MISSISSAUGA, ONT. — The Canadian Institute for Safety, Wellness and Performance (CISWP) recently unveiled new mobile research labs that focus on workplace safety improvements, which will visit workplaces across the province.
The three WSIB-funded labs are equipped with technologies such as wearable sensors and eye tracking devices that study a person’s attention and focus.
The labs allow CISWP to visit worksites and collect data from Ontario businesses and their employees in real-world settings to help prevent workplace injuries, a release reads.
“The WSIB is proud to invest in innovative research that will make a difference for Ontario’s workforce,” said Jeff Lang, WSIB president and CEO, in a statement. “The research conducted in partnership with CISWP will guide how business can prevent workplace injuries from happening and improve outcomes for people injured on the job.”
Data collected will expand CISWP’s Database of Occupational-Specific Exposure (DOSE) and Multivariate Occupation-Specific AnthropometrIC database (MOSAIC) and identify ways to reduce risks, support decision-making in injury compensation and adjudication processes, and lead to the creation of gender-inclusive and appropriately-fitting personal protective equipment, the release adds.
“Our mobile labs allow us to collect data that is both accurate and inclusive,” added CISWP’s executive director Dr. Amin Yazdani. “The DOSE and MOSAIC mobile labs have already visited 24 organizations across Ontario, collecting data from more than 550 people, over 2,500 hours. They’ll help us drive the development of better protective equipment and safer workplaces for all.”
The WSIB committed $11 million over four years for the research.
