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Dr. Sandra Dorman named amongst Top Women in Canadian Occupational Safety

Dr. Sandra Dorman named amongst Top Women in Canadian Occupational Safety

CROSH Director continues to lead the charge in Worker Health and Safety Innovation

(April 24, 2025) - Dr. Sandra Dorman, Full Professor in the Faculty of Health and Education at Laurentian University and Director of the Centre for Research in Occupational Safety and Health (CROSH), has earned a Top Women in Canadian Occupational Safety award. A longstanding advocate of health promotion and disease prevention in occupational settings, Dorman was hired by Laurentian in 2003. She has been involved with CROSH since its launch in 2008 and became its Director in 2015. 

“This award means a great deal to me, especially because some of my mentors nominated me,” said Dorman. 

Under her leadership, CROSH co-launched the innovative multidisciplinary mobile research lab, which travels to workplaces throughout Northern Ontario, providing, among other services, group training and private health consultations for workers. In recent years, Dorman has studied vaccine hesitancy in Northern Ontario workplaces and heat stress mitigation among mine workers. Dorman has also worked with wildland firefighters since 2007 to assess the impact of smoke inhalation, fatigue and fitness interventions, psychological risk factors and post-traumatic stress disorder, and, most recently, heat stress.

“Heat strain is an occupational illness and has become a priority issue,” said Dorman, who received funding from the Ministry of Labour, in collaboration with Occupational Health Clinics for Ontario Workers (OHCOW), to build an educational program to help health and safety specialists manage the dangers workers face when exposed to acute or chronic heat stress. “I’m proud of our Heat Stress Prevention Toolkit. Since its launch in May of 2024, it has been widely accessed, which is important because with climate change, in addition to preventing heat stroke events, we need to prevent long-term health illnesses such as kidney disease.”

OHCOW reported that when the Heat Stress Prevention Toolkit was launched last May, more people downloaded it in 3 months than they had estimated for the entire year; people including employers, managers, supervisors, workers, Joint Health & Safety Committee members, health and safety representatives, and workplace union representatives.

“Dorman has substantially contributed to the Occupational Health and Safety industry through her leadership with the Centre for Research in Occupational Safety and Health and through her research, which Laurentian University has recognized with a Faculty of Health Excellence in Research Award (2018) and a Top 10 - Research Innovation Award (2020),” said Dr. Tammy Eger, Vice President of Research, Laurentian University. “We are fortunate to have world-class researchers like Dr. Dorman amongst our faculty, whose research directly benefits members of our communities.” 

Dorman remains as dedicated as ever to advancing the field of occupational health and safety; an interdisciplinary domain that she explains enables collaboration among researchers. “We all work or know someone who works, so workplace health and safety is a huge component of everyone’s life. Work intersects with every discipline…. We all have something to bring to the table.” For Dorman, this includes people not only with varied research backgrounds but also with different identities. “We’ve seen a shift with more women entering jobs in health and safety, and I think that’s great! There’s so much potential in the field [of OHS]. It’s rewarding…. My work with CROSH keeps me happy, working and focused - I love what I do.”

With Dorman at the helm, CROSH has awarded $350,000 in student scholarships, placed 106 students in paid workplace internships and raised over $10 million dollars in Centre funding. 

On April 28, 2025, the Centre for Research in Occupational Safety and Health (CROSH) and the Sudbury and District Labour Council will observe the Day of Mourning. 

Please join us in remembering and honouring those who have been killed, injured or become ill in the course of their work. On this day, we also renew our commitment to improving health and safety in the workplace. Ceremonies begin at 9:30 a.m. in the Fraser Auditorium. 

On the Day of Mourning, we find focus on invisible injuries and hazards, including chronic mental stress. Following the remarks in the Fraser Auditorium, wreaths will be laid and flags lowered in Founders’ Square.
 

 

Courtney Lessel Honoured with Dr. Dan Archambault Research Service Award

Courtney Lessel Honoured with Dr. Dan Archambault Research Service Award

Recognizing Nine Years of Outstanding Contributions to Research and Student Support at CROSH

February 28, 2025 - Courtney Lessel has been awarded the Dr. Dan Archambault Research Service Award for her invaluable contribution to research efforts at the Centre for Research in Occupational Safety and Health (CROSH).

