1. Comfort Study of Work
Environment of Apparel Industry
Presented By – W. V. R. Kosala
Authors - W. V. R. Kosala, P. P. G. N. Vilasini and J. R. Gamage
Dept. of Mechanical Engineering, University of Moratuwa,
Sri Lanka.

2. Content
• Introduction
• Problem Identification
• Research Approach
• Recommendations
• Discussion

3. Introduction
• Sri Lankan textile industry –
– 40% of the country’s industrial production
– 1.2 M people (5.63% of total population)
• Competition and rivalry –
– Increased number of local factories
– Low cost producers

4. Introduction (Cont.)
• Where ?
– At a leading SL apparel manufacturing factory
– Operating 6 days/week
– Workforce of 550 people
– Daily output of 3500 pieces of ready-made garments
• Why ?
– Uncomfortable working environment created within the
packing division due to relocation

5. Major Issues Identified
• Thermal discomfort
• Poor lighting conditions
• Awkward working postures

6. Research Approach
Investigation and •Gather information from a
data collection walkthrough visit
• Survey to identify current health
and safety perception
• Layout mapping
Analysis • Activity sampling -
Foot motion Study
• Measuring environmental data -
Temperature
Relative humidity
Recommendations Wind speed
Light intensity

7. Analysis – Questionnaire feedback

8. Analysis – Foot posture changing frequency
1.95 X Freq.
within 1st
hour

9. Analysis - Temperature & Relative Humidity

10. Mapping the degree of human comfort

11. Recommendations – Thermal Discomfort
• Prevent the heat coming from outside in the form of conduction and
radiation such as –
– Use tint / blind curtains
– Maintain smooth and light colored external walls
– Use AL foils to the roof
• Improve ventilation by –
– Facilitating natural ventilation where ever possible
– Well placed exhaust fans
– Blowers to ventilate local areas
• Introduce proper work roster to avoid any possible heat stresses
• Educate the workforce on thermal comfort measures (such as clothing,
sweating, etc)

12. Recommendations – Poor lighting
• Use sufficient artificial lighting with proper placement
• Lighting in visual inspection area should be according to the standards
• Light sources should be covered and placed properly to prevent any glare
or excess lighting on the work piece
• Use automatic light intensity controllers(if possible) to correct the
reduction of natural lighting
Recommendations - Prolong standing
• Provide sufficient rest time with seating
• Provide suitable pair of indoor footwear or non slip carpet
• Height adjustable workbenches

13. Discussion
Less than 32%
employees who
dissatisfied with
working posture
Existing temp. is
uncomfortable

14. Discussion (Cont.)
59% of Workers’ foot
posture changing freq. >
Mean foot posture changing
freq.
Majority of
workers
suffer from
lower limb
98% of the same group
strains
stated that current
working posture is
uncomfortable during the
questionnaire

15. Discussion (Cont.)
• Provides insight to the analysis of matters related to
ergonomics
• Study was not focusing much on physical parameters
of the specimens
• Increased sample sizes and data capturing
frequencies will increase the accuracy

16. THANK YOU…!!!
&
Any Questions ???

17. Existing layout of the packing division

18. Foot posture study