Design and Implementation of a Model to Prevent Hazards and Injuries when using a Straight Knife Fabric Cutting Machine in Ready-Made Garment Factories

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Faculty of Technology of Industry and Energy, Samannoud Technological university

2 Assistant Professor and Head of the Ready-Made Garments and Fashion Department, Faculty of Applied Arts, Tanta University

Abstract

Straight knife fabric cutting machines are indispensable in the garment industry, yet they pose significant risks to worker safety, particularly hand injuries. This study addresses this critical issue by evaluating a novel protective cover made of transparent fiberglass, designed to enhance operator safety without compromising efficiency. The research involved a practical evaluation of the protective cover in 15 ready-made garment factories, engaging a total of 75 cutting operators. A detailed survey was conducted to gather qualitative and quantitative data across three key areas: ease of use after installation, perceived safety and security, and overall impressions. The results were overwhelmingly positive. A large majority of workers (88.25%) reported no difference in ease of use, and 89.2% stated it did not affect their work speed. The most critical finding was the significant improvement in safety, with 94.6% of workers believing the cover substantially reduces the risk of hand injuries. Furthermore, 100% of participants reported zero accidents or injuries during the experiment. The general opinion was highly favorable, with 80.2% rating the cover as "excellent." This study concludes that the developed protective cover is a highly effective and well-accepted solution for mitigating hazards associated with straight knife fabric cutting machines. It successfully enhances workplace safety and worker confidence without negatively impacting operational performance, making it a viable and beneficial addition to the garment manufacturing process.

Keywords