The burden of workplace illness and injury

12 October 2004

Five occupational risk factors -- carcinogens, airborne particulates, hazards for injuries, ergonomic stressors for low back pain and noise -- have accounted for nearly 800,000 deaths and more than 22 million years of health life lost around the world, according to a study by the World Health Organisation.

The study is the basis for one of a series of presentations to be given at the EPICOH 2004 -- Reducing the Global Burden of Occupational Disease and Injury international conference starting tomorrow, Wednesday 13 October, at the Carlton Crest Hotel in Melbourne.

The conference, convened by Monash University's Department of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine on behalf of the Scientific Committee on Occupational Epidemiology of the International Commission on Occupational Health aims to consider the latest research and practice relating to workplace health and safety concerns around the world.

International experts will present a range of papers including:

Asbestos as a Paradigm for Occupational Health, by Professor Bill Musk, Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital: This paper looks at the history of asbestos use around the world and the impact the material has had on occupational health issues.

Methodological Challenges in Identifying Occupational Risk Factors for Neurodegenerative Diseases, by Dr Harvey Checkoway: The most common neurodegenerative diseases, including alzheimers, Parkinsons disease and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis are substantial causes of morbidity and mortality throughout the world and despite evidence that occupation factors may have an impact on these diseases, there are few established associations between occupational factors and these disorders.

What: EPICOH 2004 - Reducing the Global Burden of Occupational Disease and Injury conference

Where: Waldorf rooms, Carlton Crest Hotel, Queens Road, Melbourne

When: October 13 -- 15, from 8.30am

For further information, contact Ms Diane Squires in the Media Communications Office at Monash University on 9905 5828 or 0417 603 400 or go to the EPICOH 2004 website.