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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.

New Heat Stress Toolkit Helps Prevent Worker Injury and Illness

New Heat Stress Toolkit Helps Prevent Worker Injury and Illness

Sandra Dorman's research combats rising risk of heat stress by leveraging wearable technology and prevention strategies

August 15, 2024 - Climate change is increasing the risk of heat stress and expanding its impact to new sectors, but wearable technology is emerging as an asset in understanding heat’s effect on the body and developing effective prevention strategies. Dr. Sandra Dorman, Director of the Centre for Research in Occupational Safety and Health (CROSH) and Professor at the School of Kinesiology & Health Sciences, has launched a heat stress toolkit designed to support employers and workers in addressing and preventing occupational heat stress.

Dr. Dorman’s research focuses on health promotion and disease prevention in the occupational setting. She has spent the last year researching heat stress and its significant impact on worker productivity and overall health, using that research to develop a comprehensive information resource.

CROSH partnered with Occupational Health Clinics for Ontario Workers Inc (OHCOW) to create the toolkit and provide widespread access to it via the OHCOW website. The digital resource includes guides, infographics, videos, calculators, and is available in English, French, and Spanish.

"Although heat can cause serious acute injuries like heat exhaustion and heat stroke, heat stress is also considered an occupational illness because regular exposure can lead to serious health conditions in the long term,” Dr. Dorman explained. “An estimated 220 Canadians die annually from occupational heat stress and an estimated 15% of workers who frequently work under heat stress develop a heat illness, predominantly kidney disease. Having a Heat Illness Prevention Plan is crucial, not only to prevent immediate injuries from heat strain but also to mitigate future health risks.”

Dr. Dorman pointed out that diseases like kidney disease, brain damage, and cardiovascular issues can be prevented through effective management of heat exposure, underscoring the role of monitoring. Wearable technology, such as body sensors akin to smartwatches, has become an effective monitoring tool, reliably measuring physiological markers like heart rate, and approximating core temperature, among other variables. The Physiological Monitoring Guide is a decision-making guide within the toolkit designed to help employers choose wearable technology products to strengthen their Heat Illness Prevention Plan and guide work-rest schedules for their team.

“We’ve been exploring these technologies for use in high-risk jobs, such as mine workers and wildland firefighters, as a component of a company’s Heat Illness Prevention Plan,” Dr. Dorman said. “While their implementation may be valuable, they also introduce novel challenges for workers and workplaces and are certainly not a one-size-fits-all. However, with climate change, I expect a rapid uptake of these tools, as we are already seeing an explosion of interest from a variety of workplaces, including places not traditionally considered to be at risk for heat stress, specifically, healthcare workers wearing PPE for extended periods, and teachers facing overheated classrooms."

CROSH recently renewed funding agreements, allowing Dr. Dorman to continue studying heat stress for the next three years. She says she looks forward to further researching the effectiveness of wearable technology in real-world situations, through field tests and lab studies using the Environmental Chamber at Laurentian University.

Series: Undergraduate Student Research Awards Recipients

Series: Undergraduate Student Research Awards Recipients

August 1, 2024 - This summer, twenty-two students have the opportunity to support research projects through Laurentian University with funding provided by the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC), the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR), and the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC).

Undergraduate Student Research Awards (USRAs) are meant to nurture interest among undergraduate students and develop their potential for a research career. This funding provides students with research work experience that complements their studies in an academic setting.

Students support research for a period of 16 weeks, on a full-time basis, from May to August. Students can hold one USRA per fiscal year but can hold up to three USRAs throughout their undergraduate career.

Getting the opportunity to contribute in a meaningful way to a research project is often reserved for graduate students. USRAs grant a unique and coveted opportunity to undergraduate students to get experience in their field of interest. The students’ year of study, major, and areas of research vary but they all similarly demonstrate the positive impact that this opportunity has on their current studies and future goals.

Throughout the summer the students will share, in their own words, about themselves, their ambitions, their interests, and a little about the research project they are supporting.