Courtney has been an integral part of Laurentian’s research community since her time as a master’s student from 2013 to 2016. A full-time CROSH staff member since 2016, she plays a key role in supporting students and faculty, advancing research excellence.

She has served on committees to support research and scholarship, including membership on the annual CROSHCon Organizational Committee and the CROSH Leadership Team, where she helps organize career-development opportunities for students. She also provides essential training on literature reviews and statistical analysis, guiding graduate and thesis students in their research endeavors.

Courtney represents Laurentian beyond campus, contributing to various external research initiatives, including the Northern Ontario Community Immunity Series and the Heat Stress Awareness Program Development Committee. She also serves on the Local Advisory Committee for the Occupational Health Centres for Ontario Workers (OHCOW).

"Courtney has worked tirelessly to support students and research at Laurentian,” said Dr. Sandra Dorman, Director of CROSH, commending Ms. Lessel’s dedication. “Her contributions go beyond the usual scope of work to where she has meaningfully contributed to the creation and the dissemination of knowledge transfer exchange within Ontario. She represents the spirit of this award and is truly deserving of this award."

Dr. Katie Goggins, Senior Scientist at CROSH, added, "Courtney’s research expertise and commitment to student success make her an exceptional asset to our research community."

The Daniel Archambault Research Service Award was established in 2024 in memory of Dr. Daniel Archambault and recognizes Laurentian University faculty, staff and students for outstanding dedication and contributions to the academic research community. The Laurentian University community congratulates Courtney Lessel on this well-earned recognition and thanks her for her remarkable impact on academic research.

Province Re-invests in Centre for Research in Occupational Safety and Health

Province Re-invests in Centre for Research in Occupational Safety and Health

CROSH continues its mandate to prevent occupational injury and illness through partnerships with workplaces in Northern Ontario.

(April 18, 2023) - The Centre for Research in Occupational Safety and Health (CROSH) at Laurentian University is pleased to announce that the Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development (MLITSD) has invested $2.5 million, over the next 5 years, to support the core activities of the Centre.

“Our mission is simple – to keep workers out of danger,” said Monte McNaughton, Minister of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development. “Our government is proud to be funding programs like this in Northern Ontario that keep workers safe on the job and give them and their families greater peace of mind. Working together, we are well on our way to making Ontario the best place in North America to live, work and raise a family.”

The province understands that Northern Ontario has unique occupational health and safety problems to solve and recognizes the role of CROSH as a partner research Centre in achieving its strategic objectives. For example, Northern communities have higher concentrations of resource-based industries, unique environmental challenges, as well as differing demographics.

“CROSH is an excellent example of a research centre working directly with industry partners and the public sector to solve problems in our local communities. We are thankful for the Ministry’s investment in this important research, ” said Dr. Sheila Embleton, Interim President and Vice-Chancellor of Laurentian University.

In the past 5 years, CROSH has solved workplace problems with 37 business partners, placed 71 students in paid internships, and awarded $124,000 in student scholarships. In that time, the research centre has also raised over $5.5 million in grants, research contracts, and donations.

“CROSH does world-class research with state-of-the-art facilities that other universities in Ontario have. We are fortunate to have this research happening right here in Northern Ontario, in the communities that will directly benefit from these advancements,” said Dr. Tammy Eger, Vice-President Research at Laurentian University. CROSH is home to the $1 million Workplace Simulator, infrastructure that allows for the recreation of work tasks predominant in Northern Ontario, to allow for the testing of solutions in a lab setting, and a mobile research lab to allow the solutions to be taken directly to the work sites and communities to be implemented.

CROSH Director, Dr. Sandra Dorman added, “This investment allows us to expand our research services and student training while maintaining our system partner collaborations. It also underscores the province’s commitment to the long-term sustainability of the first Occupational Health and Safety Research Centre addressing the specific research needs of Northern Ontario.”


