The Experts below are selected from a list of 1569 Experts worldwide ranked by ideXlab platform

Houshang Shahnavaz - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.

  • musculoskeletal problems in iranian hand woven Carpet Industry guidelines for workstation design
    Applied Ergonomics, 2007
    Co-Authors: Alireza Choobineh, Mostafa Hosseini, Mohammadali Lahmi, Reza Khani Jazani, Houshang Shahnavaz
    Abstract:

    Abstract Long hours of static work with awkward posture at traditionally designed looms can cause high prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) among Carpet weavers. A comprehensive study was conducted in this Industry with the objectives of determination of MSDs symptoms prevalence; identification of major factors associated with MSDs symptoms in Carpet weaving occupation; and development of guidelines for weaving workstation design. In the present paper, this ergonomics study is presented. The study consisted of two phases. In the first phase, MSDs symptoms in nine Iranian provinces were surveyed by questionnaire among 1439 randomly selected weavers. Working posture and weaving workstations were ergonomically assessed as well. The results of this phase revealed that symptoms from the musculoskeletal system occured in high rate among weavers with the prevalence significantly higher than that of the general Iranian population ( P 0.001 ). It was found that the majority of ergonomics shortcomings originated from ill-designed weaving workstation. Based on the findings, some general guidelines for workstation design were presented. In the second phase, considering the general guidelines, an adjustable workstation was designed and constructed. To develop quantitative guidlenes for optimizing workstation set-up, in the laboratory, nine sets of experimental conditions were tested, and working posture and weavers’ perceptions were measured. The results of this lab work showed that working posture was acceptable for both the researchers and the weavers when the weaving height was adjusted 20 cm above the elbow height and a high seat with forward slope was used. By combining the results of the two phases, guidelines for weaving workstation design were presented. In this ergonomics-oriented workstation, loom is vertical. Seat, loom and weaving heights are adjustable. There is enough leg room under the loom. The seat with 10° forward slope is adjusted 15 cm above the popliteal height of the weaver. Weaving height is set at 20 cm above the elbow height. It is believed that the recommended workstation improves working posture and results in reduced postural stress on weavers’ bodies and, consequently, reduced prevalence of MSDs symptoms.

  • musculoskeletal problems in iranian hand woven Carpet Industry guidelines for workstation design
    Applied Ergonomics, 2007
    Co-Authors: Alireza Choobineh, Mostafa Hosseini, Mohammadali Lahmi, Reza Khani Jazani, Houshang Shahnavaz
    Abstract:

    Long hours of static work with awkward posture at traditionally designed looms can cause high prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) among Carpet weavers. A comprehensive study was conducted in this Industry with the objectives of determination of MSDs symptoms prevalence; identification of major factors associated with MSDs symptoms in Carpet weaving occupation; and development of guidelines for weaving workstation design. In the present paper, this ergonomics study is presented. The study consisted of two phases. In the first phase, MSDs symptoms in nine Iranian provinces were surveyed by questionnaire among 1439 randomly selected weavers. Working posture and weaving workstations were ergonomically assessed as well. The results of this phase revealed that symptoms from the musculoskeletal system occurred in high rate among weavers with the prevalence significantly higher than that of the general Iranian population (P<0.001). It was found that the majority of ergonomics shortcomings originated from ill-designed weaving workstation. Based on the findings, some general guidelines for workstation design were presented. In the second phase, considering the general guidelines, an adjustable workstation was designed and constructed. To develop quantitative guidelines for optimizing workstation set-up, in the laboratory, nine sets of experimental conditions were tested, and working posture and weavers' perceptions were measured. The results of this lab work showed that working posture was acceptable for both the researchers and the weavers when the weaving height was adjusted 20 cm above the elbow height and a high seat with forward slope was used. By combining the results of the two phases, guidelines for weaving workstation design were presented. In this ergonomics-oriented workstation, loom is vertical. Seat, loom and weaving heights are adjustable. There is enough leg room under the loom. The seat with 10 degrees forward slope is adjusted 15 cm above the popliteal height of the weaver. Weaving height is set at 20 cm above the elbow height. It is believed that the recommended workstation improves working posture and results in reduced postural stress on weavers' bodies and, consequently, reduced prevalence of MSDs symptoms.

