Abstract
The study investigated ergonomic principles needed by garment workers for pattern
drafting in South Eastern Nigeria. Three research questions and one hypothesis
were formulated to guide the study. Descriptive survey research design was
adopted for the study. The population was made up of 267 garment workers drawn
from the 19 registered garment companies in South Eastern Nigeria. Structured
questionnaire on ergonomic principles needed by garment workers for pattern
drafting was used for data collection. Data were analyzed using mean, standard
deviation, improvement need index and ANOVA. The findings showed that
garment workers needed ergonomic principles in pattern drafting in the following,
adjusting the table height to accommodate different workers, tilting the table height
to improve visibility, use of cushioned chair to prevent tissue compression at the
area of Ischia tubrosities among others. Major constraints to adoption of the needed
ergonomic principles include: ignorance about the long term effect of occupational
injury, nonchalant attitude towards ones health and safety among others. Ways of
enhancing adoption of the needed ergonomic principles for pattern drafting include;
organizing seminars and workshop for greater awareness on ergonomic hazards
and prevention among others. Based on the findings of the study, it was
recommended that the identified needed ergonomic principles should be packaged
into training manuals for garment works by the government in collaboration with
trade union.