Association between Working Posture and Anthropometric Compatibility with Workstations among Female Tailors in North Khorasan Province, Iran

One of the important principles of workstation design is the anthropometric compatibility of the workstation with people. Designing workstations by the anthropometric characteristics of employees can prevent awkward working postures and reduce the risk of such disorders. The present study aimed at investigating the anthropometric compatibility of workstations among Female Tailors and its association with working postures.

This cross-sectional study was conducted in female tailors in north Khorasan province in 2021. Participants were randomy selected and invited to the study. Working postures were assessed in workstations using the NERPA technique. Anthropometric dimensions were measured by ISO 7250 and anthropometric compatibility with the workstation was investigated. Mann-Whitney, Chi-square and T-test were used when analyzing the data.

two hundered and ninty six tailors with a mean age of 26.5±12.7 years participated in this study. There was no significant association between posture scores and anthropometric conformity in the dimensions of chair back height, width, and depth. Anthropometric Compatibility with chair height and desk height is the only important factor of a workstation with a significant effect on people's posture (P<0.01). The final score of the NERPA method determined that 30 workstations (15%) had a low-risk level, and 166 stations (85%) had a high-risk level.

Anthropometric incompatibility with workstation generally deteriorated the working postures. However, anthropometric compatibility with seat-height and desk height were the ones with a significant association with working posture. Therefore, the seat height and desk heightshould be considered first for redesigning workstations.