  • musculoskeletal symptoms as related to ergonomic factors in iranian hand woven Carpet Industry and general guidelines for workstation design
    International Journal of Occupational Safety and Ergonomics, 2004
    Co-Authors: Alireza Choobineh, Mohammadali Lahmi, Reza Khani Jazani, Houshang Shahnavaz, Mostafa Hosseini
    Abstract:

    Carpet weaving is a high risk occupation for developing musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs). The objectives of the present study, which was carried out in the Iranian hand-woven Carpet Industry, were determination of the prevalence of MSD symptoms, identification of major factors associated with MSD symptoms and development of guidelines for workstation design. 1,439 randomly selected weavers participated in this study. A questionnaire was used to collect data on MSD symptoms. The results revealed that the prevalence rates for symptoms in different body regions were high as compared to the general Iranian population (for neck, back and large joints, p < .0001). The results of multivariate analyses showed that major ergonomic factors associated with musculoskeletal symptoms were loom type, working posture, daily working time and seat type. Based on the results, some general guidelines for designing weaving workstations were developed. A prototype test showed that the new workstation was acceptable for subject tests and that it improved working posture. MSDs in small-scale industries posture assessment in Carpet hand weaving operation MSDs in industrially developing countries (IDCs) weaving workstation design

  • major health risk factors in iranian hand woven Carpet Industry
    International Journal of Occupational Safety and Ergonomics, 2004
    Co-Authors: Alireza Choobineh, Houshang Shahnavaz, Mohammadali Lahmi
    Abstract:

    This paper reviews the role and importance of small-scale industries together with the issue of occupational health problems and their causes in Iranian hand-woven Carpet Industry as a typical informal small-scale Industry in an industrially developing country. The objective of this paper is to review health risk factors and related occupational health and ergonomic problems in the Carpet Industry. Since the overwhelming majority of weavers' health problems originate from ergonomic risk factors, it is concluded that any improvement program in this Industry should focus on ergonomic aspects. To assess ergonomic conditions in weaving workshops, a checklist has been developed and an ergonomics index indicating the ergonomic conditions of the workshop has been proposed. To test and verify the checklist, 50 weaving workshops were visited and their ergonomic conditions were assessed. Based on the results some modifications were made and the checklist was shown to be an effective tool.

Alireza Choobineh - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.

  • musculoskeletal problems in iranian hand woven Carpet Industry guidelines for workstation design
    Applied Ergonomics, 2007
    Co-Authors: Alireza Choobineh, Mostafa Hosseini, Mohammadali Lahmi, Reza Khani Jazani, Houshang Shahnavaz
    Abstract:

    Abstract Long hours of static work with awkward posture at traditionally designed looms can cause high prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) among Carpet weavers. A comprehensive study was conducted in this Industry with the objectives of determination of MSDs symptoms prevalence; identification of major factors associated with MSDs symptoms in Carpet weaving occupation; and development of guidelines for weaving workstation design. In the present paper, this ergonomics study is presented. The study consisted of two phases. In the first phase, MSDs symptoms in nine Iranian provinces were surveyed by questionnaire among 1439 randomly selected weavers. Working posture and weaving workstations were ergonomically assessed as well. The results of this phase revealed that symptoms from the musculoskeletal system occured in high rate among weavers with the prevalence significantly higher than that of the general Iranian population ( P 0.001 ). It was found that the majority of ergonomics shortcomings originated from ill-designed weaving workstation. Based on the findings, some general guidelines for workstation design were presented. In the second phase, considering the general guidelines, an adjustable workstation was designed and constructed. To develop quantitative guidlenes for optimizing workstation set-up, in the laboratory, nine sets of experimental conditions were tested, and working posture and weavers’ perceptions were measured. The results of this lab work showed that working posture was acceptable for both the researchers and the weavers when the weaving height was adjusted 20 cm above the elbow height and a high seat with forward slope was used. By combining the results of the two phases, guidelines for weaving workstation design were presented. In this ergonomics-oriented workstation, loom is vertical. Seat, loom and weaving heights are adjustable. There is enough leg room under the loom. The seat with 10° forward slope is adjusted 15 cm above the popliteal height of the weaver. Weaving height is set at 20 cm above the elbow height. It is believed that the recommended workstation improves working posture and results in reduced postural stress on weavers’ bodies and, consequently, reduced prevalence of MSDs symptoms.

