Mobile Healthy & Safety Lab Takes on Tour Across Northern Ontario

September 11, 2026— Laurentian University’s Centre for Research in Occupational Safety and Health (CROSH) recently completed a summer deployment of its mobile research laboratory, M-CROSH, across Northern Ontario this summer to conduct critical workplace health research with wildland firefighters. The summer tour, with stops reaching as far as Wawa, Sioux Lookout, and Kenora—pairs advanced field research with hands-on learning for Laurentian students, and M-CROSH will continue visiting regional bases this fall.

Operated by CROSH since its launch in June 2017 as the first mobile occupational health research facility dedicated specifically to Northern Ontario, M-CROSH brings lab-quality research directly to remote and underserved industrial communities. The custom 40-foot mobile laboratory features a classroom space, clinical laboratory, and specialized equipment that eliminates the geographic barriers workers in Northern Ontario often face when participating in health and safety studies.

"Reaching workers where they are in their own communities makes it easier for them to participate in research and directly influences how we address the unique occupational hazards of northern industries," said Dr. Sandra Dorman, Director of CROSH. "By conducting our research from 'field-to-lab-to-field,' we ensure that our findings lead to practical safety solutions that go right back into the hands of workers and employers".

This season, CROSH researchers and Laurentian students are using M-CROSH to address urgent respiratory and dermal hazards faced by wildland firefighters, a topic made increasingly critical by longer, more intense fire seasons. Working alongside fire crews, the team is evaluating respirator options, performing mask-fit testing, surveying firefighters, and observing mock fire activities to determine how to safely protect crews from smoke and particle inhalation without increasing heat strain risks.

Student researchers serve as a core component of operating M-CROSH on tour. Participating students receive certified industry training, such as quantitative mask-fit testing, and gain invaluable field experience interacting directly with workers.

"Getting our students out of the traditional classroom and into the field helps them understand the human impact of occupational health and safety," added Dr. Dorman. "It equips the next generation of researchers, health professionals, and safety leaders with practical skills while delivering real-value health solutions to northern communities and the province".

Following its summer deployments, M-CROSH will continue visiting regional bases and community locations throughout Northern Ontario in the fall.