Applying Ergonomics to Reduce Musculoskeletal Risks for Malaysian Batik Workers

With the support of the Foundation for Professional Ergonomics (FPE) impact grant program, Dr. Dian Darius of the National Defense University of Malaysia and Dr. Darliana Mohammad of the Universiti Malaysia Kelantan investigated the ergonomic risks common to workers in the batik industry.  Batik is a traditional textile artwork produced by hand in Malaysia and Southeast Asia.  More than 60% of batik workers have been found to suffer from musculoskeletal problems due to awkward postures.

The investigators made detailed observations of batik artisans using recognized analysis techniques to assess ergonomic risks under various postures and working conditions.  They also conducted a study that measured muscle loading during batik painting with typical postures.

A wide variety of design options for a stool were evaluated with user input, and a final design was selected for use by batik workers.  The stool will help reduce ergonomic stresses, enabling the artisans to remain active and safe in an industry that is important to Malaysian culture.  Other interventions, including improved lighting and adjustable work surfaces, were recommended as well.  The investigators plan to present their results at several ergonomics conferences and journals.

If you would like to learn more about this effort or would like to support similar efforts by FPE, please contact Professor Waldemar Karwowski (wkarwowski@gmail.com) or Dr. Harvey Cohen (harvey@erroranalysis.com).