Standing Work: A Winning Approach

In the sewing industry, it’s common to see large production floors filled with operators seated at their sewing machines, often in chairs that are far from ergonomic. This is a near-ubiquitous sight, with a sea of heads and small islands of material in progress extending as far as the eye can see. Based on my experience visiting factories over the years, seated work is the standard in roughly 99% of companies that use sewing machines, with a few exceptions for automatic operations, manual tasks, ironing, or inspection stations.

My belief in the benefits of standing work comes from observing several companies within the industry that have dared to change this paradigm. These companies have adopted a model that benefits both employees and the business. An ergonomically designed work environment allows operators to enjoy a healthier, more productive life, while the company reaps the benefits of increased productivity. Field studies conducted in the automotive upholstery industry have shown productivity gains of up to 20% when comparing standing workstations to their seated counterparts.

Globally, the industry loses countless productive hours due to professional illnesses and reduced efficiency. The traditional seated work method is one of the leading causes of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs), including tendinitis, carpal tunnel syndrome, and chronic neck and back pain. These issues not only lead to absenteeism but also reduce production and, in severe cases, result in permanent disabilities. While ergonomic improvements and regular breaks can mitigate some of these problems, the fundamental issue lies in the limitations of seated work, such as constrained postures, unbalanced tensions, and prolonged periods in the same position.

 The Concept of Standing Work

Standing work offers greater freedom of movement and contributes to better operator health. To implement this method effectively, it’s essential to have an ergonomically configured workstation, which typically includes three key components: an adjustable table, an ergonomic pedal, and, in some cases, an antifatigue stool.

 Adjustable Table

The table height should be set so that the operator, while standing, can rest their forearm at a 90° angle to their upper arm, ensuring a tension-free posture and excellent visibility of the sewing area. Depending on the needs of each operator, the table height can be adjusted in three ways:

• Semi-fixed adjustment: Requires tools to change the height, making it unsuitable for environments where frequent adjustments are needed.

• Manual adjustment: Allows for quick height changes using a hand crank, ideal for occasional adjustments but may pose safety risks if used too often.

• Electric adjustment: The most efficient option, enabling height adjustments at the push of a button. The most advanced tables now feature Industry 4.0 systems, where the table automatically adjusts based on the operator’s preset information.

Ergonomic Pedal

The pedal not only controls the sewing machine but also provides ergonomic support that reduces muscle fatigue and joint discomfort. The best pedals allow operation from either side, facilitating leg alternation, which promotes healthy posture rhythm, improves circulation, and alleviates tension in the extremities and lower back.

Benefits of Standing Work

The advantages of standing work are clear: operators experience greater freedom of movement, improved balance, and more natural positioning relative to the machine. This not only boosts productivity but also reduces the risk of work-related injuries.

Although some resistance to change is expected, this transition can be eased by introducing antifatigue stools, which allow operators to intermittently rest without significantly altering their posture. This serves as a useful support while workers adjust to the new culture of standing work.

In summary, standing work poses fewer physical risks and greater ergonomic benefits compared to seated work. If you’d like more information on how to implement this method in your company, don’t hesitate to contact us or explore the options available through the links at the end of this article.

You can find more information about these products by visiting the websites of the products themselves and their counterparts, similar to the ones mentioned in this article:

• Ergonomic Stands:

  • Kessler Ergo

  • Estamac

  • Baher

• Pedals:

  • ErgoBuddy