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Occupational disease, injury and health services
A Case-Control Study to Identify Agricultural Chemicals Associated with Increased Risk of Prostate Cancer and In Vitro Screening of their Endocrine Disruption Activities
Completed
The primary purpose of this research study is to identify chemical substances used in the B.C. agriculture industry that are associated with an increased risk for prostate cancer. The secondary purpose is to evaluate whether these substances have the ability to disrupt the endocrine system and what their role might be in the development and progression of prostate cancer.
| Principal Investigator: | Nhu Le (B.C. Cancer Agency) |
| Co-investigators: | Joel Bert (UBC), Barbara Lang (B.C. Cancer Agency), Emma Guns (Prostate Center at Vancouver Hospital) |
| Funding Awarded | $119,793 (2 years) |
| Competition Year: | 2001 |
A Pilot Study to Develop Guidelines for Reducing Tree Planter Injuries
Completed
The purpose of this project is to identify the factors inherent in tree planting tools/techniques that contribute to high injury rates amongst tree planters, to identify tool designs/planting techniques that minimize stress on the musculoskeletal system and to develop industry-wide recommendations for injury-reducing tools and techniques.
| Principal Investigator: | Ernst Stjernberg (FERIC) |
| Co-investigators: | Eric J. Phillips (FERIC); James B. Morrison (SFU); Doug Weber (University of Alberta) |
| Funding Awarded: | $29,935 |
| Competition Year: | 2004 |
A Pilot Study Towards a Randomized Clinical Trial of Cast Immobilization versus Functional Therapy for Acute, Severe Lateral Ankle Sprains
Disability from lateral ankle sprains can be severe, with long-term morbidity including recurrent ankle sprains, chronic pain, early osteoarthritis and permanent disability. It is the most common musculoskeletal injury in the physically active population, and commonly occurs in the workplace. This project will investigate the best way to treat these sprains.
| Principal Investigator: | Nicholas Rose (UBC) |
| Co-investigators: | Corrine Hohl, Donald McKenzie (UBC) |
| Funding Awarded: | $26,887 |
| Competition Year: | 2011 |
A Prospective Study of Psychological Symptoms and Work Functioning following Occupational Exposure to Blood and Body Fluids
This study aims to examine the psychological and occupational consequences of blood exposure injuries among workers, and the long-term outcomes of these injured workers. It will also investigate the relationships between injury-related psychological symptoms, work functioning, and other factors that might contribute to work disability in this population. The research is intended to lead to improved strategies for the early identification of acutely-distressed workers who are at risk of developing a psychological disorder and work disability.
| Principal Investigator: | Jaye Wald (UBC) |
| Co-investigators: | Izabela Schultz, Steven Taylor (UBC), Lee Lewis (WorkSafeBC), Gordon Asmundson, (University of Regina) |
| Funding Awarded: | $92,100* (2 years) |
| Competition Year: | 2008 |
* In partnership with the WCB of Nova Scotia
A Retrospective Cohort Study of Mortality and Cancer Incidence among Registered Nurses in British Columbia
Completed
The purpose of this study is to determine whether nurses have a greater risk of cancer incidence and mortality than the general B.C. population; and to evaluate occupational risk factors for developing breast cancer and other malignancies (such as ovarian, kidney, lung, and leukemia).
| Principal Investigator: | Helen Ward (UBC) |
| Co-investigators: | Richard Gallagher, Nhu Le, John Spinelli (B.C. Cancer Agency), Kay Teschke, Pam Ratner (UBC) |
| Funding Awarded: | $365,170 (2 years) |
| Competition Year: | 2001 |
Airway Obstruction and Hypersensitivity among Young Workers: 16 Year Follow up of Machinist and Construction Apprentices
Completed
The purpose of this project is to examine whether changes that occur in the lungs early in a person's working life in response to irritants or allergens at work, predict the development of chronic breathing problems later on. This is a follow-up to a previous B.C. study, which found machinist apprentices had developed more sensitive airways than other apprentices had after only two years of employment.
| Principal Investigator: | Susan Kennedy (UBC) |
| Co-investigators: | Kay Teschke, Karen Bartlett, Mark Fitzgerald, Paul Demers, Stephen Marion, Anne-Marie Nicol (UBC) |
| Funding Awarded: | $397,694 (2 years) |
| Competition Year: | 2003 |
| Funding Awarded: | $128,351* |
| Competition Year: | 2007 |
* In partnership with the Workers’ Compensation Board of Nova Scotia
Are Mathematical Models an Appropriate Surrogate for Exposure Monitoring when Establishing Respiratory Protective Requirements for the Clean-up of Small Indoor Chemical Spills?
