On September 15th, a half-day seminar on Ergonomics, OSH and Efficiency was held at the Human Resources Development Centre of Yangon Technological University. Attended by 72 participants and co-hosted by EU funded SMART Myanmar and MYPOD, a DANIDA funded project led by the Danish Ethical Trading Initiative, this seminar was focused on spreading awareness on well-designed sewing operator work stations and production lines, demonstrating and discussing how factories can set-up work stations with more comfortable, healthy and efficient designs.
The seminar commenced with a welcome speech by Dr. Daw Khin Than Yu, Pro-Rector of Yangon Technological University, a partner of MYPOD. After this, Assistant Professor David Hansen from Aalborg University shared a presentation on “Ergonomics and Operations Management”. Professor Hansen presented the role of ergonomics in manufacturing for productivity and employee well-being and demonstrated some exercises for dynamic and static working postures with participants. Moreover, he explained about micro-ergonomic considerations and macro-ergonomics in the garment sector.
Next, a presentation was given by Mr. Harry Schwarz, Project Manager of Aung Myin Hmu Training Centre. Mr. Schwarz presented about practical applications and observations in garment production and workstations. He explained about the injuries and operations pains which are often caused by improper design. By using a sewing machine demonstration in front of the participants, Mr. Schwarz was able to clearly explain about correct lighting, sitting position, and other matters. He ended his presentation by showing simple relaxation exercises which factories can use.
After a tea break, the workshop resumed with a panel discussion on “Better productivity via effective management/worker communications and production planning”. The 6 panelists, Jesper Nielsen, Head of International Department from 3F, Harry Schwarz, Project Manager of Aung Myin Hmu garment training centre, Daw Ei Thuzar Win Maung, General Manager from Bogart Lingerie, U Tun Aung, Director of Princess Power and Daw Soe Lay from the Industrial Workers Federation of Myanmar participated as speakers in a discussion moderated by Ms. Nancy Feng, Senior Technical Expert from SMART Myanmar.
After some questions and answers with the audience the seminar concluded with closing remarks.
