Computer based model to change occupational safety & health and energy management attitudes of occupants in the garment industry

Abstract

Garment industry is one of the major contributors to the Sri Lankan economy. Nonetheless, productivity of the industry is crucially influenced by Occupational safety and health (OSH) and Energy management (EM) mal-behaviours. Even within the industry, behaviour of sewing machine operators are vital. It is noted that that industry is the second most contributor to the OSH accidents. Further, energy demand for the manufacturing is a major concern. In fact, it is notable that these two areas can be enriched by altering personnel attitudes, which will ultimately affect to the behavioural patterns. There are varieties of tools to change attitudes of people in order to change their behaviours. Computer models can be considered as a modern approach. Thus, this research focuses on current common behavioural issues and brings-up a computer model as a solution Consequently, the research concludes findings obtained through preliminary investigation and a semi structured questionnaire survey that was conducted upon, behavioural issues and applicability of computer model respectively. Preliminary investigation consists of two surveys; expert opinion survey and structured questionnaire survey. Ten number of issues were confirmed. Not wearing PPEs, poor sitting positions, removing safety devices of the machine and not switching off probe lights and machine were noted as top three significant issues. In computer model, top two accepted aspects were scoring mechanism and monitory gifts for winners.