Kailey Beggs

3rd year of Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology at Laurentian University

Hometown: Val Caron, Ontario

High School: Confederation Secondary School

This summer, I was offered the opportunity to work with the Centre for Research in Occupational Safety and Health (CROSH) through my USRA. I am excited to be gaining practical experience in the field of research, working on many projects that are all in different stages. Surprisingly, I have learned more about statistics through CROSH than I did in my intro to stats course. Who knew I would be using stats again! In the future, I hope to use all the knowledge and skills I am gaining from CROSH and my program (Kinesiology) to pursue postgraduate education and eventually achieve a career in healthcare.

Currently, I am involved in several projects at CROSH, but the one that is most exciting to me is the Air Quality Index (AQI) Interventions project with Dr. Alison Godwin. In this project, I am researching how people interact and interpret AQI data with a goal to improve public awareness about air pollution and associated health risks. My favourite topic to learn about is human physiology. I find it fascinating to understand how the body works, by understanding metabolism or examining movement patterns to prevent injuries and enhance biomechanics. Outside of school, I love running, going to the gym, walking my dog Hershey, and diving into a good book! A big part of my life is also volunteering and working.

Dulain Abeyratne

4th year Biomedical Biology at Laurentian University

Hometown: Sudbury, Ontario

High school: Lockerby Composite School

This is my second summer of research under the supervision of Dr. Stefan Siemann. Currently, I am supporting a project that focuses on the effects of metal exchange and the removal of zinc from a group of metal-containing enzymes. Specifically, we are investigating how this metal exchange impacts the enzyme activity. My time working as a research assistant has not only given me hands-on laboratory experience but has sparked an interest in the field of research. I hope to pursue a career in medicine, and I am confident that the skills I learn through this USRA-funded opportunity will positively impact my future goals.

In my free time, I enjoy running, playing basketball, and spending time with friends and family! I also spend time volunteering with different organizations including the YMCA of Northeastern Ontario and St. Joseph’s Continuing Care Center.

Olivia Norman

4th year Biomedical Biology at Laurentian University

Hometown: Ottawa, Ontario

High school: Glebe Collegiate Institute

Originally from Ottawa, I was drawn to Laurentian University by its varsity nordic ski team, incredible outdoor access, and smaller class sizes. Because Laurentian is a relatively small university, undergraduate students are provided with more laboratory experience than is often available at larger institutions. This experience built foundational skills I was able to transfer to research in a professional laboratory setting. This summer I received a USRA, which has provided me with the opportunity to work hands-on at NOSM U’s biomedical research laboratory in Sudbury. Co-supervised by Dr. Alain Simard and Dr. Suji Tharmalingam, my research digs into the genetics underlying the function of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) in the human body. NAChRs are found in many cell types around the body, including immune cells. Building on previous research by Dr. Simard and his team, I hope to uncover more about the involvement of nAChRs in the inflammatory response triggered by the immune system.

Camden Babin

3rd Year Software Engineering at the University of Alberta (U of A)

Hometown: Hanmer, Ontario

High school: Bishop Alexander Carter C.S.S

Before my studies at the U of A, I had a burning interest in all areas of STEM and had no idea where it would take me. It wasn’t until my general first-year programming class that I found my passion for computer science in engineering. Given the opportunity to work with CROSH at Laurentian this summer, I am most interested in the exposure to the use of microelectronics within the research and occupational health and safety fields. So far, I've seen how microelectronics such as accelerometers and low-cost Air Quality Index sensors communicate with larger computer systems to collect, store and process data securely. I look forward to learning about the research process and research-based practices, and how it relates to various engineering processes.

This summer I will be working closely on a project that facilitates community engagement with local air quality tools to assist in health-related decision-making, as well as taking every opportunity to aid in the technological side of other projects. I think what ties engineering, research, and occupational health and safety (OHS) all together is the desire we all have to problem-solve and improve the quality of life of others. I look forward to applying my passion to explore the intersection of technology and occupational health and safety at CROSH, contributing to projects that improve our community through innovative research.

Province provides grant funding of $1.2M to Laurentian University researchers

Province provides grant funding of $1.2M to Laurentian University researchers

Grants support research in virtual learning strategies

(July 31, 2023) - As part of Ontario’s Virtual Learning Strategy initiative, the government of Ontario has announced their support for the work of Laurentian University researchers by awarding grants totalling $1,246,775, to three novel projects. These projects advance virtual learning opportunities for future students and create new ways of delivering post secondary education. 

