MSDs and the leather goods industry
The physical risks of MSDs stem from factors such as repetitive movements, static work, excessive strain, extreme joint positions, heavy lifting, and more.
MSDs are caused by an imbalance between the body’s physical capabilities and the demands and constraints placed upon it.
In this article, we will explore MSDs in the leather goods industry.
Special Testimonial : Meeting with a former leather workshop craftsman
What is your professional background ?
“My professional background is quite diverse. I started in the hospitality industry, particularly in pastry. Later on, I shifted towards craftsmanship in art framing and then held a few jobs in the food industry. In December 2019, I decided to open a beer shop, but unfortunately, COVID made it difficult to sustain my project.
I then found myself working for a leather craftsman, a subcontractor for a major luxury handbag brand. It was meticulous work.”
In your opinion, is the concept of MSDs addressed within the leather goods industry (and the fashion industry in general) internally, and if so, how ?
“Yes, indeed. They are aware of the risks of MSDs. In that workshop, for example, we had ‘muscle warm-ups.’ However, in my opinion, the issue lies more in their responsiveness.”
What are the main risk factors for MSDs for leather craftsmen, and how can they prevent them ?
“In the workshop where I worked, there was the issue of meticulous and repetitive tasks, depending on the workstations. The required pace also doesn’t suit everyone. Some people may experience time pressure and, therefore, potentially perform the movements incorrectly; and that’s when, in my opinion, pain can start to appear.”
Which workstation in the workshop is the most demanding in terms of MSDs ? What are the most restrictive postures (or movements) ?
“In my opinion, it would be the assembly station because it requires a lot of precision. There was a ‘pinching’ motion with the fingers that demands both accuracy and strength to pierce the leather. For example, at this station, we couldn’t use our awl to pre-punch the holes to make it easier for the needle and thread to pass through, as it would affect the aesthetic appearance and the brand’s guidelines. Therefore, we had to exert force with our fingers to push the needle through, but not too much to avoid injuring ourselves on the other side. Conversely, when removing the needle, it was necessary to ‘pinch’ the needle very hard with the fingers.
These are extremely painful movements over time.”
Have you been made aware of MSD risks within your team? What do you think of the measures implemented (in general) to combat MSDs ?
“Prevention measures are in place, but there is a significant gap between theory and practice. It is challenging to adhere to the recommended movements within the imposed time constraints.
After receiving multiple employee feedbacks, the company acknowledged certain needs and has started to explore the use of exoskeletons, among other solutions.”
Over the years, have you noticed that MSDs have become a more prominent issue ?
“Yes, clearly. Companies are becoming more aware, particularly in terms of productivity. They realize that work stoppages can be avoided. There has been progress in this area, but it is essential that it is properly implemented.”
Do you use any specific equipment or technologies to reduce the risk of MSDs ?
“For example, we had ‘anti-fatigue’ mats for workstations where we needed to stand, such as leather sanding. Unfortunately, they were too short, and some people risked tripping over them, which could become very dangerous. Ultimately, poorly installed or unsuitable ergonomic equipment can undermine its primary purpose: the comfort of the operator.
We also had adjustable-height workstations. This provided comfort as we had the option to work either standing or sitting according to our needs.”
Do you work with external experts (ergonomists, occupational doctors, etc.) to improve your practices in MSD prevention ?
“Indeed, there was a person responsible for preventing physical MSD risks. Unfortunately, I observed little responsiveness and commitment from them. If the company had listened more attentively to the employees’ needs, productivity and motivation would have significantly increased.
There were also first aiders on site for employee safety.”
Do you see any emerging trends and/or innovations that could help prevent MSDs in the leather goods sector ?
“Regarding the precision and pace of work, exoskeletons can be a good solution, for example. They were in the process of implementing them when I left. This technology can be very useful, especially during assembly and needle movements (see previous questions). We also had adjustable workbenches that provided additional comfort for employees.
Depending on the size of the company, these technologies remain an investment.”
Can you share concrete examples of MSD cases in the leather goods industry that you have encountered, as well as the lessons learned and the measures taken to address them?
“The most common MSDs reported include carpal tunnel syndrome, shoulder tendinitis, and elbow pain. The repetitive use of needles in the work can contribute to these issues.
For example, one of my colleagues, who was a stitcher, had a demanding role involving rounded bags that required twisting motions. This physical manipulation led to her developing severe arm issues within a few months, despite being a young and athletic person.
While the company implemented mandatory muscle warm-ups, this alone was not sufficient. Many problems were not escalated to higher management, suggesting that additional measures might be needed to address the root causes of these issues effectively.”
Are there more intense/busy periods that contribute to the onset of pain? How is the work environment organized in the leather goods industry (e.g., regular breaks, suitable equipment, etc.) ?
Any advice or remedies you would like to share with potential leather goods manufacturers and/or employers who might be reading this about MSD prevention ?
“In general, listening to and responding to employees’ needs is crucial. It’s essential to pay attention to their pain and discomfort. This significantly impacts their motivation and their likelihood of staying with the company.
There are still too many companies that disregard pain and lack empathy. While budget constraints are understandable, they should not prevent listening to employees.
In the leather goods industry, and based on my experience, it might be worthwhile to consider revising specifications to improve employee well-being without compromising product quality.”
Conclusion
First and foremost, we would like to thank Léopold for taking the time to answer our questions and share his experience.
During our discussion, it became clear that the lack of awareness among teams is a key factor in the increase of MSD risks, regardless of their nature. A broader awareness is also needed to initiate MSD prevention measures.
The pace and meticulous nature of work in leather craftsmanship increases the risk of MSDs, and, in this example, employee training is not sufficiently thorough. It is crucial to train and raise awareness among teams to minimize these risks.