Ergonomics approach to assess the risk associated with the performance of domestic tasks–part “A”

Background: Activities of Daily Living (ADL) and Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADL) are essential to live independently (Lawton & Brody, 1969). Slowing down a person’s decline or utilising equipment to maintain independence is a growing area of research. Although, the way we carry out daily tasks within the home can accelerate this decline. Therefore, it is essential to consider and reduces the dependency issues within society, which enable individuals to live independently in their homes for as long as possible and to participate happily in their daily or social activities.

Methods: Initially a survey was used to gather different people’s insights about the performance of ADL and IADL tasks. An observational study is also used to evaluate the postural load on selected IADL tasks. Finally, ergonomics approach was used to develop a Task Assessment Tool for Ease and Risk (TAER).

Result: TAER is developed to provide a self-assessment method of screening the domestic tasks for exposure of psychological and physical risk factors associated with the performance of daily tasks. TAER is helpful in the detection of early warnings for healthy individuals as well as for those undergoing rehabilitation, as it can easily identify the tasks that are hardest to perform. TAER consist of booklet and record sheets and based on three risk parameters.

Conclusion: TAER is simple to use and believed that it may play vital role in the development of comprehensive and proactive strategies for the detection of problems related to the home environment and manage them effectively before it can affect our quality of life.