About the Centre for Research in Occupational Safety and Health (CROSH):
CROSH’s Mission: We envision a Northern Ontario where workplaces partner to ensure every worker gets home safe and healthy every day. We will be an agent for innovation and discovery to solve relevant and critical problems facing northern industries so they can eliminate occupational injury and disease from their workplaces.

CROSH was established in 2008 by Laurentian University to provide a formalized structure for industry, safe workplace associations, labour groups, government organizations and researchers to share workplace injury and disease problems and solutions.

Laurentian University research centre partners with Greater Sudbury Public Library for a DIY assessment on air quality

Laurentian University research centre partners with Greater Sudbury Public Library for a DIY assessment on air quality

The assessment will help Sudburians understand the importance of air quality and ventilation during an airborne pandemic.

(November 2, 2022) - The Centre for Research in Occupational Safety and Health (CROSH) at Laurentian University and Greater Sudbury Public Library (GSPL) have partnered to help Sudburians understand the importance of air quality and ventilation in their homes and workspaces during an airborne pandemic like COVID-19. 

CROSH has provided GSPL with portable, easy-to-use CO2 monitors that Sudburians can borrow from several area branches. Borrowers can follow an information card and an online DIY assessment to measure CO2 at home, with several activities to help them understand the air quality and ventilation in their space.

We exhale carbon dioxide (CO2) when we breathe. By measuring the concentration of CO2 in an indoor area, we can get an idea of the amount of exhaled air in that space that we are rebreathing. Higher levels of CO2 are linked to a known decrease in cognitive functioning and other potential poor health outcomes. They also let us know if the air in a space is being replaced frequently enough.

CROSH will use the results from the online assessments to see whether a scientific tool and a simple experiment can improve peoples’ understanding of: air quality, the basics of ventilation, and what factors impact air quality during an airborne pandemic.

Sudburians can participate in this experiment and learn about air quality and ventilation in their own homes by borrowing a CO2 monitor from one of the following GSPL branches:

  • Chelmsford Public Library and Citizen Service Centre
  • Valley East Public Library and Citizen Service Centre
  • Main Public Library
  • New Sudbury Public Library
  • South End Public Library
  • Lively Public Library and Citizen Service Centre

The co-research leads for the project are Dr. Alison Godwin (CROSH Associate Director; Associate Professor at Laurentian University) and Dr. Katie Goggins (CROSH Senior Scientist).

CROSH has over ten years of experience connecting and engaging with Northern Ontario workplaces and communities. 

QUOTE:
“The simplicity of this tool to demonstrate an immediate impact on the air quality in my home was empowering the first time I used it. It gives me confidence in the areas I choose to visit in public spaces and we wanted to give that knowledge to other people in our community”

Dr. Alison Godwin, Associate Director, CROSH
Associate Professor, School of Kinesiology and Health Sciences, Laurentian University
Co-Research Lead on Project
 

United Steelworkers commits $225,000 to occupational health and safety research at Laurentian University

United Steelworkers commits $225,000 to occupational health and safety research at Laurentian University

Funds to support research relevant to Northern Ontario

JUNE 28, 2019 – Laurentian University interim President and Vice Chancellor, Dr. Pierre Zundel and United Steelworkers President (USW), Leo Gerard announced that the United Steelworkers are committing a total of $225,000 in research funding over the next three years to Laurentian University’s Centre for Research in Occupational Safety and Health (CROSH).

“It is important that USW support research that solves workplace problems and improves the safety of all workers, including those in Northern Ontario; we are proud of our continued support of CROSH’s efforts,” said Leo Gerard.

Over the last 8 years, the United Steelworkers have been key supporters in the development of CROSH; including previous commitments of $50,000 to obtain a Research Chair in Occupational Health and Safety, $50,000 in endowed scholarships for students, and $60,000 towards the operation of CROSH’s Mobile Laboratory, for a total investment of $385,000.  The funds committed for the next three years will continue to support CROSH’s efforts to engage with northern workplaces, prioritizing their research needs as well as provide support to train students in-the-field.

