Use of better designed hand knotting carpet looms and workplace
interventions to improve working conditions of adult carpet weavers and to
reduce hazardous child labor in carpet weaving in Pakistan
Issue title: An Ergonomic Focus on Children, Youth and
Education
Affiliations: Centre for the Improvement of Working Conditions and
Environment, Lahore, Pakistan | Injury Control Research Center, West Virginia
University, Morgantown, WV, USA
Note: [] Corresponding author: Muazzam Nasrullah, Centre for the
Improvement of Working Conditions and Environment, Township (Near Rescue 1122),
Lahore, Pakistan. Tel.: +92 42 9262145; Fax: +92 42 9262146; E-mail:
[email protected]
Note: [] Corresponding author: Saeed Awan, Centre for the Improvement of
Working Conditions and Environment, Township (Near Rescue 1122), Lahore,
Pakistan. Tel.: +92 42 9262145; Fax: +92 42 9262146; E-mail:
[email protected]
Abstract: OBJECTIVE: Children and adults involved in carpet weaving are prone
to a number of health and safety problems. This paper describes initial impact
of an ergonomically designed loom and work place modifications, to encourage
young and adult workers to weave carpets and reduce the hazardous child labor
in carpet weaving in the province of Punjab, Pakistan. METHODS: A new carpet loom with improved ergonomic and safety
features suitable for adult carpet weavers was designed. Model carpet weaving
worksites based on the new loom and better work environment were created in 30
villages. The impact of new loom compared with the traditional looms was
assessed through structured questionnaires and health examinations after 24
months. RESULTS: Adolescent (15–17 years) and adult (> 17 years)
participants included 75 respondents (males 10.7%, n=8; females 89.3%, n=67)
operating under the new conditions and 92 respondents (males 12%, n=11; females
88%, n=81) operating under traditional conditions. Results indicated an
improvement of health related complaints among those working in the new
conditions, most notable were the differences in joint pain (p=0.002) and
respiratory health (p=0.02). Improvement of income was also reported by workers
at model workplaces. Also, no children below the age of 14 were found to be
working at the new looms. CONCLUSIONS: The results indicate that individuals who adopted new
looms and workplace interventions reported less joint pain and better
respiratory health than those working with traditional looms in a traditional
work environment. By reducing the risks in the workplace, this ergonomic
intervention has the potential to reduce or eliminate hazardous child labor
from carpet weaving.
