Sewing workstations
A well-equipped workplace ensures fatigue-free work. There is less strain on the body and concentration is easier to maintain.
Safety
Standstill
To avoid injuries, make sure that the machine is always switched off
- when changing threads
- when removing defects
- when cleaning
- during maintenance
- etc.
Tip
Switch off machines whenever you are not using them.
Safety devices
Missing safety devices can be the cause for serious finger accidents, even amputations.
Inform your superior immediately if a safety device is missing, so that one can be installed as soon as possible.
Tip
Never remove safety devices.
Eye protection
Make sure that an eye shield is fixed properly, as shown in the picture. Alternatively, you must wear safety goggles.
There is a risk of splinters from buttons and needles, especially with
- button sewing machines
- buttonhole machines and
- bartack machines.
Tip
Take good care of your eyes. Having both of them is invaluable.
Needle guard
If you suffer a needlestick injury, it can range from a puncture to chipping a bone or severing a tendon. The latter takes a long time to heal with the risk of a twisted finger.
Tip
Always use the needle guard in the correct position.
Needles
To avoid needlestick injuries, keep needles in a special tray or on a pin cushion.
Dispose bodkins or broken needles in closed containers, as shown in the picture.
Tip
Don’t put needles into your mouth. Needles can cause fatal accidents if accidentally swallowed.
Thread guide lever guard
The rapid movement of the thread guide endangers face and fingers. That is why a lever guard is necessary for protection.
Tip
Make sure that the lever guard is in its correct position.
Scissors
Scissors can cause prick injuries even in feet if they accidentally slip off.
If possible, flatten the tips of the scissors. Safe storage is possible, e.g. in bags worn on the body or fixtures next to the machine.
Tip
Use nickel-free scissors to avoid allergic reactions.
Safe overturning
Some machines must be turned over to open them. To avoid the risk of crushing, use a support, e.g. a round stump as shown in the picture.
Never reach in until the machine is fully deposited in the turned over position.
Tip
Mind your fingers when turning a machine over.
Clear cables away
Electrical equipment should be installed by electricians only. To avoid the risk of stumbling, cables must not lie on the floor.
Tip
Inform your supervisor immediately, if a cable is damaged.
Noise is exhausting
Noise from old or non-serviced machines is avoidable.
Prevent machines from wearing out. Therefore, inspect and maintain machines regularly.
This will not only prevent machine downtime, but makes it less noisy, too.
Use earplugs
Noise causes stress. It has a negative effect on your general health, the cardiovascular system or gastrointestinal tract. Noise exposure over a long period may lead to hearing loss.
Check
Has your hearing become worse?
Do you hear a permanent high-frequent ringing tone?
If yes, see the doctor immediately!
Health protection
Sitting correctly is important
There is a wide range of strains on the body that can be reduced when the workplace is arranged appropriately. An ergonomic adjustment of the workstation can help.
Incorrect positions lead to pain and carry the risk of long-term disorders and sick leave.
Three-point check for sitting correctly
1. Basic position
Every person’s body height is different.
First put your feet on the treadle.
Then move the chair closer to the table, so that the angle between the foot and the lower leg matches that in the picture.
2. Adjust chair height
The next step is to adjust the chair height so that the upper and lower legs are positioned as shown in the picture.
Therefore, it is important to provide a chair with adjustable height, as each person has a different size.
Tip
A cushion is helpful to adjust to the correct seat height if a height-adjustable chair is not available.
3. Adjust table height
A suitable worktop height is the height at which the worker can rest the forearm as shown in the picture..
Height-adjustable tables are ideal.
Check
Look carefully at the table: Sometimes the height can be adjusted by using tools.
Tips for further improvement
A backrest protects your health
A chair at the workplace should always have a backrest.
A backrest is necessary, so that your body can lean against it, relaxing your stomach and back muscles.
Tip
Stand up often and move around a little: stretch or walk. This helps you to stay fit and productive for a longer time.
Chairs with a rounded edge
A sharp edge at the front of a chair hinders blood circulation.
Therefore, the best solution is a chair with a waterfall front.
Tip
Use a seat cushion if a waterfall front chair is not available.
Round off the table edge
To avoid pressure points and possible blood congestion, the edges of the table should be made round.
Tip
Alternatively, attach a protective cover at the edge.
Armrests for high sewing machines
Holding up arms over a longer period is extremely exhausting.
Arm rests relieve the muscles and prevent arms from getting tired. Moreover, it is easier to work more precisely.
Tip
Armrests should be adjustable in height.
Well lighted sewing zone
Adequate lighting is required for precise work in the sewing area. The light emitting surface should be as large and homogeneous as possible.
Properly placed spotlights are surprisingly effective. Correct lighting also helps to avoid fatigue or getting tired.
Proper body posture
Good lighting also facilitates proper head posture.
Tip
Avoid highly reflecting surfaces. Use matt surfaces instead.
Check
Have your eyes checked regularly, to see if you need glasses.
Correct room lighting
Lighting fixtures on the ceiling should be positioned to the left and right of the workplace. This reduces shadows and glare.
Tip
Avoid glare from brightly lit points.
Move your body
Having sensible arrangements at the sewing stations and moving the body regularly can prevent health problems and keep the workers fit for work for longer.
Tip
Please find exercises in the section “move your body”.