Dr. Zundel stated that “CROSH’s efforts in the occupational health and safety field in the North have been ground breaking and would not be possible without the continued support of partners like the USW.”

As the only occupational health and safety research centre located in northern Ontario, CROSH envisions a team-approach to solving critical and relevant workplace challenges, by including workers, workplaces, communities, government and safe work associations in a field approach to research. Specifically CROSH emphasizes a field-to-lab-to-field approach where researchers engage face-to-face with communities and industries to understand critical workplace problems they are dealing with.  CROSH researchers conduct field measures to understand the problem, develop evidenced-based solutions in the lab and then go back to the workplace to test the solutions in the field.  CROSH has launched a Mobile research lab (M-CROSH) that allows students and researchers to travel to remote communities and provide on-site facilities while in the field. CROSH has also built a Workplace Simulator Lab that allows researchers to replicate workplace conditions in a controlled environment to test solutions. 

“The funds announced today will strengthen CROSH’s ability to carry out research and reach evidenced based solutions that are relevant to communities and industries in the north; communities who have traditionally been unable to participate in research, due to their geographic isolation. USW’s past and continued support of CROSH has a significant impact on CROSH’s success, in particular, it has helped students develop the skills they need to be the future occupational safety and health leaders,” says CROSH Director, Sandra Dorman.
 

The Centre for Research in Occupational Safety and Health Celebrates 10 years

The Centre for Research in Occupational Safety and Health Celebrates 10 years

CROSH hosts an evening celebration highlighting a decade of prevention through research

November 23, 2018 – Under the theme “Prevention through research,” an evening celebration marks the 10th anniversary of Laurentian University’s Centre for Research in Occupational Safety and Health (CROSH). CROSH was established in 2008 to provide a formalized structure for industry, safe workplace associations, labour groups, government organizations and researchers to share workplace injury and disease problems and solutions.

“It is wonderful to see CROSH celebrate its tenth year in operation,” said Leo Gerard, CROSH Advisory Board Chair and International President of the United Steelworkers. “CROSH has grown from an idea into a world-class centre that is improving health and safety for workers through research. It is also making an impact by training students who will become future leaders in health and safety research and activism.”

“I am so proud of the workplace partners, researchers, students and government agencies who believed in the early idea of CROSH and the need to establish the Centre in the north for the north. Because of their collective efforts not only does CROSH exist but it is living up to the dream,” said Dr. Tammy Eger, CROSH Research Chair.

“Students scholarships, a mobile lab, and a workplace simulator are just a few of the achievements that will ensure CROSH will continue to lead prevention through research by solving workplace health and safety problems that matter to northern Ontario workers,” added Dr. Sandra Dorman, Director, CROSH. 

The anniversary event includes the official unveiling of the top 10 milestones for CROSH, a recognition of CROSH Champions, and the announcement of the 2018 CROSH student scholarship recipients. See event program for full list of honourees. More information on Laurentian University’s Centre for Research in Occupational Safety and Health is available on the CROSH website. 
 

ABOUT LAURENTIAN UNIVERSITY

Located on the Robinson-Huron Treaty of 1850 territory, Laurentian University recognizes that we are on the traditional lands of the Atikameksheng Anishnawbek and Wahnapitae First Nation. Laurentian is committed to strengthening the foundation of knowledge in higher education and research to offer an outstanding university experience in English and French with a comprehensive approach to Indigenous education. Together with its federated partners, Laurentian University prepares leaders who bring innovative and intelligent solutions to local and global issues. 

Laurentian University professor and research chair among four Canadians selected for women in science expedition

Laurentian University professor and research chair among four Canadians selected for women in science expedition

Dr. Tammy Eger is one of 95 leading women in science worldwide who will journey with “Homeward Bound” to Antarctica in 2019.

Dr. Tammy Eger, Professor of Human Kinetics at Laurentian University and Research Chair at the Centre for Research in Occupational Safety and Health is among only four Canadians selected for the fourth “Homeward Bound” cohort (HB4). She and 95 women representing 28 countries will complete a 12-month intensive leadership program for women in Science, Technology, Engineering, Math, Medicine (STEMM). The leadership program will culminate in a 3-week journey to Antarctica in November 2019 to learn about climate change and polar science. 

