Working conditions vary greatly. Production workers, including front-line managers and supervisors, spend most of their shift on or near the production floor. Some factories are noisy and can have airborne fibers and odors; but most modern textile facilities are relatively clean, well lit, and ventilated.

In 2002, work-related injuries and illnesses in the textile mill products industry averaged 5.2 per 100 full-time workers, compared with 7.2 percent for all manufacturing and 5.3 percent for the entire private sector. This record has been achieved in part by requiring, when appropriate, the use of protective shoes, clothing, facemasks, and earplugs. Also, new machinery is designed with additional protection, such as noise shields. Still, many workers in production occupations must stand for long periods while bending over machinery, and noise and dust still are a problem in some plants. Workers are also sometimes exposed to hazardous situations that could produce cuts or minor burns if proper safety practices are not observed. Also, some workers are occasionally exposed to the fumes and odors of coolants and lubricants used in machines.

Because many mills run 24 hours a day as the cost of new machinery continues to increase, production workers may work evenings and weekends. Many operators work on rotating schedules, which can cause sleep disorders and other stress from constant changes in work hours. Production workers in textile mills averaged 3.4 overtime hours per week in 2002. Overtime is common for these workers during periods of peak production. Managerial and administrative support personnel typically work a 5-day, 40-hour week in an office setting, although some of these employees also may work significant overtime. Quality control inspectors and other workers may need to travel to other production sites, especially if working for large companies.