Completed
The purpose of this project is to determine whether mathematical models can predict levels of exposure associated with spills in the workplace, and to develop an understanding of whether these models can be used to select personal protective equipment and to push the frontiers of science in this area.
| Principal Investigators: | Quinn Danyluk (Fraser Health Authority) and Chun-Yip Hon (OHSAH) |
| Co-investigators: | Philip Bigelow, Annalee Yassi, (UBC); Robert Klassen, Cheryl Clarke (Fraser Health Authority) |
| Funding Awarded: | $27,438 |
| Competition Year: | 2004 |
Assessing Exposures to Compost Workers from Airborne Biohazards
Completed
The purpose of this research is to measure exposures to compost workers from selected biohazards. The study will examine different composting technologies, under different environmental conditions, with an aim to uncover ways to best reduce exposure to harmful substances for compost-workers.
| Principal Investigator: | Karen Bartlett (UBC) |
| Co-investigators: | James Atwater, Kay Teschke (UBC) |
| Funding Awarded: | $399,743 (2 years) |
| Competition Year: | 2006 |
Assessment of Beryllium Disease Risk in Pre-selected BC Industries
This research builds on a development study that identified several British Columbia industries where beryllium exposure and disease among some workers is suspected. It will conduct an exposure assessment in a sample of these industries and will conduct a subsequent test on workers if they are determined to be at risk.
| Principal Investigator: | Tim Takaro (SFU) |
| Co-Investigators: | Mieke Koehoorn, Paul Demers (UBC) |
| Funding Awarded: | $294,268.76 (2 years) |
| Competition Year: | 2010 |
Association of Past Hysterectomy with Low Back Injury: A Retrospective Study of Direct Healthcare Workers
Clinical practice shows that women who have had abdominal hysterectomy are more likely to have subsequent back injury at work. This study will investigate back injury risk among a cohort of healthcare workers who have had an abdominal hysterectomy. Evaluation of the risk of back injury associated with prior abdominal hysterectomy will be a first step toward instituting a low-cost, core-strengthening program to reduce risk of back injury in this population.
| Principal Investigator: | Mieke Koehoorn (UBC) |
| Co-Investigators: | Renée-Louise Franche, Catherine Backman, Lois Lochhead (UBC) |
| Funding Awarded: | $30,000 |
| Competition Year: | 2011 |
Back Injuries in Heavy Industries
Completed
This project will examine the health care history and descriptive epidemiology of back disorders within the health care and compensation systems, and measure exposures to work site risk factors, with the aim of creating predictive models of exposure. This is Phase One of a program of research to examine the etiology of back injuries in five at-risk heavy industries and test interventions to reduce these injuries.
Results: Part A, Defining Back Injury Outcomes for Research Purposes
Results: Part B, Risk Factor Exposure Assessment
| Principal Investigators: | Kay Teschke and Mieke Koehoorn (UBC) |
| Co-investigators: | Hugh Davies, Paul Demers, Murray Hodgson (UBC); Peter Johnson (University of Washington) |
| Funding Awarded: | $358,674 (2 years) |
| Back Study Website: | http://www.cher.ubc.ca/backstudy.htm |
| Competition Year: | 2003 |
Beryllium Disease in BC Workers: A Pilot Surveillance Project Using Linked Administrative Data
Completed
This research project is concerned with whether or not the absence of workers diagnosed with chronic beryllium disease (CBD) is due to diagnostic confusion with sarcoidosis, another granulomatous lung condition that is more common and clinically and histopathologically indistinguishable from CBD. This project will examine workers diagnosed with sarcoidosis or related disease to begin to identify workplaces in B.C. where beryllium surveillance should be initiated.
| Principal Investigator: | Tim Takaro (SFU) |
| Co-investigators: | Paul Demers, Christopher McLeod, Mieke Koehoorn (UBC) |
| Funding Awarded: | $30,000 |
| Competition Year: | 2007 |
Biomechanical comparison of ankle ligament reconstructive techniques
Completed
This study will test a new technique for repairing injured ankle ligaments. It will assess whether the new method is biomechanically more stable than the standard technique and whether the repaired ankle is as strong as a normal uninjured ankle.
| Principal Investigator: | Alastair Younger (UBC) |
| Co-investigators: | Thomas R. Oxland, John-Paul D. Veri (UBC) |
| Funding Awarded: | $31,896 |
| Competition Year: | 2002 |
Breaking New Ground: Does Radon Present a Health Risk to Nova Scotia Workers?
