Mobility is the ability to move from one place to another. Mobility requires strength, range of movement and coordination, which may be compromised by disability, poor health or injury. For example, a person with rheumatoid arthritis may have difficulty walking due to weakness, pain fatigue or a person with spinal cord injury may have difficulties walking due to paralysis, weakness or compromised sensation.
Workplace solutions and adjustments
Many jobs require prolonged periods of walking, including sales, stores and cleaning professions. General recommendations to reduce the impact on the body from prolonged walking include:
- consider appropriate floor coverings within the workplace, including:
- the use of cushioned shoe inserts or orthotics
- wearing work appropriate supportive footwear
- where possible, alternate between sitting, standing and walking throughout the day.
for people with mobility restrictions that require the support of walking aids, scooters or wheelchairs the following recommendations can assist to allow their independent mobility around the workplace:
- consider emergency exit requirements
- consider width of doorway entrances to main facilities for example, bathroom, kitchen and office
- change small steps or door lips to ramps for ease of mobility
- ensure pathways, walkways and entrances are clear
- remove mats to avoid trip accidents.
There are also a number of mobility aids that may assist those with mobility restrictions in the workplace, these include:
References
Independent Living Centres Australia Inc. 2007, Product Review, Independent Living Centres Australia Inc., Sydney, viewed 10 March 2010, <http://www.ilcaustralia.org>.
Trombly, C. A.& Radomski, M. V. 2002, Occupational Therapy for Physical Dysfunction, 5th Edition, Lippincitt, Williams and Wilkins, Philadelphia.
Links to more specific job requirements for mobility
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