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Canada Research Chair in Ergonomic Intervention for the Prevention and Rehabilitation of Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSD)

As a researcher at the École Polytechnique de Montréal, Daniel Imbeau has helped to harness the resources of those in the scientific community who have an interest in musculoskeletal conditions. Of note, is his work at the Institut de recherche Robert Sauvé en santé et sécurité au travail (IRSST), where he produced an overview of Quebec research into musculoskeletal conditions, and identified priorities for further research. He also collaborated in the establishment of “Partenaires dans le retour au travail,” a large-scale interdisciplinary research program on musculoskeletal conditions that mobilizes the construction industry. 

Security at work !

Professor Imbeau study the causes of musculoskeletal conditions in the workplace and the methods of treatment, prevention and rehabilitation.  He contribute to the improvements in productivity by preventing musculoskeletal conditions and by speeding up the rehabilitation of workers affected by them.

Musculoskeletal conditions associated with the back and arms are a major problem in all areas of economic activity in industrialized countries. In Quebec alone, these conditions account for 37 percent of all workplace injuries for which compensation is paid. In 1997, more than 33,500 workers took time away from their jobs because of back problems. The Occupational Health and Safety Board estimates that the direct cost of these injuries is $404 million, not to mention the social costs for the workers and their families.

The goals of the chair are to identify and measure workplace exposure to risk factors for musculoskeletal conditions, to recommend preventive measures, and to evaluate the results of workplace interventions designed to cut down on these conditions while maintaining productivity. The innovation of Imbeau’s work lies in the truly multidisciplinary approach he proposes and in the fact that it was established in a faculty of engineering.

Daniel Imbeau, Full professor
Mathematics and Industrial Engineering Department
(514) 340-4711 ext. 4868
daniel.imbeau@polymtl.ca