  • musculoskeletal problems in iranian hand woven Carpet Industry guidelines for workstation design
    Applied Ergonomics, 2007
    Co-Authors: Alireza Choobineh, Mostafa Hosseini, Mohammadali Lahmi, Reza Khani Jazani, Houshang Shahnavaz
    Abstract:

    Long hours of static work with awkward posture at traditionally designed looms can cause high prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) among Carpet weavers. A comprehensive study was conducted in this Industry with the objectives of determination of MSDs symptoms prevalence; identification of major factors associated with MSDs symptoms in Carpet weaving occupation; and development of guidelines for weaving workstation design. In the present paper, this ergonomics study is presented. The study consisted of two phases. In the first phase, MSDs symptoms in nine Iranian provinces were surveyed by questionnaire among 1439 randomly selected weavers. Working posture and weaving workstations were ergonomically assessed as well. The results of this phase revealed that symptoms from the musculoskeletal system occurred in high rate among weavers with the prevalence significantly higher than that of the general Iranian population (P<0.001). It was found that the majority of ergonomics shortcomings originated from ill-designed weaving workstation. Based on the findings, some general guidelines for workstation design were presented. In the second phase, considering the general guidelines, an adjustable workstation was designed and constructed. To develop quantitative guidelines for optimizing workstation set-up, in the laboratory, nine sets of experimental conditions were tested, and working posture and weavers' perceptions were measured. The results of this lab work showed that working posture was acceptable for both the researchers and the weavers when the weaving height was adjusted 20 cm above the elbow height and a high seat with forward slope was used. By combining the results of the two phases, guidelines for weaving workstation design were presented. In this ergonomics-oriented workstation, loom is vertical. Seat, loom and weaving heights are adjustable. There is enough leg room under the loom. The seat with 10 degrees forward slope is adjusted 15 cm above the popliteal height of the weaver. Weaving height is set at 20 cm above the elbow height. It is believed that the recommended workstation improves working posture and results in reduced postural stress on weavers' bodies and, consequently, reduced prevalence of MSDs symptoms.

  • ergonomic design of Carpet weaving hand tools
    International Journal of Industrial Ergonomics, 2007
    Co-Authors: Majid Motamedzade, Alireza Choobineh, Mohammad Amin Mououdi, Shirazeh Arghami
    Abstract:

    Abstract This study was conducted in Iranian Carpet Industry to determine the prevalence of upper limb problems associated with hand tools design, investigate the design of hand tools currently used in Carpet weaving operation, and design/redesign the tools based on anthropometric dimensions and ergonomic principles. This study consisted of two phases. In the first phase, 862 weavers from three Iranian provinces participated. A questionnaire consisting of personal details, Nordic Questionnaire for upper limbs and a table for anthropometric dimensions of hand was used to collect the required data. In the design phase, the study focused on designing/redesigning the weaving comb, knife and scissors as the most common tools in Carpet weaving operation. Based on the first phase results, three prototypes of the hand tools were made in this phase. Usability test was conducted to assess comfort and applicability of the designed hand tools and the weavers’ perceptions. Ten experienced weavers participated in this test. Statistical analyses revealed significant differences between the scores of the old and the new designed tools. There was a significant preference towards the comfort and applicability of the prototypes (p Relevance to Industry In hand-woven Carpet Industry as a small-scale Industry, hand tools are widely used. As extensive use of hand tools may play an important role in the development of upper limb musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs), ergonomic improvements in the Carpet hand tools may promote health and safety among Carpet weavers.

