The relationship between working postures and occupational accidents among workers in two ready-to-wear clothing factories located in Bartin organized industrial zone

The ready-to-wear sector remains a labor-intensive industry despite advancing technology. The aim of this study is to determine the ergonomic risk levels of working postures among workers in two ready-to-wear clothing factories located in the organized industrial zone of Bartın province and to investigate their relationship with occupational accidents. A total of 127 volunteers participated in the research. Participants were administered a socio-demographic survey and the CMDQ scale. Of the participants, 75.6% were female, with an average age of 31.9±9.03. Additionally, 67.7% were smokers, with an average work experience of 8.17±6.785 years. 18.9% had experienced occupational accidents, and 25.2% had never used any protective measures. Occupational accidents mostly occurred in the afternoon (55.5%) and between January and June (70.8%). Among those who had experienced accidents, 50% reported injuries in the sewing department, with 95.8% of injuries occurring in the upper extremities. The participants' total CMDQ score averaged 79.5±78.3. No significant difference was observed between occupational accidents and working postures (p=0.157). Despite the majority of participants having completed high school education (33.3%), occupational accidents were more prevalent among those with middle school and elementary school education. A significant relationship was found between educational level and occupational accidents (p=0.032). To prevent occupational accidents in the ready-to-wear sector, continuous and regular training should be provided to employees, efforts to encourage smoking cessation should be implemented, and the equipment used by workers should be adjustable.