Wednesday 14 September 2011

Ergonomics

This is my second blog for the semester focusing on the activity of cooking. It will be based around ergonomics. Enjoy :)

Pheasant (1986) defines ergonomics as "the scientific study of human beings in relation to their working environments". The main factors around ergonomics are the interrelationships of person, environment and the activities the person participates in. As occupational therapists we are often called upon to make decisions about whether the competence of an individual has shifted in regard to their preferred and habitual activities.


In relation to my activity of cooking, I can make links to ergonomics as it influences the way I cook and view cooking. I have been continuing to try new recipes and put more effort into my meals. I do try to make meals that everybody in my family enjoys eating however we are all busy people and get home at different hours of the afternoon. We all make an effort to accommodate for this to make sure everybody gets dinner. When we have just been shopping and have fresh vegetables and delicious food to prepare I tend to have more time and am more adventurous when I cook. It really does depend on what is bought at the supermarket and what seasonal foods are cheap to what is made for dinner. It is common in our household that if there is little options or the day has dragged on, a quick easy meal is the best choice. Personally I feel that cooking is labour but has components of work linked within it as it is something I have to do to feed my family. However, I enjoy having that role/responsibility and it doesn't always feel like a chore as I get great satisfaction out of making a nice meal! According to Creek & Lawson-Porter (2007), "work requires self-investment, skill, craft and personal judgement. Work is purposeful and meaningful". It can also create community for me and my family as we help each other out with chopping the vegetables or whatever the task may be which is a time we can ask how each other's day went.

References:


Creek, J., & Lawson-Porter, A. (Eds.). (2007). Contemporary Issues in Occupational Therapy. Chichester. John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Hagedorn (2000). Tools for Practice in Occupational Therapy: A Structured Approach to Core Skills and Processes. Edinburgh: Churchill Livingstone

1 comment:

  1. Hay Laura, I really liked reading about your chosen activity of cooking and seeing how you have managed to break this activity down into catergories. I love your design of the blog most of all, relates well to your activity and looks AMAZING :)

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