“Innovation takes place through collaboration and these projects are great examples of people coming together to share ideas and advance our understanding of learning. We are thankful for the investment from the Province and have now made these projects a reality.” - Dr. Brenda Brouwer, Interim Provost and Vice-President Academic at Laurentian University.

“The innovative projects completed in 2022-23 as part of Ontario’s Virtual Learning Strategy are furthering Ontario’s solid reputation as a global leader in postsecondary education,” said Jill Dunlop, Minister of Colleges and Universities. “Achievements from these projects are helping Ontario to expand the suite of high-quality, market-responsive hybrid learning resources offered across our province to help learners gain the skills and training they need to succeed, no matter where they live, and prepare for the jobs of tomorrow.”

 

Centre for Research in Occupational Safety and Health’s (CROSH) Collaborative Health-care Simulation - Advanced Post-Secondary Virtual Reality Modules - $1,078,000: Collaborative Health Care Virtual Reality Modules

This new approach to learning will ensure post secondary health care training can be delivered remotely without compromising signature features of evidence-based teaching and learning protocols. 

Developed through partnership between Laurentian University’s School of Nursing, the Centre for Research in Occupational Safety and Health (CROSH), Georgian College, the Michener Institute of Education and Lumeto in Virtual Reality (VR) for eCampus Ontario. Twelve synchronous, fully immersive and interactive VR learning modules have been created, peer reviewed and put through a pilot study. Scenarios are available through the Lumeto Virtual Reality platform and cover a wide variety of topics such as CPR Task Trainer, Septic Shock - Urosepsis and Allergic Reaction Management. The modules are suited for various health care learners at an undergraduate, graduate and clinician level. 

"This project was a valuable opportunity to work with the Lumeto team to generate leading edge VR modules in the health care industry. Students from Laurentian gained real world experience related to their discipline (nursing and computer science) as they engaged with professionals to create content, assess delivery mechanisms and observe a fast-paced work environment.” - Dr. Alison Godwin, CROSH Associate Director, Associate Professor, School of Kinesiology and Health Sciences

 

The Stories of Decolonization Film Project (bilingual) - $25,000

This project, aiming to educate Canadians about the colonial realities of Canada and to inspire Canadians to work toward decolonial change, has been expanded to include new linguistic versions and a facilitator guide. Stories of Decolonization, an interview-based documentary project created by Gladys Rowe, Teddy Zegeye-Gebrehiwot, and Elizabeth Carlson-Manathara, has been significantly enhanced through eCampus Ontario Virtual Learning Strategy funding. Thanks to eCampus Ontario funding, the following are now freely available to the public (www.storiesofdecolonization.org) and are also housed in the eCampus Ontario virtual library:

  • Anishinaabemowin and Cree subtitle versions of the film Stories of Decolonization: Land Dispossession and Settlement

  • A French language version of the facilitator/curriculum guide of the film Stories of Decolonization: Land Dispossession and Settlement

  • A facilitator/curriculum guide for the film Stories of Decolonization: (De)Colonial Relations.

  • French, bilingual, and Anishinaabemowin subtitle versions of the film Stories of Decolonization: (De)Colonial Relations.

These digital resources are currently being used by university- and community-based educators. As well, the bilingual version of Stories of Decolonization: (De)Colonial Relations - "Récits a propos de la decolonisation" was highlighted as an official selection of the Sudbury Cinéfest International Film Festival (2022); Anishinaabemowin and bilingual versions of Stories of Decolonization: (De)Colonial Relations were screened at Sudbury Indie Cinema on the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation (2022); and the film project was highlighted at the Canadian Association for Social Work Education conference (2022) and the Maamwizing Indigenous Conference (2022). Core funding for the project came from the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada (SSHRC), and Consortium national de formation en santé (CNFS) funded the French translation of the facilitator/curriculum guide of the film Stories of Decolonization: (De)Colonial Relations.

