Project Title

Cumulative Trauma Disorders in Snow Crab Processing Workers

Summary

This study aimed to elucidate the prevalence and nature of the Cumulative Trauma Disorders found among snow crab processing workers, explore the physical and psychosocial factors associated with their development, and examine the changes in work organization and plant design required to reduce their occurrence. It was hoped that the undertaking of this study would facilitate improved collaboration between academics, industry, and government agencies in tackling these health and productivity issues, as well as prepare professionals for interdisciplinary research and practice in preventing, diagnosing and treating CTDs in this and other industries in the province. It was also hoped that the project’s results could be used to facilitate the assessment, treatment, and rehabilitation of affected workers, and to propose economically and technically feasible improvements in policy, work organization, training, equipment and layout that might prevent some occurrences of CTDs in the future.

List of Project Outputs

Lead Investigators

Shirley Solberg, School of Nursing, Memorial University of Newfoundland
John Molgaard, Faculty of Engineering, Memorial University of Newfoundland

Principal Investigators

Shirley Solberg, School of Nursing, Memorial University of Newfoundland
John Molgaard, Faculty of Engineering, Memorial University of Newfoundland
Nicole Vézina, Université du Québec à Montréal (UQAM)

Co-Investigators

Linda Sagmeister, Department of Government Services
P. Batstone
P. Grant
A. Boone
C. Mustard
L. Payne
B. J. Simmons
C. Stone

Outputs

Completed Theses

Barron, A. (2007). Work-related musculoskeletal disorders and the crab processing industry: An analysis of gender differences. Masters Dissertation, School of Nursing. Memorial University of Newfoundland.

Presentations

Solberg, S.M., Vezina, N., & Molgaard, J. (2005). Cumulative trauma disorders among crab-processing workers. Paper presented at the Canadian Association for Research on Work and Health Conference. University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, May 16-17.

Contact Information

SafetyNet, Memorial University
safetynet@mun.ca

 

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