Researchers have recently turned their attention to the effect of clothing on manual handling technique and injury risk. A recent study published in the Applied Ergonomics journal examined 28 individuals performing a variety of different manual handling activities. They assessed the individuals’ techniques separately when wearing two different pairs of pants: one pair with the correct waist measurement, and one pair that was one size smaller.
When lifting in the tighter pants, subjects demonstrated significantly decreased hip range of movement and increased lumbar flexion range of movement (back bending). When lifting in the tighter pants, subjects demonstrated significantly less lumbar extensor activity, and reported significantly increased discomfort while lifting.
In summary statistically significant differences were found in biomechanics, muscle recruitment and reported discomfort, all of which indicate that wearing pants of the right fit improves lifting technique and comfort. While this may seem like a trivial study, our experience is that very few organisations provide fitting advice to employees regarding their uniform, and likewise, very few employees consider the impact of their outfit on their work safety. The results from this study would suggest that before going to work, everyone should think about what they will be doing for the day, and whether they’re dressed for the job.
Reference: Effects of restrictive clothing on lumbar range of motion and trunk
muscle activity in young adult worker manual material handling, W. Eungpinichpong et al. / Applied Ergonomics 44 (2013) 1024e1032
