Forum: Poor design can make jobs tougher for older workers
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I recently saw a soap dispenser design that frustrated me so much, I took a photo of it.
What may look like a clean and compact solution on paper translates to a back-breaking refilling process, especially for elderly workers.
It’s inconvenient as a worker has to bend down, reach under the sink in a cramped space, and unscrew the soap container to refill it.
What designers and decision-makers often overlook is that in many workplaces such as shopping malls, cafes, clinics, foodcourts and schools, the cleaning and refilling work is done by an elderly workforce.
I urge manufacturers, contractors and regulators to rethink such designs.
When designing any work process or facility, look at it through the eyes of the people doing the work – those who have to bend down, lift and clean things daily, often unseen.
Let’s make it easier for older workers to do their jobs.
Foo Siang Yian
