225 - The Use of an Online Learning Module to Improve Knowledge for Prevention of Back Pain and Injury in Industrial Workers

Session Description: Back pain is a major public health concern worldwide, leading to significant disability, reduced productivity, and rising healthcare costs. Employees in physically demanding jobs face heightened risk due to repetitive movements, heavy lifting, and workplace hazards. Traditional safety training often emphasizes compliance rather than providing practical skills for injury prevention. This session presents the development of an interactive online learning module designed to educate at-risk employees on techniques to minimize workplace risks. A mixed-method evaluation showed substantial improvements in participant knowledge across all objectives, along with high satisfaction and perceived relevance. Beyond individual benefits, this approach demonstrates how innovative, scalable educational strategies can improve workforce health and reduce the overall burden of preventable injuries.

Educational Gaps: This session explores how technology-enabled learning, tailored content, and interactive teaching methods can support safer workplace practices. Attendees will gain insights into designing creative, learner-centered educational solutions that can be adapted to address a wide range of public health challenges, advancing prevention and population health outcomes.

Is this session being sponsored by an ACOEM Section or Component?: No

Has this session previously been presented?: Components of this work have been published in Journal of the American Association of Nurse Practitioners. A podium presentation on components of the this topic has been presented to American Association of Occupational Health Nurses. This will be a new presentation.

The AOHC 2026 theme is Healthy workers. Healthy world: The theme “Healthy Workers, Healthy World” reflects the critical role of workforce health in shaping broader public health outcomes, and this abstract aligns with that vision by demonstrating how innovative educational strategies can improve worker well-being and reduce preventable injuries. Back pain is one of the leading causes of disability and lost productivity worldwide, with significant economic and social impacts. Employees in labor-intensive occupations face an especially high risk due to repetitive movements, heavy lifting, and environmental hazards. When workers are injured or in chronic pain, the consequences extend beyond the individual, affecting families, employers, healthcare systems, and community resources. Addressing these challenges requires a shift from reactive treatment to proactive prevention. The online learning module described in this abstract represents a scalable, technology-driven solution designed to educate at-risk employees on spinal anatomy, injury prevention, and workplace risk reduction techniques. By integrating interactive tools such as case-based learning, visual aids, and job-specific strategies, the module engages learners and empowers them to make informed decisions about their health and safety on the job. A mixed-method evaluation demonstrated substantial knowledge gains across all learning objectives and high participant satisfaction, confirming both its effectiveness and relevance. Healthier workers experience fewer injuries, return to work sooner, and maintain greater productivity, which translates into stronger workplaces, healthier communities, and reduced strain on healthcare systems. Furthermore, this innovative approach provides a model that can be adapted to address other occupational and public health challenges globally, allowing for widespread impact. By prioritizing preventive education and equipping employees with the tools they need to stay healthy, employers and public health professionals can foster safer work environments and enhance overall well-being. Supporting worker health is not only essential for individual success but also for economic stability and population health. In this way, the abstract demonstrates a direct connection to the theme, showing how investing in the workforce leads to a healthier, more resilient world.