Researchers win funding for safety studies
Monash researchers have been awarded grants
Two Monash University researchers have been awarded research grants that will help reduce the risk of work related skin conditions and also improve the recovery of those injured at work or in road accidents.
The Institute for Safety, Compensation and Recovery Research (ISCRR) has granted funds to Dr Tessa Keegel and Dr Belinda Gabbe. Of the four grants awarded in 2011, three went to Monash researchers.
ISCRR CEO, Professor Niki Ellis said the grants provide a new opportunity for researchers to initiate work likely to have practical benefits in the short-term.
Dr Tessa Keegel, from Monash University's Centre for Occupational & Environmental Health was awarded a development grant for a study titled: 'A comparison of wet work exposure, diagnosed occupational contact dermatitis and workers' compensation claims: Developing a policy response to wet work exposure'.
“Wet work is one of the main exposures for occupational exposure dermatitis,” said Dr Keegel.
“In terms of exposure, wet work mainly affects young people, women and quite often people who are in less secure work - people who are working as kitchen hands or other marginal roles.
“The project will consider who is actually exposed, by looking at the self-reported exposure data to see what groups of people and in what particular industries, might be exposed. We will then examine information about who is being diagnosed with contact dermatitis.”
“A lot of people who develop the condition just see it as part of their job. This shouldn't be the case,” said Dr Keegel.
Dr. Belinda Gabbe, of Monash University's Department of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, has been funded to investigate two studies. One study which will explore 'patient perceptions of barriers and facilitators to recovery following trauma.
“This research delves into patient perceptions about what has helped, and what has got in the way of their recovery after suffering a serious injury,” said Dr Gabbe.
“We hope that this information gives us a better understanding about what happens with a patients' recovery after they leave the hospital.”
The second research project Dr Gabbe will be leading looks at the classication, management and outcomes of severe pelvic ring fractures.
“The most serious pelvic ring fractures tend to occur from very high falls and road transport related trauma,” said Dr Gabbe.
“There are no studies that have looked at the long-term outcomes for patients with these injuries.
“Through this research we will be able to identify whether problems are occurring and look at what treatment and care results in better outcomes.
“We're hopeful of being able to guide clinical guidelines and clinical practice through this study,” said Dr Gabbe.
“ISCRR's goal is to develop a collaborative research model so that policy makers and academics work together. By working together we aim to generate research questions which are directly relevant to policy makers and research outputs which are actionable,” said Professor Ellis.
“Our annual Development Grants program will produce long-term benefits for our industry partners and their stakeholders. We congratulate Dr. Keegle and Dr. Gabbe and look forward to their findings,” said Professor Ellis.
ISCRR is a partnership launched in April 2009 between WorkSafe Victoria, the Transport Accident Commission and Monash University.