West Liberty University’s Master of Science in Exercise Physiology program partners with Oglebay Park Resort

West Liberty University and Oglebay Park Resort recently partnered up to provide students in the Master of Science in Exercise Physiology program with the opportunity to work on a semester-long project to help improve the workplace experience of the resort’s employees through research, observation, and implementation. The success of the project has led to the continuing of the initiative, with plans underway to give future students similar opportunities with Oglebay Park Resort and other regional organizations.

According to an article on West Liberty University's website, Dr. David Hanna, a professor of exercise physiology, was quoted as saying of the partnership, “This initiative is a win-win for everyone. The students benefit from community engagement, interaction, education, and public presentation on the topic of Ergonomics, while Oglebay and its employees receive valuable evidence-based data that can hopefully be utilized to create a reduction of injuries over time. It is truly a great experience for the students and the employees, and we hope to keep moving forward with this initiative.”

Hanna worked with Karen Hess, who serves as the Vice President of Human Resources at Oglebay Park Resort, to create the collaboration. The goal of the project was for the graduate students to find ways for employees of the resort to have an improved workplace experience through ergonomic changes and enhanced workplace safety measures. Hanna and Hess determined that the resort’s housekeeping and food & beverage departments had the highest rates of on-the-job injuries, so they chose to have the students focus their attention on those employees.

Students researched national data about workplace injuries, toured Oglebay Park Resort, and observed employees in the selected departments to gain an understanding of what their daily tasks look like. Using this information, students were then tasked with presenting their data and recommendations to the departments’ staff members, providing them with ideas to help keep them safe in their daily routines.

While the main portion of the project has been completed, students are now working to develop an onboarding video for employees of the resort that will discuss improved ergonomics practices.

Speaking of the collaboration, Hess said, “Through collaboration with West Liberty University faculty and students, we combine innovation and education to create impactful safety training and videos that protect our team, strengthen our workplace culture, and prepare students for tomorrow’s leaders.”

Future cohorts of the Master of Science in Exercise Physiology program will partake in similar collaborations and partnerships to help more regional employers provide their employees with enhanced ergonomics in the workplace. 

For more information about West Liberty University, visit the school’s website.