April 27, 2015 - Representatives of trade unions and industrial sectors today joined researchers at Laurentian University to inaugurate the new laboratory of the research center on health and safety at work (ROSHC).
This laboratory will support numerous research projects run ROSHC the team in order to reduce or eliminate workplace injuries and occupational diseases.
"We are delighted to continue the studies and research that will impact the lives of workers and their families in our communities," said Ms. Tammy Eger , Ph.D., of Health Research Chair and safety and Associate Professor at the School of Human Kinetics Laurentian. This new research laboratory will be essential to the realization of this work. "
To support research at ROSHC and OSH Research Chair, Laurentian University has made available 1695 square feet of new laboratory space and 629 square feet of office space and meeting. Similarly, a laboratory specializing in movement analysis, advanced biomechanics and ergonomics have been moved next ROSHC laboratory in order to promote transformative research and collaboration.
The ROSHC was founded in 2008 by Laurentian University to provide a formal structure in which industrial sectors, associations working for safety, labor groups, government organizations and researchers will discuss all the problems injuries and workplace diseases and on solutions.
"For over ten years now, researchers at Laurentian University are developing expertise consists in Sudbury, and this laboratory is a milestone for the ROSHC, said the rector and vice-chancellor of Laurentian University, Mr. Dominic Giroux . We are grateful to many partners whose support enabled us to equip ourselves with a world-class facility in which to conduct this important research. "
Among the donors and allies ROSHC include the Heritage Fund Northern Ontario , Vale, Teck, Domtar, the Steelworkers Union, Local 598 MINEMILL / Unifor, William Shaver, Local 800 of the united Association, Homer Seguin (in memoriam), the emergency services Branch, aviation and fight against forest fires Ministry of Natural Resources of Ontario, the Canadian ergonomics Association, Region Ontario Provix, workplace Safety North and Laurentian University.
The renovation and furnishing of the laboratory ROSHC amounted to $ 130,000 and, over the next three years, another installment of $ 100,000 will be devoted to the establishment of a new research infrastructure.
The ROSHC, which brings together research experts in ergonomics, human factors, health, mental health and well-being, fatigue, work physiology, labor studies and epidemiology, and occupational diseases), mobilized 25 university researchers Laurentian encompassing five faculties (Science, Engineering and Architecture, Health, Arts, Education and Northern Ontario School of medicine).
Moreover, the laboratory will support the research work of undergraduate and graduate students, of which 25 (15 graduate students and 25 undergraduate cycles) are currently members ROSHC.
The establishment of the laboratory ROSHC at Laurentian University will provide the research team with the tools and infrastructure needed to solve the serious problems of health and safety experienced by the Northern Ontario industries and help eliminate their workplace injuries and occupational diseases.
ROSHC the researchers are examining the link between the design of mobile equipment, accidents and operator injury. Previous research has evaluated the line of sight, vibrations and working positions related to the use of mobile mining equipment, work that has improved the design of a cockpit and install cameras improving the line of sight. Until recently, the team studied the link between poor sleep hygiene, fatigue and injuries and the risk of accidents in underground mines. The laboratory ROSHC allow the team to continue this work with partners and launch new ones to assess what training through simulation and virtual reality can make to improving the safety of the operator of the mobile equipment
In its 2013 report, the Commission of the Workplace Safety and Insurance against Accidents at Work (WSIB) of Ontario has identified a total of 195,393 claims for injuries or illnesses. There was also Ontario 82 fatal traumatic injuries. Non-fatal injuries, more than 40,000 have resulted in a loss of working time following strains and sprains accounted for 40 percent of all applications lost time.