Ergonomics

In class we looked at the three parts of ergonomics - person, environment and activity. Ergonomics looks at how the three components are interrelated. As a therapist we look at how the occupation and environment best fit with the patient so we need the “ability to constantly make slight invisible adjustments to an activity to adapt to the needs of those taking part and ensure that it continues to work for its intended purpose” (Caulton & Dickson, 2007. p .93). In the stories I write in others blogs you will be able to identify the different sections of ergonomics.

For my activity (cleaning) here is my summary of the 3 sections of ergonomics:

Person:

•  I love to clean – I am a clean freak (I cannot study unless my room is spotless)
• I find cleaning relaxing as it gives me time to myself
•  I always feels satisfied after I clean as I feel I haven’t been wasting time
•  It also gives me the chance to catch up with my flatmates when we all get together to give the flat a clean

Environment: “The environment, both the physical content of it and the people within it, provides the context of performance” (Hagedorn, 2000. p . 16-17)

•   There must be something that needs to be cleaned
•  There may be others that want to clean with me or are around when I am cleaning
•  There must not be others around that are making a mess as soon as I have finished cleaning

Occupation: “the dominant activity of human beings that includes serious, productive pursuits and playful, creative and festive behaviours. It is the result of evolutionary processes culminating in biological and social need for both playful and productive activity” (Kielhofner, 1995)

• Cleaning can be done anywhere
•   It involves only a few cleaning products so it isn’t overly expensive
•  It is something that we all must do from time to time

References:

Caulton, R & Dickson, R. (2007). What’s going on? Finding an explanation for what we do. In Creek, J., & Lawson-Porter, A. (Eds.). (2007). Contempory Issues in Occupationsl Therapy. Chichester. John Wiley & sons Ltd.

Hagedorn, R. (2000). Tools for Practice in Occupational Therapy: A Structured Approach to Core Skills and Processes. London: Harcourt Publishers Ltd.

Kielhofner, G. (1995). In Hagedorn, R. (2000). Tools for Practice in Occupational Therapy: A Structured Approach to Core Skills and Processes. London: Harcourt Publishers Ltd.