Occupational therapists' expertise in work rehabilitation and ergonomics.

Humans have a natural desire to participate in meaningful and productive activities. Success in those activities is a critically important contributor to the human sense of self worth, competence, and the ability to financially survive through the benefits of gainful employment. Furthermore, working has a positive correlation with mental health, and incorporates the capacities of the individual’s physical, psychosocial and interpersonal skills. Employers and employees face many challenges to success. Medical costs for employers are rising, and with the aging of the population, work rehabilitation and ergonomic intervention can play a major role in reducing those costs, increasing productivity and enhancing the lives of people of all ages who want to work. Given that the average age of employees is 41 years old and that many current workers indicate that they intend to continue to work beyond age 65, the simultaneous decline in the birth rate will lead to a decreased ability