A corporate client hires an OTR-COTA team as injury prevention consultants. How is their role best described?

• A. Educating managers and other employees in ways to control and reduce workplace musculoskeletal injuries and in designing an ergonomic team
• B. Evaluating employees and treating those with upper-extremity musculoskeletal injuries
• C. Educating employees to be self-sufficient in ADL management after injury
• D. Prescribing therapeutic exercise and orthotics for injured employees

Answer: (A)

The main idea being tested is prevention through workplace ergonomics and education. An OTR-COTA team hired as injury prevention consultants focuses on reducing risk before injuries occur by teaching managers and employees how to control and lessen musculoskeletal problems and by helping design ergonomic solutions for the work environment. This means analyzing job tasks, identifying risk factors (like repetitive motions, awkward postures, or heavy force), and recommending practical changes—such as better workstation setup, proper tools, task rotation, and training in body mechanics—to prevent injuries.

This role is not about evaluating and treating injuries, which is clinical rehabilitation work, nor about managing ADLs after an injury or prescribing exercises and orthotics. Their value here lies in proactive education and system-level adjustments that make the workplace safer and healthier, hence the emphasis on education for both leadership and staff and on ergonomic design.