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Description
This doctoral capstone project was completed at Manchester Tank, a manufacturing facility, and focused on the ACOTE areas of Education and Program Development. The Applied Leadership Experience (ALE) aimed to reduce workplace ergonomic risks, promote musculoskeletal injury prevention, and increase awareness of occupational therapy's role in manufacturing. A needs assessment including an employee pre-survey, workplace observations, employee feedback, and a review of current literature identified opportunities to improve ergonomic practices and employee knowledge related to work-related musculoskeletal disorder (WMSD) prevention.
In response, ergonomic evaluations were conducted within the facility, and evidence-based recommendations were developed to improve workstations and job tasks. Educational resources addressing ergonomics, body mechanics, workplace stretching, injury prevention, and occupational therapy were implemented. Key deliverables included a workplace stretching program, ergonomic education materials, and recommendations to support sustainable workplace health initiatives. Project outcomes were evaluated through pre- and post-surveys, direct observation, and employee and leadership feedback.
Results demonstrated increased employee awareness of ergonomic principles, body mechanics, and injury prevention strategies. Participants reported that the educational resources and stretching program were practical and beneficial to their daily work tasks, while leadership expressed support for continued ergonomic initiatives. This capstone demonstrated the value of occupational therapy in promoting workplace health, injury prevention, and occupational performance within an industrial setting. The project established sustainable resources to support employee wellness and reinforced occupational therapy's role in advancing population health through ergonomic intervention and workplace health promotion.
Graduation Date
2026
Keywords
OTD Casptone Poster, Education, Project Development, Musculoskeletal Injury Prevention, Ergonomics, Body Mechanics, Manufacturing, Occupational Therapy
Disciplines
Occupational Therapy
Degree Type
Book
Site Mentor
Leo Johnson
Comments
Link to presentation: https://youtu.be/fyonduKSkow?si=IJfXhuGdqm5DTLRT