Paris, September 4, 2003 - Concerned about ensuring the optimal development and wide dissemination of the scientific knowledge necessary for preventing industrial accidents and occupational diseases, the Institut national de recherche et de sécurité (INRS) and the Institut de recherche Robert-Sauvé en santé et en sécurité du travail (IRSST) today signed a partnership framework agreement at Québec's Government House in Paris. Initialed by the INRS director general, Jean-Luc Marié, and by the IRSST president-CEO, Diane Gaudet, in the presence of Québec's delegate general in Paris, Clément Duhaime, this agreement will promote more extensive Franco-Québec exchanges in scientific research in occupational health and safety.
Sharing of resources
The framework agreement establishes the parameters for bilateral activities in research and expertise that will lead to the signing of specific partnership agreements. First, the INRS and IRSST are demonstrating the desire to pursue joint research work on tool, machine and industrial process safety. Confident about the expertise that they have each developed, the INRS and IRSST expect to come to an initial partnership agreement on forklift safety. In France as in Québec, forklifts are the subject of several studies because of the many injuries suffered by operators during rollovers or accidents that are increasing the occupational accident toll. Ms. Gaudet and Mr. Marié said that they are convinced that the sharing of human and financial resources will allow the two institutes to maximize the development of scientific knowledge on a pertinent and priority issue, by avoiding duplications and particularly by promoting a regrouping of the expertise available on both sides.
The two organizations are already exploring the possibility of signing a second specific agreement on the prevention of musculoskeletal disorders, a research field whose importance continues to grow.
Ms. Gaudet and Mr. Marié wanted to state that both ethically and in scientific evaluation, all joint projects will be presented and approved on the basis of the rigorous evaluation mechanisms in effect at the INRS and IRSST.
Other avenues of cooperation that can be anticipated include the organization of thematic meetings, participation in the organization of international colloquia or conferences, the production of publications, or even the preparation of training courses on subjects of common interest.
Annual meeting
The French and Québec institutes agree to organize an annual meeting or videoconference to discuss the orientations and management of scientific research carried out as a result of this framework agreement. While assessing the advancement of their respective research activities, the INRS and IRSST will also be able to evaluate opportunities for new partnership projects or research possibilities with other institutes. Questions such as the promotion of research results, the development of common strategies, or even the exchange of researchers or the organization of practicums for students may also be discussed. Ms. Gaudet and Mr. Marié said that they were delighted by this first "milestone" whose results can only further the development of knowledge in the best interest of French and Québec workers and employers.
