Research Results
These summaries describe the outcomes of research projects we fund. Results include the research team's conclusions, objectives, and methodologies – as well as their contact details.
Management, Work Organization, and Administration Effects on OH&S
Prevention of Work-Related Injuries
Prevention of Work-Related Diseases
Improvement in Diagnosis, Treatment, and Rehabilitation
Return to Work and Fair Compensation of Injured Workers
Management, Work Organization, and Administration Effects on OH&S
Attitudes and Incident Causal Modeling for Construction
The objectives of this study were to (1) document attitudes towards safety on construction sites during normal working conditions, (2) collect detailed information about events and conditions leading to injury and non-injury incidents from several perspec-tives, including physical, operational, and psychosocial factors and understand how these factors might lead toward or away from injury, and (3) develop a probabilistic model of workplace safety.
Benefits and Costs of Ergonomic Change
This project aimed to implement ergonomic interventions in Ontario workplaces using participatory processes, develop methods for assessing both the outcomes and the process of ergonomic intervention, assess the ergonomic changes made and their effects, and evaluate the process of ergonomic change.
CAW/McMaster Work-Related Health Risks Study
This study aimed to develop solutions to prevent work-related injuries and illnesses by identifying key aspects of work organization affecting the health and safety of workers in the automobile, automobile parts, and aerospace sectors.
Dealing with Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders in the Ontario Clothing Industry
The purpose of this study was to document and describe the current work conditions throughout the clothing industry. It helped identify good practices currently in use in the industry, and share these practices with others, so that injuries could be reduced.
Evaluation of participatory ergonomic interventions in large and small business
This study found new and better ways of protecting workers using the latest ergonomic tools and knowledge. Using study results, factors that cause work-related musculo-skeletal disorders (WMSDs) can be reduced.
Organizational Factors, Management Commitment, and Workplace Safety
The objective of this study was to understand changes in workplace policies, practices, and attitudes in the past ten years in manufacturing and retail establishments in Ontario, especially those related to occupational health and safety.
The Health Consequences of Underemployment and Contingent Work
The purpose of this study is to research the health consequences of nonstandard and contingent work experiences.
Improving Work Organization to Reduce Injury and Illness: Social Services, Stress, Violence, and Workload
This study explored work organization in a subsection of the social services sector, the developmental services sector, in order to better understand the connections between work organization, work demands, control of work and workplace supports.
Managing the Health and Safety Interests of Young Workers in Small Business
The objective of this study was to better understand how young workers/supervisors deal with each other in managing risks and advancing safety in their work places and assist the Ontario Service Safety Alliance in transferring these findings into their prevention business practice
Prevention of WMSD in the Ontario Clothing Industry: A Focus on Small Business
The purpose of this research project was to implement and evaluate ergonomics programs aimed at the prevention of work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) in the Ontario clothjing industry.
The Role of the Supervisor in Accident Prevention
This project aimed to engage personnel in an evolutionary process to improve, develop, and maintain accident/incident prevention strategies and systems.
A Survey of Disability Management Approaches in Ontario Workplaces
The purpose of this study was to identify the disability management (DM) approaches in education, hotel/motel, and health care workplaces in Ontario.
Towards Best Practices of Functional Assessment: An Innovative Model for Research Dissemination
The objective of this study was to promote evidence-based approaches to the delivery of Functional Assessment (FA) services and use of FA findings and to evaluate an innovative method for research transfer and uptake designed to encourage reflective, research-informed practice.
Prevention of Work-Related Injuries
Acceptance Criteria for and Capabilities of Liners for Mitigating Ground Falls in Mines
The study assessed the capabilities of innovative, spray-on polymer and similar liner materials for providing satisfactory structural support for rock surfaces in underground hard rock mines. Its results have validated the premise that new and innovative thin, spray-on lining (TSL) media may provide equivalent or substantially better rock support resistance than do conventional methods in the presence of dynamic rock failure.
