Working Conditions for Textile, apparel, and furnishings occupationsMost persons in textile, apparel, and furnishings occupations work a standard 5-day, 35- to 40-hour week. Evenings and weekend work is common for shoe and leather workers, laundry and drycleaning workers, and tailors, dressmakers, and sewers employed in retail stores. In manufacturing, some employers add second shifts to justify the expense of new machinery. Many textile and fiber mills often use rotating schedules of shifts so that employees do not continuously work nights or days. But these rotating shifts sometimes cause workers to have sleep disorders and stress-related problems. While much of the work in apparel manufacturing still is based on a piecework system that allows for little interpersonal contact, some apparel firms are placing more emphasis on teamwork and cooperation. Under this new system, individuals work closely with one another, and each team or module often governs itself, increasing the overall responsibility of each operator. Working conditions vary by establishment and by occupation. In manufacturing, machinery in textile mills often is noisy, as are areas in which sewing and pressing are performed in apparel factories; patternmaking and spreading areas tend to be much quieter. Many older factories are cluttered, hot, and poorly lit and ventilated, but more modern facilities usually have more workspace and are well lit and ventilated. Textile machinery operators use protective glasses and masks that cover their noses and mouths to protect against airborne materials. Many machines operate at high speeds, and textile machinery workers must be careful not to wear clothing or jewelry that could get caught in moving parts. In addition, extruding and forming machine operators wear protective shoes and clothing when working with certain chemical compounds. Work in apparel production can be physically demanding. Some workers sit for long periods, and others spend many hours on their feet, leaning over tables and operating machinery. Operators must be attentive while running sewing machines, pressers, automated cutters, and the like. A few workers wear protective devices such as gloves. In some instances, new machinery and production techniques have decreased the physical demands upon workers. For example, newer pressing machines are operated by foot pedals or computer controls and do not require much strength to operate them. Laundries and drycleaning establishments often are hot and noisy; those in retail stores, however, tend to be less noisy and more comfortable. Areas in which shoe and leather workers make or repair shoes and other leather items can be noisy, and odors from leather dyes and stains frequently are present. Workers need to pay close attention when working with machines, in order to avoid punctures, lacerations, and abrasions. Upholstery work is not dangerous, but upholsterers usually wear protective gloves and clothing when using sharp tools and lifting and handling furniture or springs. Upholsterers stand most of the workday and may do a lot of bending and heavy lifting. They also may work in awkward positions for short periods. More information on Textile, apparel, and furnishings occupations from The U.S. Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook Overview of Textile, apparel, and furnishings occupations occupation Number of Textile, apparel, and furnishings occupations in the U.S. Salary and earnings for Textile, apparel, and furnishings occupations Working conditions for Textile, apparel, and furnishings occupations Significant points for Textile, apparel, and furnishings occupations Training requirements for Textile, apparel, and furnishings occupations Labor Information Home | Occupational data by city | Search Rainforests | Madagascar | What's new |