People with vision impairment working in industrial environments may experience difficulty with accurate task measurement, task assembly and installation of completed tasks. A range of strategies, along with talking and tactile tool products are available which can assist with improving task accuracy and productivity.
Workplace solutions and adjustments
People with mild vision impairment may require a form of magnification such as the use of a hand held magnifier to assist with accuracy in an industrial environment. When it is not possible to hold a magnifier and undertake the task, such as measuring up, a range of talking and tactile products are available:
Ensuring adequate workshop or workstation lighting when undertaking tasks requiring accurate vision may also be beneficial:
If working with power tools which have an increased risk of injury if operated incorrectly or with restricted vision, consider changing warning alarms to audible or tactile alerts rather than relying purely on visual notification:
Organisation and labelling of tools into specific locations on a workbench, tool board, trolley or toolbox may also assist in easy tool location to maintain productivity. Using contrast between workbench and tools, use of jigs or preset guides for repetitive tasks will also ensure accuracy.
For more information about job related requirements, see the link below:
(Vision Australia 2005 – 2006, Vision Australia 2007)
References
Independent Living Centres Australia Inc 2007, Review of Products, Independent Living Centres Australia Inc, Sydney, viewed 26 March 2010, www.ilcaustralia.org
Vision Australia 2007, Working in the shed—top ten tips and keeping safe, Vision Australia, Enfield, viewed 26 March 2010, http://www.visionaustralia.org.au/info.aspx?page=1680
Vision Australia 2007, Working in the shed—measuring and marking out, Vision Australia, Enfield, viewed 26 March 2010, http://www.visionaustralia.org.au/info.aspx?page=1684