The Change from 8-hr to 10-hr Shifts at an Underground Mine: Identifying the Effects on Sleep, Performance, Safety, and Social Interactions, and Implementing a Workplace Health Promotion Program
The study examined the impact of the change from an 8-hour shift schedule to a 10-hour shift schedule on workers at an Ontario underground mine. Its findings suggest that a night shift that does not encompass the entire night may have significant benefits to shiftworkers, although there may be a negative effect on day shift workers.
Ergonomic and Hygiene Interventions to Improve the Health and Safety of Drywall Finishing Workers
The study examined whether use of a pneumatic finishing system can reduce the risk of musculoskeletal injuries for drywall finishing workers, and whether a drywall sanding system can reduce the risk of dust exposure for drywall workers.
Evaluation of Whole-Body-Vibration, Seat Design & Performance, and Sitting Posture in Large Mobile Equipment
Building on results of previous research investigating the exposure to whole-body vibration of seated operators in transportation, mining, and construction, this project assessed the vibration exposure of seated operators of Load-Haul-Dump (LHD) vehicles and haulage trucks, used in mining, and scraper vehicles, used in construction, which were shown previously to present significant exposure risk.The study also looked at some seat design characteristics that would diminish the vibration transmitted to the operator by the vehicle.
Exposure to Whole Body Vibration in Mining, Transportation, and Construction
The research project studied exposure to whole-body-vibration (WBV) in the mining, transportation and construction industries. The results will help the WSIB’s mining, construction, and transportation stakeholders eliminate or reduce exposure to WBV.
Ground Fall Mitigation Capability and Enhanced Testing for Rockburst Susceptibility of Rock Liners
This study continued previous WSIB-funded work on characterizing support capabilities of conventional and innovative types of spray-on rock lining materials to prevent worker injury and excavation damage associated with ground falls and rock bursts in underground mines. The relative effectiveness of a wide range of spray-on support media for suppressing rock ejection, reducing liner damage, and inhibiting potential worker injury was assessed, using information gained through completion of a number of repeatable blasting trials.
Hearing protectors, safety glasses, and respiratory protective equipment in combination: effect on sound attenuation
This study helps to maximize the effectiveness of hearing protectors used in noisy work environments. Results show that other safety gear, worn in combination, interferes with hearing protection provided by earmuffs.
Line-Of-Sight Issues with Tele-Remote and Conventional Load Haul Dump Vehicles
This project used Laurentian University's new state-of -the-art Virtual Reality Laboratory (VRL) to recreate underground excavation and equipment profiles in 3-D stereo, analyze line-of-sight issues associated with LHDs, and demonstrate findings to industry, union, government, and research personnel through workshops in the VRL.
Mobile Mining Equipment Operator Visibility Investigation
The objective of this research was to make design recommendations for LHDs and haul trucks used in mining that would lead to improved operator visibility and ultimately to a reduction of visibility-based accidents.
Reducing Risk of Musculoskeletal Disorders and Promoting Return-To-Work Through the Use of Rebar Tying Machines
The purpose of this study was to determine the potential reduction in the risk of musculoskeletal injuries to rodworkers when using an automatic rebar tying machine, and to determine the efficacy of the rebar tying machine as a rehabilitation device for the purpose of assisting injured workers in an early return to work program.
Underground mobile trackless equipment visibility investigation
This study used computer simulations to increase understanding of visibility problems for drivers of vehicles used in underground mines. The study proves the value of assessing lines of sight, particularly during vehicle design, and reinforces the need for safety training.
Prevention of Work-Related Diseases
A Collaborative Investigation of the Incidence of Cancer among Workers in an Auto Parts Plant
This study investigated rates of cancer among former employees of the Bendix parts plant, and created opportunities for workers to develop the skills necessary to investigate possible adverse health outcomes resulting from their work.