“We are grateful to eCampus Ontario for the opportunity to partner with translators and curriculum developers/graphic designers in order to expand the Stories of Decolonization Film Project to include subtitle film versions in Anishinaabemowin, Cree, and French; and to develop a facilitator/curriculum guide for our second film.” - Dr. Elizabeth Carlson-Manathara, Associate Professor, School of Social Work

 

Virtual Learning Strategy Funding - Targeted Supports for Digital Capacity - $143,775:

eCampusOntario’s investment in virtual learning at Laurentian University has supported the creation of two full-time bilingual teaching support staffing positions - one in Instructional Design, and one in Media Design and Development. This support has allowed for the development of several new micro-credentials, such as End-of-Life Doula, Fundamentals of Writing Grant Applications/Principes de base de la rédaction de demandes de subventions, Maintaining a Work-Life Balance/Équilibre entre vie professionnelle et vie personnel, and Growing Microgreens at Home, a course developed in collaboration with La Belle Vie Farm.  The funding of these two positions allowed for the continuation of existing professional development opportunities such as the Registered Behavior Technician program and Effective Survey Design course. Additionally the funding has supported the revision of several Additional Qualification and Additional Basic Qualification courses in both English and French, accredited by the Ontario College of Teachers. 

“We thank eCampusOntario for this opportunity that allowed for the development and expansion of current and new non-credit bilingual programs to support virtual learning opportunities in the north” - Dr. Bettina Brockerhoff-Macdonald, Director, Continuing Learning

Profile: Masters in Human Kinetics and CROSH researcher fully embraces graduate student experience

Profile: Masters in Human Kinetics and CROSH researcher fully embraces graduate student experience

Willa Hladun is a leader who makes the most of each opportunity

(March 27, 2023) - Willa Hladun is a graduate student who inspires. 

Born and raised in Calgary, Alberta, her family now lives in Cranbrook, British Columbia. It was in this province and at the University of Victoria that she earned her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology (2020). In her fourth year, she started to take an interest in Sports Psychology. “I loved it. I loved the content. Exercise and movement has always been a huge part of my life, especially in terms of managing my mental well-being.” 

Hladun now resides in the city of Greater Sudbury where she studies her Master in Human Kinetics at Laurentian University. She is also a Centre for Research in Occupational Safety and Health (CROSH) affiliated graduate researcher.

Hladun’s Master’s thesis, Motherhood Journeys On and Off the Ice: A Narrative Analysis of Digital Media Stories of Professional Hockey Mothers,’ examines digital news stories that cover elite hockey athletes who are also mothers to examine what narratives are present in the mediation surrounding them, how these narratives influence their identity formation, and the psychosocial and cultural implications of such narratives. “The sport media is a powerful tool in influencing our own and others perception of elite athletes,” explained Hladun. “Understanding how certain media narratives can be positive or negative to the psychological wellbeing of athlete mothers and the culture of sports can assist us in fostering a more supportive and inclusive hockey culture, a highly popular sport not only in Northern Ontario, but throughout North America.”

Hladun’s study is part of a larger Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council grant earned by her faculty supervisor and School of Kinesiology and Health Sciences Full Professor, Dr. Kerry McGannon. “My experience working with Kerry has been incredible. Kerry is everything I could have ever wanted in a supervisor…. Ultimately, she really wants you to be the driver in your research. I’ve been learning so much working with Kerry who always goes the extra mile.” 

Recently, Hladun addressed her peers to share preliminary findings collected by her study at CROSH Café, better known as CRAfé, a weekly occupational health and safety themed dialogue for CROSH affiliated students, faculty and industry speakers. 

Hladun also works a paid internship with United Steelworkers local 6500. “I am looking at claims that have been rejected by WSIB...looking through these claims, connecting literature to these experiences and their injuries, both physical and mental, and supporting appeals to the WSIB.” Hladun emphasized that since joining CROSH last spring, she’s been grateful for the many opportunities available, including the support obtaining this internship. 

For Hladun, other involvement with CROSH includes that she helped offer a mental health first aid course to CROSH members. “I wanted to attend a mental health first aid training course to learn how to respond to crises,” she explained. “I did my research and found a really great course offered through the Mental Health Commission of Canada, but it was pretty expensive to pay out of pocket, so I reached out to CROSH to ask if they might be willing to help pay a part of the bill. What we ended up doing together is setting up the opportunity for all CROSH students and faculty to get this training.” CROSH agreed with Hladun that this course would be relevant to its members. 

