Latest research on preventing work-related musculoskeletal disorders the focus of PREMUS 2016

June 9, 2016 (Toronto, Ontario)—Leading researchers from around the world are gathering in Toronto to share the latest evidence on the causes and prevention of work-related musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs).

The 9th International Scientific Conference on the Prevention of Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders (PREMUS 2016), taking place June 20 – 23, 2016, at the Allstream Centre, is attracting more than 400 delegates from 40 countries around the world. It features keynote lectures delivered by speakers recognized for their leadership and expertise on the topics of:

• Injury risks of prolonged sitting and standing
• A sex/gender lens in understanding MSD mechanisms
• The role of safety leadership in MSD prevention
• The latest evidence on carpal tunnel syndrome and what’s next

Hosted by the Institute for Work & Health, the event is aimed at those with an interest in evidence-based approaches to identifying, measuring, treating and preventing work-related MSDs. Other highlights of the conference are:

• Brief remarks by Ontario’s Minister of Labour Kevin Flynn (June 22)
• Scientific reviews and their impact on public and workplace policy (Symposium, June 20)
• MSD implications of texting and smartphone use (Symposium, June 21)
• Interventions to reduce sedentary work and ergonomic pitfalls of trendy office design (Symposium, June 21)
• Sex/gender considerations in return-to-work research, in applied ergonomics and in occupational health policies (Symposium, June 23)

Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are a grouping of painful disorders of muscles, tendons, joints and nerves which can affect all body parts, most commonly the neck, upper limb and back. They account for 30 per cent of all workplace injuries in the U.S. and between 40 and 60 per cent of injury claims involving time off work in Canada. In Europe, MSDs of the upper limb and low back make up approximately 40 per cent of occupational diseases. Recent studies suggest that MSDs are growing problem in the developing world as well.

PREMUS is an international scientific conference that serves as a forum for work-related musculoskeletal health research, with an emphasis on the prevention of work-related musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs). It is the primary conference of the Musculoskeletal Disorders Scientific Community of the International Commission of Occupational Health (ICOH), and has been taking place every three years since 1992.

To learn more about the conference and to download the full program, go to: premus2016.iwh.on.ca

Members of the media are welcome to attend and cover the conference. Please contact Uyen Vu at uvu@iwh.on.ca or 613-979-7742 to register for a media badge. Registration onsite is available in the Media Room (Room 117) at the Allstream Centre. Please advise Uyen Vu if you intend to conduct video interviews as there may be restrictions. 

About the Institute for Work & Health
IWH is an independent, not-for-profit research organization that aims to protect and improve the health of working people. Recognized as one of the top five occupational health and safety research centres in the world, the Institute provides practical and relevant findings on the prevention of work injury and disability to policy-makers, workers, employers, clinicians, and health, safety and disability management professionals: www.iwh.on.ca

For more information, contact:

Uyen Vu
Communications Associate
Institute for Work & Health
613-979-7742
uvu@iwh.on.ca

Cindy Moser
Communications Manager
Institute for Work & Health
416-927-2027, ext. 2183
cmoser@iwh.on.ca