  • musculoskeletal symptoms as related to ergonomic factors in iranian hand woven Carpet Industry and general guidelines for workstation design
    International Journal of Occupational Safety and Ergonomics, 2004
    Co-Authors: Alireza Choobineh, Mohammadali Lahmi, Reza Khani Jazani, Houshang Shahnavaz, Mostafa Hosseini
    Abstract:

    Carpet weaving is a high risk occupation for developing musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs). The objectives of the present study, which was carried out in the Iranian hand-woven Carpet Industry, were determination of the prevalence of MSD symptoms, identification of major factors associated with MSD symptoms and development of guidelines for workstation design. 1,439 randomly selected weavers participated in this study. A questionnaire was used to collect data on MSD symptoms. The results revealed that the prevalence rates for symptoms in different body regions were high as compared to the general Iranian population (for neck, back and large joints, p < .0001). The results of multivariate analyses showed that major ergonomic factors associated with musculoskeletal symptoms were loom type, working posture, daily working time and seat type. Based on the results, some general guidelines for designing weaving workstations were developed. A prototype test showed that the new workstation was acceptable for subject tests and that it improved working posture. MSDs in small-scale industries posture assessment in Carpet hand weaving operation MSDs in industrially developing countries (IDCs) weaving workstation design

  • major health risk factors in iranian hand woven Carpet Industry
    International Journal of Occupational Safety and Ergonomics, 2004
    Co-Authors: Alireza Choobineh, Houshang Shahnavaz, Mohammadali Lahmi
    Abstract:

    This paper reviews the role and importance of small-scale industries together with the issue of occupational health problems and their causes in Iranian hand-woven Carpet Industry as a typical informal small-scale Industry in an industrially developing country. The objective of this paper is to review health risk factors and related occupational health and ergonomic problems in the Carpet Industry. Since the overwhelming majority of weavers' health problems originate from ergonomic risk factors, it is concluded that any improvement program in this Industry should focus on ergonomic aspects. To assess ergonomic conditions in weaving workshops, a checklist has been developed and an ergonomics index indicating the ergonomic conditions of the workshop has been proposed. To test and verify the checklist, 50 weaving workshops were visited and their ergonomic conditions were assessed. Based on the results some modifications were made and the checklist was shown to be an effective tool.

Mohammadali Lahmi - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.

  • musculoskeletal problems in iranian hand woven Carpet Industry guidelines for workstation design
    Applied Ergonomics, 2007
    Co-Authors: Alireza Choobineh, Mostafa Hosseini, Mohammadali Lahmi, Reza Khani Jazani, Houshang Shahnavaz
    Abstract:

    Abstract Long hours of static work with awkward posture at traditionally designed looms can cause high prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) among Carpet weavers. A comprehensive study was conducted in this Industry with the objectives of determination of MSDs symptoms prevalence; identification of major factors associated with MSDs symptoms in Carpet weaving occupation; and development of guidelines for weaving workstation design. In the present paper, this ergonomics study is presented. The study consisted of two phases. In the first phase, MSDs symptoms in nine Iranian provinces were surveyed by questionnaire among 1439 randomly selected weavers. Working posture and weaving workstations were ergonomically assessed as well. The results of this phase revealed that symptoms from the musculoskeletal system occured in high rate among weavers with the prevalence significantly higher than that of the general Iranian population ( P 0.001 ). It was found that the majority of ergonomics shortcomings originated from ill-designed weaving workstation. Based on the findings, some general guidelines for workstation design were presented. In the second phase, considering the general guidelines, an adjustable workstation was designed and constructed. To develop quantitative guidlenes for optimizing workstation set-up, in the laboratory, nine sets of experimental conditions were tested, and working posture and weavers’ perceptions were measured. The results of this lab work showed that working posture was acceptable for both the researchers and the weavers when the weaving height was adjusted 20 cm above the elbow height and a high seat with forward slope was used. By combining the results of the two phases, guidelines for weaving workstation design were presented. In this ergonomics-oriented workstation, loom is vertical. Seat, loom and weaving heights are adjustable. There is enough leg room under the loom. The seat with 10° forward slope is adjusted 15 cm above the popliteal height of the weaver. Weaving height is set at 20 cm above the elbow height. It is believed that the recommended workstation improves working posture and results in reduced postural stress on weavers’ bodies and, consequently, reduced prevalence of MSDs symptoms.