Hladun is also Team Captain for the upcoming CROSH charity fundraiser, Steps for Life. This fundraising walk, on April 29, 2023, will help support families affected by life-altering workplace injuries, illnesses and deaths. It’s another way to educate our community about the devastating ripple effects of a workplace tragedy and how we can work together to prevent others from being injured or killed on the job. This year, CROSH Steps for Life follows April 28th’s National Day of Mourning, a day to remember workers who have died, were injured, or became ill from their job.

Outside of CROSH, Hladun is a member of the Students for Social Action committee (SSAC), a student-led committee whose voices support equality, diversity and equity on campus, partnered with the Equity, Diversity and Human Rights Office (EDHRO). “We promote the safety and respect of human rights for all students,” said Hladun. She self-identifies as a proud member of the LGBTQ2+ community, and shared that she feels “a real responsibility to the queer community to take my place as a queer academic and support that community.” 

Next up for Hladun is to participate in Laurentian’s third annual Graduate Research Symposium, a week-long event offered March 27-31 that promotes graduate student research.

Reflecting on her experience as a graduate student, Hladun shared that “getting involved in things that interest you is really important.” She perceives that graduate students benefit from taking advantage of as many opportunities  as possible. “I’ve learned a lot being in grad school. I don’t like the idea of wanting to try something or having an idea and sitting on that idea. I’d rather do my best to try and make it happen.” 

For Hladun, who is a leader amongst her peers, the sky’s the limit.

LU researchers awarded $50,000 to address vaccine confidence in Northern Ontario

LU researchers awarded $50,000 to address vaccine confidence in Northern Ontario

Team to visit workplaces across Northern Ontario to engage on safety and effectiveness of vaccines

August 3, 2021 - With support from the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council (NSERC), researchers and staff from the Centre for Research in Occupational Safety and Health (CROSH) and the Science Communication Graduate Program will be travelling across Northern Ontario this September to enhance confidence in vaccination use with workplaces and communities.

 

Although many individuals have received their COVID-19 vaccinations, some remain hesitant and have questions. “Vaccine confidence has real implications to the health and safety of workplaces and communities,” acknowledges Dr. Chantal Barriault, Director of the Science Communication Graduate Program.

 

This $50,000 grant allows for 1) the development of evidence-based materials and resources and 2) for a team to travel to remote and northern communities to engage workers and community members in conversation around COVID-19 risk mitigation and to encourage confidence in the efficacy and safety of Ontario’s COVID-19 vaccination program.

 

“Northern Ontario has a unique culture, and the concerns and questions Northern Ontarians have may not reflect the concerns of other Ontarians. Sharing and exchanging health and safety information with people living in Northern Ontario is a core mission of CROSH; we are excited to reconnect with communities and better understand their concerns and choices,” says Dr. Sandra Dorman, Director, CROSH.

 

Researchers, students, and staff from CROSH and the Science Communication Graduate Program will be traveling to interested workplaces and communities across Northern Ontario using the CROSH Mobile Research Lab, which is custom-designed to conduct occupational health and safety outreach and research.

 

Vice-President of Research, Dr. Tammy Eger says: “CROSH has over 10 years of experience connecting and engaging with Northern Ontario workplaces and communities, and Laurentian University’s Science Communication Graduate Program is world-renowned for training professional science communicators; they are ideally positioned to conduct this important work.”

 

For anyone interested in having the team visit their workplace, please contact: croshtech@laurentian.ca

One-of-a-Kind Simulator Recreates Workplace Conditions at CROSH Open House

One-of-a-Kind Simulator Recreates Workplace Conditions at CROSH Open House

Workplace Simulator (W-SIM) can solve real-world workplace problems using work-task simulation

(DEC 4, 2019) – Laurentian University’s Centre for Research in Occupational Safety and Health (CROSH) hosted an Open House today to showcase the fully operational Workplace Simulator (W-SIM). W-SIM is the only facility of its kind in the world and can recreate almost any Northern Ontario workplace environment within a controlled laboratory setting. It integrates a robotic motion platform to simulate vibration; an environmental chamber to control temperature and humidity; a virtual reality eye-tracker to simulate workers’ surroundings; and a cardiorespiratory diagnostic system to measure human responses. This allows researchers to solve real-world workplace problems using work-task simulation.

