Ergonomic design of carpet weaving hand tools

This study was conducted in Iranian carpet industry to determine the prevalence of upper limb problems associated with hand tools design, investigate the design of hand tools currently used in carpet weaving operation, and design/redesign the tools based on anthropometric dimensions and ergonomic principles. This study consisted of two phases. In the first phase, 862 weavers from three Iranian provinces participated. A questionnaire consisting of personal details, Nordic Questionnaire for upper limbs and a table for anthropometric dimensions of hand was used to collect the required data. In the design phase, the study focused on designing/redesigning the weaving comb, knife and scissors as the most common tools in carpet weaving operation. Based on the first phase results, three prototypes of the hand tools were made in this phase. Usability test was conducted to assess comfort and applicability of the designed hand tools and the weavers’ perceptions. Ten experienced weavers participated in this test. Statistical analyses revealed significant differences between the scores of the old and the new designed tools. There was a significant preference towards the comfort and applicability of the prototypes (p<0.01). The new ergonomically designed weaving hand tools were found to be applicable and acceptable by the carpet weavers.Relevance to industryIn hand-woven carpet industry as a small-scale industry, hand tools are widely used. As extensive use of hand tools may play an important role in the development of upper limb musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs), ergonomic improvements in the carpet hand tools may promote health and safety among carpet weavers.