When we are considering ergonomics, we must take into account the environment, activity, and how it fits the person. Our function as Occupational Therapist is 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).
Some of the factors we discussed in class were the relationships between person, activity and environment. These are some of the factors that I took into consideration for washing-up.
Person
I am competent enough to do this task, but tend to do the drying-up unless I get to the sink first. As this is our second home, in other words, our bach, we do not have an automatic dishwasher, just a manual one called Peter. I am very efficient in the task and can generally get through the drying reasonably fast while multi tasking other jobs in between, for example putting the washing on, clearing the table, watching television from the kitchen
Activity
Washing up has a flow to it, almost a rhythm, assuming that everything goes according to plan that is, and there are no broken dishes. Time wise washing up doesn’t take long as there is just the two of us therefore not many dishes, also the speed of the task is usually influenced by what’s on television and what work I have to complete for study. There are no restrictions to doing this task just inclination. If the inclination is lacking then the dishes lay over until the next day.
Environment
This is a joint task. The kitchen is nicely appointed with a view to our garden, which is always nice to look at particularly when the flowers are blooming. There are some distractions particularly when the television or radio is on. This activity can be done in noise or peace and quiet. We can choose to talk or not. Quite nice really.
References
Creek, J & Lawson-Porter. (Eds). (2007) Contempory issues in occupational therapy. Chichester: John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
Hi Janine, you touched briefly on not having a dishwasher for your washing up environment, so is the sink at a good height for you both? It is deep enough? Is there good drainage etc? Does the plug stay in? I know these are detailed things, and you mentioned the view, which makes me think that the environment must be quite good for washing up, as if you were annoyed by a faulty environment, you wouldn't have time to gaze out the window :) Hannah
ReplyDeleteJanine, I also liked how you talked about inclination. I totally agree with you, in this cold, ant-less, cockroach-less climate, we can leave the washing overnight. I also know that some people cannot go to bed if they know the washing is sitting on the bench, but I like the way you put it, yes, it is optional! Hannah
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