Balance is required to maintain the body upright and to prevent falling when sitting, standing, walking, squatting or when walking on narrow surfaces. Balance may be compromised due to physical disability, acquired brain injury, damage to the central nervous system or sensory disturbance.
Workplace adjustments and solutions
Balance is an essential requirement for performing most jobs and the activities of daily living.
A person’s balance limitations should be assessed and matched to the job requirements. For example, if a person is unable to sustain balance on one leg, his or her capacity to climb ladders or stairs may be compromised. In addition, if a person is unable to balance on a test balance beam during assessment, it is recommended work on scaffolding or on building beams be avoided.
Appropriate footwear and clear level pathways should be considered to prevent falls. Falls prevention training or balance training with a mobility specialist such as a physiotherapist on the job should be considered for a person with significant balance limitations.
Depending on the cause of balance problems, restrictions or workplace modifications may be temporary or permanent. General aids and modifications that can assist people maintain balance include:
Workplace modifications to be considered in an office based environment include:
Aids and modifications to assist people in industrial work environments include:
Additional domestic modifications to assist with balance include:
References
Independent Living Centres Australia Inc. 2007, Independent Living Centres Australia Inc., viewed 8 March 2010, http://www.ilcaustralia.org
Lechner, D 1999, ErgoScience: Job Demands Analysis, University of Alabama, Albama.
Trombly, CA and Radomski, MV 2002, Occupational Therapy for Physical Dysfunction, 5th Edition, Lippincitt, Williams and Wilkins, Philadelphia.