The possible applications of the W-SIM are vast. They include developing and assessing novel technologies to manage heat stress, vibration exposure, or line-of-sight issues. It is also capable of testing an individual’s fitness for duty, working while fatigued, or understanding how workers manage situational awareness. 

Although W-SIM was developed primarily to research and solve complex workplace problems, CROSH is actively seeking out partnerships with individuals or industries outside of Laurentian University by helping them access the W-SIM for unique applications or equipment testing. 

Housed in the Cliff Fielding Building, the Workplace Simulator is a component of the Purdue Central Analytical Facility. Serving Northern Ontario, the CROSH Workplace Simulator provides state-of-the-art infrastructure for the design of research studies or service contracts. It gives clients the unique ability to simultaneously collect data, conduct experiments, make human physiological measurements, and test materials, equipment, and personnel.

QUOTES:
‘We congratulate CROSH and we gratefully acknowledge the funders whose support has been so crucial to our ambitious research program. The Workplace Simulator would not have come to fruition without the foresight and financial support from both federal (FedNor, Canadian Foundation for Innovation) and provincial groups (Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation, Ontario Research Fund) in addition to internal support from Laurentian University’s Goodman School of Mines. These investments demonstrate the high degree of confidence that our leaders have in the University and in CROSH’s mandate to lead research excellence in the field of occupational safety and health.’ Robert Haché, President and Vice Chancellor of Laurentian University

“Having the ability to simulate the workplace allows researchers or industry partners to test innovative equipment solutions more extensively before testing them in the workplace environment. This benefits the company because often equipment that fails in the workplace won’t be tried a second time. It also benefits the workplace because fewer work-hours need to be committed to testing a novel application while doing day-to-day business.” Dr. Sandra Dorman, Director of the Centre for Research in Occupational Safety and Health (CROSH).

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’s Centre for Research in Occupational Safety and Health co-hosts national ergonomics conference

Laurentian’s Centre for Research in Occupational Safety and Health co-hosts national ergonomics conference

The 49th annual ACE Conference focuses on the prevention of occupational injuries and illnesses

(2018-10-16) The Centre for Research in Occupational Safety and Health (CROSH) at Laurentian University recently partnered with the Association of Canadian Ergonomists (ACE) to bring the 49th annual ACE Conference to Sudbury from October 15-18, 2018.

A first for Northern Ontario, the joint conference explores the many ways both ergonomics and health and safety comprehension are expanding, and how the application of this knowledge can have a positive impact on everyone in any sector. The theme “From Research to Practice to Prevention” illustrates the cycle in the prevention of occupational injuries and illnesses. 

“The Association of Canadian Ergonomists is pleased to partner with CROSH to help bring this national conference to the North,” said Patricia Hope, President, ACE Ontario Region. “This year’s event highlights both the research work by CROSH and the continued effort by ACE to promote research and awareness of ergonomics and human factors.”

Over 150 ergonomists and occupational health and safety experts from across Canada are expected to attend the four-day conference which includes 39 presentations, seven workshops, and three interactive sessions. Keynote speakers include:

  • Professor Neil Mansfield (Head of Engineering, Nottingham Trent University, UK);
  • Dr. Catherine Trask (Canada Research Chair in Ergonomics and Musculoskeletal Health and Associate Professor, Canadian Centre for Health and Safety in Agriculture, University of Saskatchewan);
  • Dr. Marie Laberge (Associate Professor, École de réadaptation, Université de Montréal); and
  • Dr. Richard Gasaway (President & Principal Consultant, Gasaway Consulting Group, and Chief Scientist, Situational Awareness Matters).

“The ACE conference has always been one of my favourite conferences to attend due to the mix of practitioners and researchers, along with the sharing of research in very practical ways,” added Dr. Alison Godwin, Associate Director, CROSH. “We are thrilled to partner with ACE and highlight some of our applied field research.”  

The 2018 ACE-CROSH Conference coincides with Global Ergonomics Month, an annual initiative aiming to increase knowledge of musculoskeletal disorder hazards in the workplace while also highlighting the role ergonomics can play in improving health and safety.

 

ABOUT LAURENTIAN UNIVERSITY

Located in 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. 

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