Continuous Monitoring of Diisocyanate Monomers
This study evaluated an infrared photoacoustic detector for its ability to measure diisocyanate monomers respiratory sensitizers that can cause occupational asthma in workplace air and other situations. The project showed that the infrared photoacoustic detector is capable only of limited application in the field of diisocyanate measurement.
Effects of job strain, hospital organizational factors, and individual characteristics on work-related disability among nurses
This study increases our understanding of health and safety issues for nurses. It makes recommendations that will help hospitals to reduce injury rates among nurses.
Evaluation of Diesel Particulate Filter Systems at Inco's Stobie Mine in Sudbury
This study developed particulate filter systems selection criteria of sufficient quality and reliability to allow the mining industry to achieve the lowest possible diesel particulate matter emissions in underground hardrock mines.
Evaluation of Work-Related Symptoms, Asthma, Sensitization, and Exposures Among X-Ray Technologists
This study examined respiratory and other health problems among Medical Radiation Technologists (MRTs) a compared to physiotherapists. It found that MRTs had a higher prevalence of asthma and other respiratory problems.
Functional and Cellular Alterations to Work-Related Repetitive Tasks: A Feasibility Study
The overall aim of this project is to determine if a biologic pathway exists in the muscle cell to explain work-related musculoskeletal disorders such as myalgia. This study demonstrates that research designed to investigate the cellular basis of work-related myalgia is feasible, and that further work is now warranted with larger groups.
Maternal Occupational Exposure to Organic Solvents during Pregnancy and Infant Visual Processing
The objectives of the study were to determine whether offspring of women exposed occupationally to organic solvents during pregnancy are at increased risk of visual functioning deficits, and to compare intellectual abilities of solvent-exposed and non-exposed infants.
Mortality, Cancer Incidence, and Workplace Exposures Among Ontario Construction Workers
This study addressed the types and levels of toxic substances to which Ontario’s construction workers are exposed. The study was developed to provide industry stakeholders with sufficient information on hazardous exposures and recommended work practice changes.
Occupational Histories of Essex County Cancer Patients
The study examined the potential occupational risk factors for the development of laryngeal and breast cancer in patients to help document and identify occupational and environmental risk factors, and provide preventive strategies.
Occupational Exposure to Metalworking Fluids: An Assessment of Analytical Methods and Size Selective Air Sampling Techniques.
This project studied occupational exposures to metalworking fluids associated with respiratory and allergic skin disorders.
Organizational Change and the Health and Well-Being of Home Care Workers
This study uncovers and provides new information to improve the prevention of work-related injury and illnesses in home care work. The results can assist employers, policy makers and workers in preventing work-related diseases and injuries.
Outcomes in Contact Dermatitis
The objectives of this study were to describe outcome in workers with contact dermatitis over a six month period following diagnosis, describe the return to work process in workers with contact dermatitis, including the roles of the injured worker, employer, health care providers and others and the modifications made to the workplace to accommodate the worker, and describe workers’ compensation.
Paternal Exposure to Ionizing Radiation in Ontario Uranium Miners and Risk of Congenital Anomaly in Offspring: A Record-Linkage Case-Control Study
This study was a population-based record linkage case-control study to determine whether offspring of male Ontario uranium miners who are exposed to ionizing radiation are at increased risk of congenital anomaly.
Reproductive Health among Nickel Refinery Workers
This study, conducted in the Kola Peninsula of Russia, aimed to determine whether occupational exposure to nickel compounds is causally linked to pregnancy loss, pregnancy complications, and reduced birth weight.
Safe Work Limits While Wearing Firefighting Protective Clothing
Firefighters face a trade-off between personal protection and cardiovascular and thermal strain when performing firefighting activities. As a result, there is a requirement to develop methods for keeping firefighters’ cardiovascular and thermal strain below critical levels during work in firefighting protective clothing (FPC). Although the heat-stress of wearing FPC has been described, no one has attempted to define safe work limits for firefighters in different ambient conditions.
