The European Agency for Occupational Safety and Health has declared musculoskeletal injuries a key priority due to their prevalence across all sectors and occupations, underscoring the importance of holding this conference.
Organised by the Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, it will feature the latest Irish and international research evidence on work-related musculoskeletal disorders. Under the theme of ‘Bringing Research and Practice Together’, the conference is targeted at both researchers and practitioners from a range of disciplines dealing with workplace health and safety issues in relation to musculoskeletal health.
Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WRMSDs) pose a major threat to health across all sectors and occupations in Europe, accounting for a large proportion of work-related injury, absenteeism and long-term illness and disability. The European Agency for Occupational Safety and Health has declared musculoskeletal injuries a key priority due to their prevalence, and the significant costs associated with them.
The most commonly known WRMSDs are repetitive strain injury and lower back pain. Risk factors can include the manual handling of goods and patients, poor ergonomic design of the workplace, and the psychosocial work environment.
Supported by the Institution of Occupational Safety and Health, the Irish Ergonomics Association, the Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation and the Health and Safety Authority, this conference will feature two keynote speakers:
-Dr Evelyn Kortum, occupational psychologist and coordinator of the Healthy Workplace Initiative at the World Health Organisation, Geneva.
-Professor Peter Buckle, world expert in ergonomic issues related to musculoskeletal disorders and Director of the Robens Institute, United Kingdom.
Both speakers are renowned experts in their respective fields and are well-known advocates of occupational health. Delegates will be presented with an overview of the evidence base, as well as a discussion around preventing WRMSDs, from different perspectives.
This event also offers a unique opportunity to network with researchers and practitioners in the area. A parallel special event in the afternoon will showcase PhD student research.
Full details on registration for the event, which takes place at Devere Hall, UCC, are available from: http://www.ucc.ie/en/epid/news/Conference/ Delegates who register by 19 October will qualify for a reduced conference fee of €80 (normally €100, on-going student rate of €50). Abstracts for presentations will be accepted until 19 October.