  • musculoskeletal problems in iranian hand woven Carpet Industry guidelines for workstation design
    Applied Ergonomics, 2007
    Co-Authors: Alireza Choobineh, Mostafa Hosseini, Mohammadali Lahmi, Reza Khani Jazani, Houshang Shahnavaz
    Abstract:

    Long hours of static work with awkward posture at traditionally designed looms can cause high prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) among Carpet weavers. A comprehensive study was conducted in this Industry with the objectives of determination of MSDs symptoms prevalence; identification of major factors associated with MSDs symptoms in Carpet weaving occupation; and development of guidelines for weaving workstation design. In the present paper, this ergonomics study is presented. The study consisted of two phases. In the first phase, MSDs symptoms in nine Iranian provinces were surveyed by questionnaire among 1439 randomly selected weavers. Working posture and weaving workstations were ergonomically assessed as well. The results of this phase revealed that symptoms from the musculoskeletal system occurred in high rate among weavers with the prevalence significantly higher than that of the general Iranian population (P<0.001). It was found that the majority of ergonomics shortcomings originated from ill-designed weaving workstation. Based on the findings, some general guidelines for workstation design were presented. In the second phase, considering the general guidelines, an adjustable workstation was designed and constructed. To develop quantitative guidelines for optimizing workstation set-up, in the laboratory, nine sets of experimental conditions were tested, and working posture and weavers' perceptions were measured. The results of this lab work showed that working posture was acceptable for both the researchers and the weavers when the weaving height was adjusted 20 cm above the elbow height and a high seat with forward slope was used. By combining the results of the two phases, guidelines for weaving workstation design were presented. In this ergonomics-oriented workstation, loom is vertical. Seat, loom and weaving heights are adjustable. There is enough leg room under the loom. The seat with 10 degrees forward slope is adjusted 15 cm above the popliteal height of the weaver. Weaving height is set at 20 cm above the elbow height. It is believed that the recommended workstation improves working posture and results in reduced postural stress on weavers' bodies and, consequently, reduced prevalence of MSDs symptoms.

  • musculoskeletal symptoms as related to ergonomic factors in iranian hand woven Carpet Industry and general guidelines for workstation design
    International Journal of Occupational Safety and Ergonomics, 2004
    Co-Authors: Alireza Choobineh, Mohammadali Lahmi, Reza Khani Jazani, Houshang Shahnavaz, Mostafa Hosseini
    Abstract:

    Carpet weaving is a high risk occupation for developing musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs). The objectives of the present study, which was carried out in the Iranian hand-woven Carpet Industry, were determination of the prevalence of MSD symptoms, identification of major factors associated with MSD symptoms and development of guidelines for workstation design. 1,439 randomly selected weavers participated in this study. A questionnaire was used to collect data on MSD symptoms. The results revealed that the prevalence rates for symptoms in different body regions were high as compared to the general Iranian population (for neck, back and large joints, p < .0001). The results of multivariate analyses showed that major ergonomic factors associated with musculoskeletal symptoms were loom type, working posture, daily working time and seat type. Based on the results, some general guidelines for designing weaving workstations were developed. A prototype test showed that the new workstation was acceptable for subject tests and that it improved working posture. MSDs in small-scale industries posture assessment in Carpet hand weaving operation MSDs in industrially developing countries (IDCs) weaving workstation design

  • major health risk factors in iranian hand woven Carpet Industry
    International Journal of Occupational Safety and Ergonomics, 2004
    Co-Authors: Alireza Choobineh, Houshang Shahnavaz, Mohammadali Lahmi
    Abstract:

    This paper reviews the role and importance of small-scale industries together with the issue of occupational health problems and their causes in Iranian hand-woven Carpet Industry as a typical informal small-scale Industry in an industrially developing country. The objective of this paper is to review health risk factors and related occupational health and ergonomic problems in the Carpet Industry. Since the overwhelming majority of weavers' health problems originate from ergonomic risk factors, it is concluded that any improvement program in this Industry should focus on ergonomic aspects. To assess ergonomic conditions in weaving workshops, a checklist has been developed and an ergonomics index indicating the ergonomic conditions of the workshop has been proposed. To test and verify the checklist, 50 weaving workshops were visited and their ergonomic conditions were assessed. Based on the results some modifications were made and the checklist was shown to be an effective tool.

Ram Naraian - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.

