Date of Award

2007

Document Type

Scholarly Project

Degree Name

Master of Occupational Therapy (MOT)

Department

Occupational Therapy

First Advisor

LaVonne Fox

Keywords

Human Engineering; Musculoskeletal System -- injuries

Abstract

It may be a common perception in the general public that the daily tasks carried out in an office environment are not typically considered physical demanding. Office tasks, such as typing, filling out forms and filing paperwork typically do not require a significant amount of force. Work tasks associated within an office environment, especially computer use, can increase stress on the soft tissues of the body, such as muscles, tendons and nerves over time (Department of Labor, 2005). This can result in what is called musculoskeletal disorders (MSD),s.

The negative impact of MSDs affects employers through decreased work attendance, productivity and increased workers compensation expenses. MSDs negatively impact employees through physical and psychosocial distress, lost time from work, decreased efficiency at work and decreased earning capacity.

A review of the literature focused on three areas: 1) the work related injuries in the office environment, 2) the physical, psychological, and societal costs and 3) ergonomic best practices. The literature review culminated with the development of a proposed office ergonomics program designed to address office work injuries utilizing occupational therapy assessment and intervention.

The Train-the-Trainer-Ergo Office Program was developed to be marketed as an injury prevention tool for employers looking to reduce workers compensation expenses and improve the health of the workforce. This program is implemented by an occupational therapist on-site to supervisors, who will then educate their employees regarding ergonomic principles related to their work activities. The four sections of this training program include: 1) the impact of work injuries; 2) musculoskeletal disorders; 3) risk factors and; 4) prevention.

The Model of Occupational Adaptation is utilized as the basis of this training program because it views the employees as the agents of change. The training will provide information that will allow the employees the opportunity to adapt within their work environment in order to decrease risks and work injuries. Modifying the work environment and work tasks will be more effective when the employees are able to change their behavior in relation to their jobs (Fontana, 2002). The more that the employees understand how improper work habits can have a negative impact on their health and productivity, the more willing they will be to incorporate the necessary modifications to decrease their risk factors for MSDs.

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