Frings-Dresen M.H.W.: Occupational Diseases; Etiology and prevention of work-related diseases

The research line addresses the etiology and prevention of work-related disorders, i.e. occupational diseases. It focuses on (a) work-related factors that cause (occupational) diseases and (b) issues surrounding the occupational re-integration of people with (chronic) diseases. A number of work-related (chronic) diseases/disorders are subject of study, like patients with chronic fatigue, musculoskeletal symptoms, rheumatism, tumors, acquired brain injuries. Research is also being conducted with the curative sector into employees returning to work during the medical treatment process. Research into effective interventions for work participation is being conducted in co-operation with GIOCA, the departments of rheumatology, cardiology and occupational health services. A number of projects on a variety of patients concern the quality of insurance medicine, like perpetuating factors for occupational disability after two years of sick leave, and factors which are relevant for the assessment of work ability in young people with disabilities (Wajong). The research is conducted within and in co-operation with various sectors/organizations (construction, transport, household waste,
defence, government, health care, Heliomare, UWV and occupational health services).