires completed by one worker and one management representative at each site  131 ergonomic assessments from 4-7 different tasks conducted within each plant Measures of ergonomic risk (relative to other plants) and good practices for performing different tasks in the garment industry were determined. Research Base PHASE II: Our new project can be seen as a second phase, and in itself acts as the transfer of the knowledge recently gathered. It will further develop the best means by which this information can be distributed and solutions implemented in an industry known for its fragmented, small business base and highly diverse workforce. Three clothing plants whose workers are represented by UNITE will participate (over 650 workers). Data will be collected through health questionnaires, physical demands analyses and electromyography. This data will be collected pre and post changes to determine if the interventions were effective. A different approach for ergonomic interventions will be used in each plant. We hypothesize the greatest immediate impact will be at the active plant with the creation of an ergonomic change team. The Ergonomic Change Team:  Trained in the identification and evaluation of problems, as well as the means by which solutions can be found.  Will remain intact and active after the study is complete allowing for the continued benefits of a work environment with a lower risk of injury. Buttons are sewn on a coat at a manufacturer in Toronto. This workstation could benefit from some ergonomic improvements. (Photo by: J. Gunning)

Impact of the Study Plant A ACTIVE Participation Ergonomic Change Team formed consisting of management, workers and plant engineer recommends changes Plant B PASSIVE Participation Research Team only recommends ergonomic changes Plant C CONTROL Delayed Intervention Long and short term impacts on the clothing industry are possible. Immediate results will be seen within the three plants in which the study is conducted, affecting over 650 workers. Long-term effects will result from the dissemination of the results through the established networks, possibly affecting many more within this and other related industries. With the results of this study in hand, small businesses in the clothing industry will have access to some evidence-based intervention tools designed to help decrease the risk of WMSD. Description of approaches used at each study site for Phase II. 1) Handbook developed from Phase I findings: Illustrated and easy-to-read format Distributed throughout UNITE plants, other interested parties and is available on UNITE’s web site ( Provides new ideas and suggestions to reduce WMSDs 2)Best ergonomic practices will be exchanged with the plants involved through the Ergonomic Change Team at the “active” plant, the research team at the “passive” plant and the delayed interventions at the control plant. Users Exchange and Transfer Vehicles References Gunning, J., Eaton, J., Ferrier, S., Kerr, M., King, A., Maltby, J. (2000) Dealing With Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders in the Ontario Clothing Industry. WSIB # Gunning, J., Eaton, J., Ferrier, S., Frumin, E., Kerr, M., King, A., Maltby, J. (2001) Ergonomic Handbook For The Clothing Industry. UNITE. WSIB # A worker cuts fabric according to its pattern with a handsaw. Excessive reaching and hip flexion is common in this operation. (Photo by: J. Gunning) A final inspection workstation at a men’s shirt manufacturer with a good work surface, sit- stand stool and anti-fatigue matting. (Photo by: J. Gunning) 3)Phase II Report: “Plain-language” format Provide information and suggestions easily accessible to clothing workers and managers Available on UNITE’s web site Distributed to all participating employers, UNITE local unions, industry associations, health and safety organizations, other unions and labour organizations and the WSIB.