“Homeward Bound” is a 10-year global initiative to equip 1,000 women in the STEMM fields with the skills to lead and to influence policy and decision-making in ways that will help to create a sustainable future for the planet.

According to the Unesco Institute for Statistics (UIS), less than 30% of the world’s researchers are women. “Even fewer women are in leadership positions in STEMM,” said Dr. Eger. “Initiatives such as this are critical to provide leadership training for women and to raise awareness about gender issues in these fields.” 

“I am absolutely thrilled to have been chosen for this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity,” added Dr. Eger. “I look forward to meeting the members of my cohort, sharing our experiences and collectively working to increase global leadership opportunities for women in STEMM.” 

The 12-month program has four core development components: leadership development, strategic capability, visibility and science communication, and science collaboration. Delivered by an expert global faculty, “Homeward Bound” comprises lectures, personal and leadership development tools, coaching sessions, visibility training and the opportunity to develop meaningful collaborations in forums, in teams with a focus on areas of interest, and in small diverse cohorts. More information on Homeward Bound, including a full list of HB4 participants, visit the program website.

CROSH 'driving prevention through research'

CROSH 'driving prevention through research'

Centre for Research in Occupational Safety and Health (CROSH) unveiled Canada’s first mobile laboratory for occupational safety and health research

Minister of Labour Kevin Flynn, Laurentian University President and Vice Chancellor Dominic Giroux and Laurentian University’s Centre for Research in Occupational Safety and Health (CROSH) unveiled Canada’s first mobile laboratory for occupational safety and health research (Mobile-CROSH) today.

“With our investment of $500,200, Mobile-CROSH will allow researchers and university students to connect with geographically-isolated workers in northern Ontario communities. This will lead to even better prevention of occupational injuries and disease,” stated Labour Minister Kevin Flynn. “This is a ground-breaking approach to occupational health and safety research, and we are proud to be able to launch this initiative.”

Mobile-CROSH, (M-CROSH) is a custom designed vehicle, a 40-foot mobile lab which includes a clinic room, meeting area, and lab space; to support field research in mental health and quality of worklife, mobile equipment design for accident prevention, vibration-induced injury prevention, fatigue mitigation, heat stress prevention, sleep hygiene to improve sleep quality and quantity, and evaluation of intervention programs; to name a few.

M-CROSH will serve as a bridge to communities, often excluded from occupational health and safety research due to their northern geography.  It will increase collaboration between research Centres, workers, industry, and health and safety agencies.

The research conducted by M-CROSH will be vital and the results will benefit workers throughout Canada.  “This mobile lab will be a critical element to CROSH’s Field – to Lab – to Field research approach”, said Leo Gerard, International USW President and Chair of the CROSH Advisory Board.  “By bringing the research lab to northern worksites, workers can play an active role in improving their own workplaces.”

CROSH Research Chair, Dr. Tammy Eger and Director, Dr. Sandra Dorman agree: “M-CROSH will change the way occupational health and safety research is conducted.  It will connect workers to current best practices through CROSH collaborations with other research Centres and Safe Workplace Association partners”.

A number of communities across Northern Ontario will see M-CROSH roll into town as the inaugural Driving Prevention Through Research tour kicks off this fall.

 

About Laurentian University

Laurentian University offers an outstanding university experience in English and French, with a comprehensive approach to Indigenous education.  Laurentian University, situated on the traditional territory of the Anishinabe peoples of Atikameksheng First Nation, prepares students as agents of change and empowers them to create innovative responses to local and global challenges. Laurentian’s students benefit from small class sizes and exceptional post-graduation employment rates.  With nine Canada Research Chairs and eighteen research centres, Laurentian is a recognized leader in its specialized areas of research strength, which include mining innovation and exploration, stressed watershed systems, particle astrophysics, rural and northern children’s health, and occupational health and safety.