Improvement in Diagnosis, Treatment, and Rehabilitation
Assessment of a person’s ability to function at work
This study produced a model demonstrating important considerations for assessment of the functional abilities of injured workers. Accurate functional abilities assessments are vital for early, safe return to work.
Back Pain and Work during Pregnancy: Identification of Problems and Biomechanical Analysis
The study consists of three parts: a survey of pregnant women to identify problematic tasks, the development of a biomechanical model to analyze loads on the spine during physical tasks, and a biomechanical analysis of selected tasks. This work will help future researchers develop strategies for pregnant women to cope with increased loads and body changes.
Barriers to Diagnosis of Work-Related Asthma
This study was designed to identify the various individual and work-related factors associated with time to first physician visit after onset of work symptoms.
Clinical Indicators for Tendon Injuries
The object of this study was to validate clinical indicators of tendonitis by obtaining clinical, histological, and mechanical data on tendonitis and correlating them with clinical tests.
The Development of a Reliable and Valid Measure of Acute and Chronic Stressors in Policing
The goal of this study was to develop a reliable and valid measure (or measures) of police stress: the Police Stress Questionnaire (PSQ).
Development of a New Tool to Assess Disability in Cumulative Trauma Disorders
Early detection of cumulative trauma disorders (CTDs) is essential to their management but is hampered by a lack of reliable and valid evaluative tools. This study examined whether performance on a manual tracking task was reliable, sensitive, and related to self-reported disability.
Driving Pedal Reaction Times Following Traumatic Right Below Knee Amputations
This study measured the driving pedal reaction times of right below knee amputees using a number of different techniques of operating the foot pedals, to help determine (a) whether right below knee amputees can safely operate vehicle foot pedals with their prostheses, and (b) which technique of operating the foot pedals is associated with the fastest reaction times.
Physician Occupational Disease Practice Survey
The objective of this study was to understand practice patterns, knowledge, barriers and needs for early diagnosis of occupational lung and skin disease for family physicians, respirologists and dermatologists.
Preventing Chronic Disability: A Subacute Cognitive-Behavioural Disability Management Program for Occupational Injuries of the Lower Back
This study investigated whether a 5-session Cognitive-Behavioural Disability Management Program (CBDMP) can return workers with sub-acute low-back pain (LBP) to work earlier, reduce sick absenteeism, reduce health care use, and improve quality of life.
Study to Improve Diagnostic Methods for Repetitive Strain Injuries such as Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
The aim of this study was to improve the accuracy and usefulness of laboratory tests of nerve function use in diagnosing and screening for peripheral nerve injury in manual workers.
Towards Developing Better Rehabilitation Protocols for Low Back Injured Workers
The study focused on the association of personal, psychosocial, and biomechanical variables with low back disability. Better understanding of the roles and interrelationships of these variables helps build the foundation for better prevention and rehabilitation approaches.
Return to Work and Fair Compensation of Injured Workers
Return to Work in Small Workplaces: Sociological Perspective on Workplace Experience with Ontario’s “Early and Safe” Strategy
This study examined the current strategy of ESRTW in Ontario — an approach that emphasizes workplace self-reliance to encourage early return to work — and its effects on both injured workers and employers. The study produced some important concepts and insights into the process of return to work in small workplaces that can be used to inform policy, practice, and other research.
Participatory Research by Injured Workers: From Reflection to Action on Compensation and Return to Work Issues
This study explored the experiences of more than 300 injured workers living in southern Ontario. It makes recommendations on improving the compensation system and return to work process.
Connecting for Change
The study looks at the extent to which injured workers help other injured workers during recovery, rehabilitation and return to work. The results will help the WSIB, employers, and unions explore options for enhancing access to peer support for injured workers.
Prevalence of Return to Work Programs in the Manufacturing Sector
This research study is designed to describe the component parts of return to work (RTW) programmes within the Manufacturing Sector of Ontario workplaces. The main objectives of this study were to conduct focus groups and a survey of employers and workers, registered with the WSIB within the Manufacturing Sector, to describe the component parts of RTW programmes.
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