Affiliations: School of Occupational Therapy, University of
Indianapolis, Indianapolis, IN, USA
Note: [] Address for correspondence: Dr. Lucinda Dale, Associate
Professor and Co-Director of Advanced Studies, School of Occupational Therapy,
University of Indianapolis, 1400 E. Hanna Avenue, Indianapolis, IN 46227, USA.
Tel: +1 317 788 3561; Fax: +1 317 788 3542; E-mail: ldale@uindy.edu
Abstract: The purpose of this study was to describe the collaboration among
occupational therapy graduate students, faculty, and managers of an industrial
organization in developing safety-training materials for workers. Method: Three managers from an industrial organization sought
collaboration from the School of Occupational Therapy. The occupational therapy
faculty developed fieldwork experiences and implemented a qualitative research
study where data were gathered through interviews, observations, key events,
artifacts, and immersion in the field. Results: Changing workers' behaviors required influence from an
organizational level, including manager support and role modeling, safety
committee involvement, and a strong presence of occupational therapy in the
organizational environment. Conclusion: Occupational therapists who provide safety training in
industrial settings must become partners with workers and managers, and immerse
themselves in the organization to plan strategies that compliment the culture.
Occupational therapists' interventions for safety training should match the
needs and values of the managers.
