Date of Award

2026

Document Type

Scholarly Project

Degree Name

Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD)

Department

Occupational Therapy

First Advisor

Dr. Karrianna Iseminger

Abstract

Background: Extraction and mining industries, which play a significant role in the economic structure of Sweetwater County, Wyoming, consistently report some of the highest rates of work-related injury. Upper extremity based musculoskeletal injuries are particularly common and often lead to significant impairment and/or surgical intervention, impacting productivity, increasing lost-workdays, and contributing to long-term health outcomes. These injuries are often due to a dynamic interaction of personal, contextual, and task-based factors including fatigue, level of experience, organizational procedures and policies, repetitive motions, sustained forceful exertions, awkward positioning, and vibration exposure. Current prevention efforts are often reactive rather than proactive, with interventions based on rehabilitation and restoring function and occupational engagement. However, literature indicates that primary prevention or proactive strategies can decrease the development of cumulative WUEIs. Occupational therapy practitioners are uniquely suited to support primary prevention efforts through activity and task analysis, ergonomic assessment, and education that targets personal, contextual, and task-related factors.

Project Description & Methodology: The purpose of this scholarly project was to develop an occupational therapy-guided, population-based primary prevention program aimed at decreasing upper extremity work-related injury risk. A needs assessment was conducted through a comprehensive literature review and informal interprofessional consultation. The ecology of human performance (EHP) framework guided the needs assessment and program development by examining the dynamic interaction of person, context, and task factors and their impact on performance range/occupational engagement and WUEI risk. The final product is a modular, two-part in-service program targeting both employer and employee roles, supported by educational materials and a presenter guide to promote consistency and sustainability.

Discussion: This project supports the use of multilevel, theory-driven primary prevention strategies addressing both behavioral and organizational factors. It highlights the role of occupational therapy in primary prevention through ergonomic intervention, activity analysis, and education to both employees and employers. The program is designed to be adaptable across similar industrial settings and supports improved worker safety, injury prevention awareness, and long-term occupational engagement.

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