{
  "abstract": "Objectives The Readymade Garment industry (RMG) sector plays a significant role in employment generation, foreign earnings and socio-economic development of Bangladesh where nearly 90 percent of its labor force comprising female. However, suboptimal workplace ergonomics significantly contribute to musculoskeletal pain (MSP) among female garment workers, adversely affecting productivity and well-being. This study investigates how ergonomic conditions contribute to musculoskeletal pain in the RMG sector from an occupational safety perspective. It assesses compliance with existing OSH laws and highlights legislative gaps, especially regarding ergonomic standards and worker safety.Material and Methodology A qualitative research approach was adopted, incorporating Key Informant Interviews (KII), alongside Focus Group Discussions (FGD) with female garment workers in seven garment factories. Data were thematically analyzed to identify ergonomic deficiencies, their impact on MSP and prevailing occupational safety measures within the sector.Results Findings indicate a high prevalence of MSP, particularly in the lower back, shoulders and wrists, exacerbated by prolonged sitting, inadequate seating arrangements and improper workstation design. Workers reported limited access to ergonomic training and insufficient employer initiatives to mitigate ergonomic hazards. Non-compliance with existing Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) laws, along with notable loopholes in the Bangladesh Labour Act, 2006, particularly its lack of explicit ergonomic provisions and detailed standards for workplace design—jointly contribute to the ongoing ergonomic hazards in the RMG sector. The integration of ergonomic best practices and compliance of OSH laws is imperative to enhance workplace safety and reduce MSP incidence.Conclusion Addressing ergonomic challenges in the RMG sector requires a multidimensional approach involving ergonomic improvements, labor rights advocacy, policy enforcement, employer accountability and worker participation in occupational safety programs. Strengthening regulatory oversight and fostering an ergonomic culture can significantly improve health outcomes for female garment workers, ensuring a safer and more sustainable working environment.",
  "authors": [
    {
      "affiliations": [
        "Chittagong Independent University School of Law. Orthopaedics Surgery Rangamati General Hospital, Chattogram, Bangladesh"
      ],
      "name": "Nazneen Akter"
    },
    {
      "affiliations": [
        "Chittagong Independent University School of Law. Orthopaedics Surgery Rangamati General Hospital, Chattogram, Bangladesh"
      ],
      "name": "Mohammad Shah Kamal Uddin"
    }
  ],
  "title": "8274714 Workplace Ergonomics and musculoskeletal pain in female garment workers of bangladesh: an occupational safety perspective",
  "uid": "92a87ed2-3b62-56ab-80b1-a48ae9e32399"
}