Workers Health and Safety in the Apparel Industry (Videos)

The apparel industry is a labour-intensive industry. In an existing garment factory or in a new set-up workers’ health and safety must be considered in the first place. Workers are the main resources that keep the machine running in a factory, and making the desired products. In an unhealthy workplace, workers could not work for a long time. All companies must follow health and safety policies.

In a garment unit, you need to take care of the following points at the factory level.

First aid box
Maintain accident resister
Fire extinguishers with marked area
Emergency lights on the floor and in the path to the exit
Fire alarm
Exit signs
Exit doors should be kept open while the factory is working
Yellow lines on the shop floor to demarcate a pedestrian pathway and space for machines
Factory layout and evacuation plans
No obstruction in the aisles on the shop floor
No cables left loose or visibly hanging
Enough light to the shop floor
Broken needle record policy
Canteen for workers
Enough toilets for workers and members of staff
Safety measures followed at every workstation
Adequate pure drinking water supply
Encourage workers to use safety masks where needed
Voluntary overtime work

Workers health and safety in the garment industry

Department wise safety measures:

Following are few examples of work safety that must be followed in the shop floor.
Fabric Store

Don’t keep fabric roll on the floor. Store fabrics on the racks or on pallets
Keep enough space for walking and fabric and other item movement
Must have air ventilation and enough light.

Cutting Section

Wear metal hand gloves while operating cutting machine
Don’t use loose wire. All power supply must be covered
Wear mask

Stitching floor

Use Needle guard while operating on a sewing machine
Keep walking space free of obstacle
Wear mask in the sewing floor
Keep enough space at each sewing workstation for operator movement
Provide height-adjustable chair to workers
Enough light

Finishing section

Wear a mask while working on a chemical process
Keep steam pipelines insulated

Recommendation: For further reading refer ILO guidelines and books on employee health and safety.

Disclaimer: This is not the complete list of workers’ health & Safety measures. Before taking any action please follow the guidelines provided by the concerned department.

Watch these animated videos

Following videos are published by ILO and betterwork organization on YouTube for the raising of occupational heath and safety in the garment industry.

Video-1:
Fire safety