Ergonomic handbook for the clothing industry

Published: January 2001

This practical handbook, developed by the Institute for Work & Health in conjunction with the Occupational Health Clinics for Ontario Workers (OHCOW) and the Union of Needletrades, Industrial and Textile Employees, is organized by tasks common to the clothing industry, in the cutting, assembly, pressing and finishing departments. The handbook focuses on common ergonomics problems in each area. It outlines how job design, tools or techniques may contribute to injury and provides solutions.  

Who should use the handbook

Managers, supervisors, ergonomists, health and safety professionals, workers, and joint health and safety committee members in clothing manufacturing may find this handbook useful as a starting point for discussions and ideas on how conditions in manufacturing plants can be improved to prevent musculoskeletal disorders and other injuries.