Completed
There is lack of clarity concerning health risks for Nova Scotia workers exposed to radon exceeding the naturally occurring radioactive materials limit. Radon can move freely through small places in the soil and rock, enabling it to enter the atmosphere or seep into buildings through dirt floors, cracks in concrete walls or floors, sump pumps, joints, or basement drains. A previous assessment carried out in Nova Scotia has shown that areas in the province are radon prone. As such, the research will aim to characterize its sources of entry and the levels of air concentrations within workplaces in Nova Scotia.
| Principal Applicant: | Helen Mersereau (Cape Breton University) |
| Co-applicant: | Arthur Scott (Arthur Scott & Assoc.) |
| Funding Awarded: | $26,100* (Innovation) |
| Competition Year: | 2007 |
* In partnership with the WCB of Nova Scotia – budget fully supported by WCB of Nova Scotia
Can Attributes Indentified at the Harvest Planning Stage be used to Predict the Frequency of Close Calls and Severe Injuries when Manually Falling Trees?
This project aims to determine whether or not identifying hazardous tree stands at the harvest planning stage in the manual tree falling industry could reduce the frequency and severity of accidents involving workers. This will be achieved by developing a hazard matrix using cutblock attributes, weather, and faller demographic data. The goal is to reduce serious injuries and fatalities among tree fallers.
| Principal Investigator: | Kevin Lyons (UBC) |
| Co-Investigators: | Valerie LeMay, Peter Marshall (UBC) |
| Funding Awarded: | $120,950 (2 years) |
| Competition Year: | 2010 |
Cancer and Lung Disease in Relation to Sawfiling and Endotoxin Exposure among Sawmill Workers
The purpose of this research project is to examine the relation of lung disease and cancer to hard metal exposure and to endotoxin exposure among sawfilers and sawmill workers. The research aims to determine whether employment as a sawfiler is associated with an increased risk of cancer and/or with an increased risk of hospitalization for respiratory disease; and for sawmill workers, whether exposure to endotoxin increases the risk of respiratory disease and/or is associated with a decreased risk of cancer.
| Principal Investigators: | Hugh Davies & Paul Demers (UBC) |
| Co-Investigators: | Kay Teschke (UBC), George Astrakianakis (OHSAH) |
| Funding Awarded: | $29,521* |
| Competition Year: | 2008 |
* In partnership with the WCB of Nova Scotia
Cancer and Occupational Exposure to Pentachlorophenol and Tetrachlorophenol
Completed
This study will examine the incidence of cancer in a pre-existing cohort of 26,000 B.C. sawmill workers. Its purpose is to determine whether occupational exposure to pentachlorophenol and/or tetrachlorophenol is associated with an increased risk of cancer.
| Principal Investigator: | Paul Demers (UBC) |
| Co-investigators: | Kay Teschke, Clyde Hertzman (UBC) |
| Funding Awarded: | $56,232 (2 years) |
| Competition Year: | 2002 |
Capacity Development for a Canadian Workplace Exposure Database
The Canadian Workplace Exposure Database is being created as part of CAREX Canada, with the goal to collect workplace exposure data from government agencies, researchers, and other sources. This data will be used to create a large database containing past and present exposure data from across Canada and will allow users to generate information about which occupations come into contact with workplace carcinogens, where exposure happens, and at what levels exposure is thought to be occurring. So far, this information has been collected from public agencies such as WorkSafeBC, the Ontario Ministry of Labour, Quebec’s Commission de la Santé et de la sécurité de travail, and the National Radiation Dose Registry. This project will further access data from B.C. and Saskatchewan to be added to the database.
| Principal Investigator: | Hugh Davies (UBC) |
| Co-Investigators: | Paul Demers, Anne-Marie Nicol, Cheryl Peters, Amy Hall (CAREX-UBC) |
| Funding Awarded: | $205,748* (2 years) |
| Competition Year: | 2010 |
* In partnership with the Saskatchewan Workers’ Compensation Board
Carcinogen Surveillance Program
Completed
The purpose of this project is to estimate the number of workers exposed to occupational carcinogens in B.C., using an approach developed in Finland and data from research studies conducted at the University of British Columbia and the B.C. Cancer agency.
