The Canadian Institute for Safety, Wellness and Performance (CISWP) recently introduced new state-of-the-art mobile research labs that focus on workplace safety improvements.

The three mobile research labs, funded by the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB), are equipped with cutting-edge technologies, such as wearable sensors and eye tracking devices that study a person’s attention and focus. The labs allow CISWP to visit worksites to collect accurate, objective and comprehensive data from businesses and their employees in real-world settings to help prevent workplace injuries.

The event, held at the Harbourwalk and Lakeview Village development site, featured interactive demonstrations showing how CISWP researchers will collect vital data in real-time.

“The WSIB is proud to invest in innovative research that will make a difference for Ontario’s workforce,” said President and CEO Jeff Lang. “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 by the mobile labs will expand CISWP’s Database of Occupational-Specific Exposure (DOSE) and Multivariate Occupation-Specific AnthropometrIC database (MOSAIC)—the only comprehensive databases of their kind for Canadian jobs. The data collected will help Ontario businesses 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.

“Our mobile labs allow us to collect data that is both accurate and inclusive,” said 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 2500 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 to support CISWP’s research.