A newly released document presents an overview on contemporary work disability research -- and identifies some successful strategies for preventing work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WRMSDs).

Strategies for Preventing Prolonged Disability in Work Related Musculoskeletal Disorders, produced by the Institut de recherche in Québec, pulls together the main topics and recent trends of work disability research, in an effort to help prevent prolonged disability in workers due to WRMSDs.

From a description:

"The major topics in work disability research appear to be the factors contributing to prolonged disability and a clear interest in intervention modalities for people at risk of prolonged disability. Multidisciplinary, multimodal, and targeted intervention is also an increasingly prevalent topic in the studies reviewed. In addition, the investigation of psychosocial and ergonomic-related workplace factors, especially for workers identified as being at risk of prolonged disability, is frequently considered. Taking into account the different stakeholders’ points of view also constitutes a widespread trend in contemporary research on intervention aimed at preventing prolonged disability in workers compensated for WRMSDs. Finally, the literature reviewed identifies a number of strategies as potentially successful in preventing prolonged disability.

"The findings of this document will provide stakeholders and practitioners in the work disability intervention field with potentially successful strategies for preventing prolonged disability and with information about specific areas in need of further research regarding workers compensated for WRMSDs."

The document can be downloaded at: www.irsst.qc.ca/media/documents/PubIRSST/R-719.pdf.

Established in 1980, the Institut de recherche is a scientific research organization affiliated with the University of Montreal.