  • biodecolorization of brilliant green Carpet Industry dye using three distinct pleurotus spp
    Environmental Sustainability, 2018
    Co-Authors: Ram Naraian, Simpal Kumari, Roshan Lal Gautam
    Abstract:

    Biodecolorization potentials of three distinct white-rot fungi including Pleurotus florida (PF), Pleurotus eryngii (PE) and Pleurotus sajor-caju (PS) were assessed both in liquid and on solid media supplemented with Carpet Industry dye brilliant green. All three fungi produced laccase and peroxidase enzymes. The decreasing order of laccase production was achieved as 388 > 334 > 301 IU/mL in cultures of PF > PE > PS during 15th, 20th and 17th days, respectively, while, decreasing order of peroxidase production was as 72 > 64 > 55 IU/mL in PF > PE > PS on 15th day of PF, PS cultures and on 20th day of PE, respectively. All tested fungi very efficiently degraded different levels (2, 4, 6 and 8%; w/v) of highly complex synthetic brilliant green dye to colorless. However, PF was found to be best amongst the three species tested on solid and in liquid media. In comparison to higher concentrations, lower concentrations of dye were rapidly biodecolorized by all fungal strains. The order of highest biodecolorization potentialities was recorded as 99 > 91 > 83% by PF > PE > PS, respectively with 2% (w/v) of dye under submerged conditions. While, experimental sets with 4% (w/v) dye were found as the second most rapidly biodecolorized sets, that resulted in 90 > 78 > 70% by PF > PE > PS strains respectively. Based on the findings of biodecolorization potentialities PF was most efficient fungus as compared with other fungi by degrading 99% of the 2% (w/v) dye. Therefore, PF can be subjected in the eco-friendly and cost-effective industrial effluent cleanup processes for the environmental sustainability.

  • Decolorization of synthetic brilliant green Carpet Industry dye through fungal co-culture technology
    Journal of Environmental Management, 2016
    Co-Authors: Suman Kumari, Ram Naraian
    Abstract:

    Aim of the present study was to evaluate the efficiency of fungal co-culture for the decolorization of synthetic brilliant green Carpet Industry dye. For this purpose two lignocellulolytic fungi Pleurotus florida (PF) and Rhizoctonia solani (RS) were employed. The study includes determination of enzyme profiles (laccase and peroxidase), dye decolorization efficiency of co-culture and crude enzyme extracts. Both fungi produced laccase and Mn peroxidase and successfully decolorized solutions of different concentrations (2.0, 4.0, 6.0, & 8.0(w/v) of dye. The co-culture resulted highest 98.54% dye decolorization at 2% (w/v) of dye as compared to monocultures (82.12% with PF and 68.89% with RS) during 12 days of submerged fermentation. The lower levels of dyes were rapidly decolorized, while higher levels in slow order as 87.67% decolorization of 8% dye. The promising achievement of the study was remarkable decolorizing efficiency of co-culture over monocultures. The direct treatment of the mono and co-culture enzyme extracts to dye also influenced remarkable. The highest enzymatic decolorization was through combined (PF and RS) extracts, while lesser by monoculture extracts. Based on the observations and potentiality of co-culture technology; further it can be exploited for the bioremediation of areas contaminated with hazardous environmental pollutants including textile and other Industry effluents.

Mostafa Hosseini - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.

  • musculoskeletal problems in iranian hand woven Carpet Industry guidelines for workstation design
    Applied Ergonomics, 2007
    Co-Authors: Alireza Choobineh, Mostafa Hosseini, Mohammadali Lahmi, Reza Khani Jazani, Houshang Shahnavaz
    Abstract:

    Abstract Long hours of static work with awkward posture at traditionally designed looms can cause high prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) among Carpet weavers. A comprehensive study was conducted in this Industry with the objectives of determination of MSDs symptoms prevalence; identification of major factors associated with MSDs symptoms in Carpet weaving occupation; and development of guidelines for weaving workstation design. In the present paper, this ergonomics study is presented. The study consisted of two phases. In the first phase, MSDs symptoms in nine Iranian provinces were surveyed by questionnaire among 1439 randomly selected weavers. Working posture and weaving workstations were ergonomically assessed as well. The results of this phase revealed that symptoms from the musculoskeletal system occured in high rate among weavers with the prevalence significantly higher than that of the general Iranian population ( P 0.001 ). It was found that the majority of ergonomics shortcomings originated from ill-designed weaving workstation. Based on the findings, some general guidelines for workstation design were presented. In the second phase, considering the general guidelines, an adjustable workstation was designed and constructed. To develop quantitative guidlenes for optimizing workstation set-up, in the laboratory, nine sets of experimental conditions were tested, and working posture and weavers’ perceptions were measured. The results of this lab work showed that working posture was acceptable for both the researchers and the weavers when the weaving height was adjusted 20 cm above the elbow height and a high seat with forward slope was used. By combining the results of the two phases, guidelines for weaving workstation design were presented. In this ergonomics-oriented workstation, loom is vertical. Seat, loom and weaving heights are adjustable. There is enough leg room under the loom. The seat with 10° forward slope is adjusted 15 cm above the popliteal height of the weaver. Weaving height is set at 20 cm above the elbow height. It is believed that the recommended workstation improves working posture and results in reduced postural stress on weavers’ bodies and, consequently, reduced prevalence of MSDs symptoms.

  • musculoskeletal problems in iranian hand woven Carpet Industry guidelines for workstation design
    Applied Ergonomics, 2007
    Co-Authors: Alireza Choobineh, Mostafa Hosseini, Mohammadali Lahmi, Reza Khani Jazani, Houshang Shahnavaz
    Abstract:

    Long hours of static work with awkward posture at traditionally designed looms can cause high prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) among Carpet weavers. A comprehensive study was conducted in this Industry with the objectives of determination of MSDs symptoms prevalence; identification of major factors associated with MSDs symptoms in Carpet weaving occupation; and development of guidelines for weaving workstation design. In the present paper, this ergonomics study is presented. The study consisted of two phases. In the first phase, MSDs symptoms in nine Iranian provinces were surveyed by questionnaire among 1439 randomly selected weavers. Working posture and weaving workstations were ergonomically assessed as well. The results of this phase revealed that symptoms from the musculoskeletal system occurred in high rate among weavers with the prevalence significantly higher than that of the general Iranian population (P<0.001). It was found that the majority of ergonomics shortcomings originated from ill-designed weaving workstation. Based on the findings, some general guidelines for workstation design were presented. In the second phase, considering the general guidelines, an adjustable workstation was designed and constructed. To develop quantitative guidelines for optimizing workstation set-up, in the laboratory, nine sets of experimental conditions were tested, and working posture and weavers' perceptions were measured. The results of this lab work showed that working posture was acceptable for both the researchers and the weavers when the weaving height was adjusted 20 cm above the elbow height and a high seat with forward slope was used. By combining the results of the two phases, guidelines for weaving workstation design were presented. In this ergonomics-oriented workstation, loom is vertical. Seat, loom and weaving heights are adjustable. There is enough leg room under the loom. The seat with 10 degrees forward slope is adjusted 15 cm above the popliteal height of the weaver. Weaving height is set at 20 cm above the elbow height. It is believed that the recommended workstation improves working posture and results in reduced postural stress on weavers' bodies and, consequently, reduced prevalence of MSDs symptoms.

  • musculoskeletal symptoms as related to ergonomic factors in iranian hand woven Carpet Industry and general guidelines for workstation design
    International Journal of Occupational Safety and Ergonomics, 2004
    Co-Authors: Alireza Choobineh, Mohammadali Lahmi, Reza Khani Jazani, Houshang Shahnavaz, Mostafa Hosseini
    Abstract:

    Carpet weaving is a high risk occupation for developing musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs). The objectives of the present study, which was carried out in the Iranian hand-woven Carpet Industry, were determination of the prevalence of MSD symptoms, identification of major factors associated with MSD symptoms and development of guidelines for workstation design. 1,439 randomly selected weavers participated in this study. A questionnaire was used to collect data on MSD symptoms. The results revealed that the prevalence rates for symptoms in different body regions were high as compared to the general Iranian population (for neck, back and large joints, p < .0001). The results of multivariate analyses showed that major ergonomic factors associated with musculoskeletal symptoms were loom type, working posture, daily working time and seat type. Based on the results, some general guidelines for designing weaving workstations were developed. A prototype test showed that the new workstation was acceptable for subject tests and that it improved working posture. MSDs in small-scale industries posture assessment in Carpet hand weaving operation MSDs in industrially developing countries (IDCs) weaving workstation design