ASSESSING THE ERGONOMIC CONDITIONS OF KELINGKAN EMBROIDERERS’ WORKSPACES IN KELANTAN
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.24191/myse.v13i2.9410Keywords:
Kelingkan embroidery, physical work environment, ergonomic workplace, artisan’s well-beingAbstract
Kelingkan embroidery is a heritage textile craft in Malaysia that involves intricate stitching of flat metallic threads onto delicate fabrics. This study examines the ergonomic conditions in the work environments of Kelingkan embroiderers in Kelantan, focusing on physical and environmental factors such as seating, posture, repetitive movements, lighting, ventilation, temperature, noise, and workspace layout. Workplace observations and semi-structured interviews were used to document daily work practices and identify common challenges, including musculoskeletal discomfort associated with prolonged seated work and forward-bending postures, repetitive hand movements, eye strain related to sustained visual focus, and glare from reflective metallic threads. The study also records artisans’ self-initiated coping strategies used to maintain comfort. Based on the findings, design improvements are proposed that align with the artisans’ anthropometric measurements and working needs, aiming to enhance well-being, productivity, and work quality and to support the continuity of Kelingkan embroidery as cultural heritage.
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