Parmelia Researcher to Study On-The-Job Health

April 9th, 2009 - Media Statement

Parmelia's Dr Alison Reid has joined a Nedlands-based research group exploring occupational illness including cancer, asthma and mental health, thanks to a national funding boost designed to increase knowledge in the field.

Dr Reid, taking on a senior research fellow position at the Western Australian Institute for Medical Research (WAIMR), said she would be leading a research program investigating the health of migrant workers and the safety of their workplaces.

"While international studies have shown migrant workers have more accidents and fatalities on-the-job than local workers, we don't know for sure whether this is the case in Australia, so that's what I'm hoping to find out," Dr Reid said.

"What I'm also looking for are the risk factors that may add to migrant workers' hazards, so I'll be looking at a range of elements - for instance, past research suggests migrants are more likely to work in dangerous jobs, so their risk of injury is higher."

"I'm thrilled to be able to have a supportive opportunity to explore this important question and work as part of a group of dedicated researchers aiming to find ways to improve community health."

Dr Reid will take up residence within WAIMR's Laboratory for Cancer Epidemiology headed by Associate Professor Lin Fritschi, who was the joint recipient of the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) Population Health Capacity Building Grant.

"Alison's expertise in public health research is impressive and so her appointment is a step towards expanding the nation's knowledge and understanding of occupational health - which has a huge impact on every Australian's life as we all often take on many different jobs throughout our lives," A/Professor Fritschi said.

"The NHMRC grant that has allowed us to bring Alison to the team was received in partnership with Monash University and the University of Melbourne and provides us with almost $1.5 million over five years to train four new post-doctoral researchers in occupational health research."

Dr Reid brings to the WAIMR team a diverse range of qualifications including a Bachelor of Science in Anthropology from University College in London as well as a Masters of Science in Medical Demography from the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine.

For more information please contact:
Sarah Hayward
Media Consultant for the WA Institute for Medical Research
Mobile: 0411 404 415
Office: (08) 9388 9280