Ontario Construction News staff writer
Conestoga College’s Institute of Technology & Advanced Learning has opened two new advanced research laboratories, thanks to the Canadian Institute for Safety, Wellness & Performance (CISWP). These state-of-the-art facilities are set to play a pivotal role in addressing Canada’s labour shortage by focusing on reducing workplace injuries and promoting safer, more sustainable work environments.
Skilled Trades Applied Research and Training (START) and Skilled Trades Resdarch in Inclusivity (STRIDE) labs are equipped with the latest technology to facilitate comprehensive research into worker safety and performance.
“These labs represent an unprecedented opportunity to transform work and health research through an innovative field-to-lab-to-field approach,” said Dr. Amin Yazdani, executive director of CISWP, highlighting the potential to revolutionize work and health research in Canada.
Located at Conestoga’s Skilled Trades Campus, the START lab is designed to measure various dimensions of human performance related to injury risk. It features advanced biomechanical, neurocognitive, and physiological instruments, allowing researchers to study injury causes and develop targeted solutions. This lab integrates field research with controlled laboratory settings, providing a comprehensive view of workers’ tasks and environments.
“Our field equipment allows us to conduct research that is both ecologically valid and scientifically rigorous, combining the realism of the field with the control of the lab,” said Dr. Marcus Yung.
The STRIDE lab, unique in Canada, focuses on inclusivity and diversity. It boasts cutting-edge anthropometric equipment, including a 4D body scanner and optical 3D foot scanner systems essential for creating detailed databases that will support the development of inclusive and well-designed equipment, tools, and personal protective gear for Canada’s diverse skilled trades workforce.
“Current equipment design often relies on outdated data,” said Nicki Islic, associate director of strategic initiatives and stakeholder engagement. “Our work aims to update and enhance this data, ensuring better design for a diverse workforce.”
CISWP is dedicated to advancing workplace safety and wellness through collaborative and interdisciplinary research. The institute aims to position Canada as a leader in workplace innovation by enhancing the safety, wellness, and performance of its workforce.
“CISWP’s new labs and equipment will significantly advance applied research that directly benefits the health and safety of Canadian workers,” said Kevin Flynn, former Ontario Minister of Labour and chair of the stakeholder advisory committee.
