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The Job Accommodation Network put this information together because the number of workers over 65 is going to increase dramatically as the baby boomers age. The benefits for hiring an older worker are listed as well as the laws protecting workers. This is a nice resource for those older workers to know what rights they have and what accommodations are even available. Some accommodations cover ADLs, weakness or fatigue, hearing limitations, vision limitations, psychological issues, to name a few. I thought it was really helpful that a few situations were presented with possible solutions. Also, for the consumer, is a link to products for accommodation options.

This is a really good article on OT, work, and workers comp. It even goes into problems of workers comp.

Coping with work stress in today's uncertain climate For workers everywhere, the troubled economy may feel like an emotional roller coaster. "Layoffs" and "budget cuts" have become bywords in the workplace, and the result is increased fear, uncertainty, and higher levels of stress.

This articles looks at reasons why healthcare occupations have the highest rates of musculoskeletal injuries in our nation and what the healthcare industry is doing to prevent injuries in the workplace.

This article explains the services provided by work hardening programs.

Ergonomics: Occupational Therapy in the Workplace (From the American OT Association: Reproducible consumer handout to further public education) Ergonomics is the science of designing a person's environment so that it facilitates the highest level of function. A person's work environment should fit his or her capabilities as a worker.Good ergonomics prevent injury and promote health, safety, and comfort for employees.

I was searching for information on tertiary prevention when I came across this website. I got completely sidetracked. This article talks about a study that was done on strength training related to reducing work related injuries. Strength training was actually encouraged on the job. Reminded me of how my husband took an empty space at his work and turned it into a place for his co-workers to work out when they wanted to. They have a couple of punching bags and mats and even have a boxing instructor and Krav Maga instructor that teaches them a couple of times a week. I like that there are studies backing up strength training at work.

This short video shows how a prosthetic hand is made from a 3D printer. At the TNOTA Conference last year, a presenter described the impact of 3D printing on manufacturing in general and on OT interventions specifically. Prosthetics can now be much more customized to the needs of the patient, more aesthetically appealing, quicker to make, and much less expensive. The possibilities of use of 3D printing with disabled individuals are nearly limitless.

One of my husband's co-workers has a 3-D printer. Those things are changing our world! I love this!

This is realy neat Beth! I like that is is much less expensive and I actually think these look less like prothetics and more on the advanced robotic side. With practice a person could make alot of heads turn in a curious way when out in public with one of these 3D devices!

Prevention of Musculoskeletal Disorders in the Workplace Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) affect the muscles, nerves and tendons. Work related MSDs (including those of the neck, upper extremities and low back) are one of the leading causes of lost workday injury and illness.

This is a really great website that talks about ergonomics in the workplace. It specifically talks about how to prevent musculoskeletal disorders. One thing unique about this website is that it also address what the employers responsibilities are and what rights the worker has in regards to prevention, and a safe workplace. It gives multiple links to OSHA standards for a workplace, and also a list of some of the top careers that result in musculoskeletal disorders.

This article list ergonomic risk factors of cumulative trauma disorders (CTDs). As occupational therapy practitioners we should focus on the following areas: highly repetitive tasks, static exertion, forceful exertions, localized mechanical stress, awkward postures, temperature exposure, and vibration (article has description of all of these). Prevention and early management are key to avoiding CTDs.

With most of the younger workers, they seem to believe themselves so entitled as part of the "Me" generation. It was very refreshing to see this 18-year-old have such tremendous and admirable goals. In relation to our subject matter, it will be interesting to follow her cancer research and hopefully see a cure during my lifetime.

This website stresses how serious work related kitchen fires can be. It states that commercial kitchen fires are the most common among all kitchen fires and can be prevented by following their simple tips. Kitchens in busy restaurants are cluttered with too many personnel and too little room to maneuver, this can lead to a scalding or fire accident easily. The suggestions on this website make it simple to reduce the risk.

we have discussed how standing at a desk may be healthier for a worker that is on the computer for the work day. here is a video of a device that adds more benefits to having a standing work space.