Prof. Brigitta Danuser
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Institut universitaire romand de santé au travail Rue du Bugnon 19 |
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We are conducting research at the interface Health and Work. This means we investigate the influence of chemical exposure (gases, aerosols, dusts, toxic substances), physical exposure ( body positions, repetitions, noise and vibrations), psychosocial factors (stress, work organisation, support at work) as well as of the work itself on the health and wellbeing of employees. Problems of work ability and return to work for example for employees with a chronic disease is an important research topic, too.
Health effects of different type of exposure. In these studies not only the health effects are studied but the exposure is measured or monitored.
Prevalence and risk factors for obstructive airway diseases in farmers
EU-BIOMED Project no BMH1-CT94-1554, Epidemiological research and exposure assessment in Swiss farmers.
Bioaerosols:
Experimental research of the effects of bioaerosols especially endotoxines on the upper respiratory tract. NF Projekt Nr.32-45997
Respiratory Psychophysiology
Breathing patterns as psycho-physiological parameter in occupational health
Evaluation of breathing patterns as a tool to assess mental strain and stress as connecting link between stress and (patho-)physiology.
. Influence of different mental/motoric tasks on breathing
. Performance in a complex task and breathing under odor exposure
. Respiratory responses to affective visual and acoustic stimuli
Return to work: Indicators and strategy: In Switzerland there has been a dramatic overall increase in disability pensions over the past decade, we investigate indicators and strategy for return to work
Cross-disciplinary Workplace Intervention Strategy for chronic MSD
Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (MSD) are a persistent and expensive health challenge in all industrial countries including Switzerland. The cost of work-related MSD in Switzerland has been estimated to about 2-4 Mia CHF per year. A relatively small group of patients causes relatively high health services costs and long absenteism from work and furthermore show a high risk to loose workability. The management and successful rehabilitation of MSD suffering workers is still difficult. This project aims to compare in a randomised observer blinded controlled study the classical treatment with a multidisciplinary intervention strategy for chronic MSDs. The whole study is expected to produce new strategies for the management of MSD and workplace rehabilitation as well as guidelines for both authorities and companies. Its potential impact in terms of risk and cost reduction for companies and the society is important. NF PNR 53.
Evaluation of indicators for successful professional reinsertion after solid organ transplantation
Transplantation results in a significant improvement of quality of life in those receiving it. This improvement does however not necessarily translate into improvement of return to work / employment status and in reduction of disability benefits received prior to transplantation. Return to work is not only dependent on the success of organ transplant but on many other factors known from the disability insurance process as risk factors for subjective appraisal of disability as well as on a successful maintenance of work including working conditions and psychosocial support at work. Knowledge about these factors could be used to build up a multilevel intervention program of education and psychosocial support to reduce disability
Références :
Danuser B, C. Weber, N. Künzle, D. Nowak: Respiratory symptoms in Swiss farmers: an epidemiological study of risk factors. Am J Ind Med: 39: 410-418, 2001
Danuser B, Moser D, Vitale-Sethre T, Hirsig R, Krueger H. Performance in a complex task and breathing under odor exposure. Human Factors and Ergonomics 2003, 45: 549-562
Gomez P and Danuser B. Affective and physiological responses to environmental Noises and Music. Int J Psychophysiol. 2004 53:91-103
Research keywords: santé au travail, l'exposition professionnelle respiratoire, psychophysiologie, réinsertion professionnelle.
