projects
Current Projects: Occupational Safety and Health Training for Teleworkers
SBIR Grant, Phase II R44 OH007461
Funding Agency: Centers for Disease Control, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health
The purpose of this project is to reduce the risk of occupational injury and illness to employees who telecommute from their homes (telework). The rapid growth of teleworking has raised several social and legal issues regarding an employer's responsibility for an employee's home office. OSHA policy states that employers are not responsible for home offices; yet, teleworkers may be more at risk from occupational safety and health hazards than their co-workers who commute. In a traditional workplace, risk factors are controlled or eliminated by the employer, building owner, or fire marshal. In the home workplace, employees must control or eliminate risk factors on their own.
The Phase I pilot study demonstrated the need for teleworker safety training. Over 85% of participants indicated that they had never received teleworker training before and 48% indicated that they had experienced discomfort while teleworking. In the pilot test of the prototype ergonomics module, the training significantly improved participant knowledge, attitude, and practices.
Phase II will expand the research to include the development of modules on fire safety, electrical safety, radon, and falls/tripping. HSA will conduct a national field test and follow-up study. The program will be delivered in CD-ROM and web-based formats.
Using CBT and the Web to Train Board and Care Staff
SBIR Grant, Phase II R44 AG018678
Funding Agency: National Institute on Aging
This research project has two goals. Its primary purpose is to reduce injuries among older people living in board and care facilities by improving opportunities for staff training. This project will also determine the effectiveness of computer-based (CB) instruction as compared to traditional instructor-led training and to investigate the effectiveness of CB training delivered over the Internet. These goals will be achieved through the development and distribution of a comprehensive, validated multimedia injury prevention program designed to meet the training needs of the target population.
Eleven injury prevention modules will be delivered in CD-ROM and Web-based formats. The pilot study undertaken in Phase I of this project demonstrated the potential for CB training with board and care staff. In the pilot test of the prototype module, the training significantly improved participant knowledge of fall prevention even though many participants had never previously used a computer.
Phase II will expand the research to include a field test and follow-up study with participants in four states. Also, HSA will develop and test Web-based versions of the modules. This project can serve as a benchmark for future projects and provide a standard for computer and Web-based training in the board and care industry.
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