| Principal Investigator: | Paul Demers (UBC) |
| Co-investigators: | Nhu Le (B.C. Cancer Agency); Kay Teschke (UBC) |
| Funding Awarded: | $80,490 (2 years) |
| Competition Year: | 2003 |
Cedar Dust Exposure, Airway Inflammation and Remodeling Markers as Predictors of Asthma Recovery and Severity
Some workers who develop Western Red Cedar Asthma (WRCA) from exposure to Western Red Cedar dust recover fully when removed from exposure, while many others do not. This research aims to better understand the factors that cause persistent and severe WRCA in some workers, in order to be able to change risk factors to prevent others from developing severe and persistent asthma.
| Principal Investigator: | Christopher Carlsten (UBC) |
| Co-Investigators: | Moira Chan-Yeung, Helen Ward (UBC) |
| Funding Awarded: | $337,826 (2 years) |
| Competition Year: | 2008 |
Detecting, Handling and Controlling Nanoparticle Contamination
This research focuses on identifying and managing contamination from nanoparticles in the workplace environment. It will develop protocols for assessing contamination of nanomaterials in the workplace, and for cleaning up spills of solutions and/or powders containing nanoparticles.
| Principal Applicant: | Byron Gates (SFU) |
| Co-Applicants: | James Zhou, Xin Zhang (SFU) |
| Funding Awarded: | $50,000* (Innovation) |
| Competition Year: | 2010 |
* In partnership with the WCB of Nova Scotia
Developing Protocol for Handling Nanoscale Particles
This project will focus on developing protocol for handling and monitoring nanoscale materials in the work place. It will examine best strategies for monitoring stability of nanoscale particulates, with the intention of controlling exposure and determining best practices when handling these materials.
| Principal Investigator: | Byron Gates (SFU) |
| Funding Awarded: | $30,000* |
| Competition Year: | 2009 |
* In partnership with the WCB of Nova Scotia
Development and Evaluation of a Model for a Home Care Ceiling Lift Program in B.C.
Completed
This research is designed to identify and analyze key issues related to access to, and adoption of, ceiling lift use in home care; and to develop and evaluate a model for the successful implementation of a ceiling lift program in home care in B.C. The study intends to uncover barriers to the use of ceiling lifts in the homes of home care clients, and develop a system to increase access and adoption of ceiling lifts in the home.
| Principal Investigator: | Annalee Yassi (UBC) |
| Co-investigators: | Nancy Paris, James Watzke (BCIT) |
| Funding Awarded: | $93,772 |
| Competition Year: | 2006 |
Development of a Method for Quantifying Biomechanical Risk Factors Associated with Manual and Mechanically Assisted Patient Handling
Completed
This project will develop and evaluate a quantitative method for estimating biomechanical risk factors (tissue forces and joint moments) associated with patient handling techniques in the healthcare sector.
| Principal Investigator: | Annalee Yassi (UBC) |
| Co-investigators: | Silvia Raschke (BCIT); Yvette Jones (SFU/ BCIT); Daniel Robinson (OHSAH) |
| Funding Awarded: | $28,310 |
| Competition Year: | 2003 |
Development of an Integrated Risk Assessment and Risk Management Tool for Health Care in BC. Phase 1 - Assessment of Chemical Exposure Hazards Encountered by Health Care Workers in BC
The goal of this project is to identify the specific chemical exposures commonly encountered in the healthcare worker setting in British Columbia, to assess the risk to health for healthcare providers, and to define appropriate exposure control measures to mitigate health risks. It will subsequently assess the biological and physical hazards related to these exposures, and will implement and evaluate control strategies.
| Principal Investigator: | George Astrakianakis (UBC) |
| Co-Investigators: | Tony Gilligan (OHSAH), Anne-Marie Nicol (UBC) |
| Funding Awarded: | $193,162 (2 years) |
| Competition Year: | 2010 |
Development of Analytical Tools to Investigate Aerosolized Cytotoxic Drugs
Completed
This research will use a systemic method to develop and validate an efficient air sampling technique in a controlled laboratory environment, making it possible to accurately assess even low levels of workers’ exposure to cytotoxic drugs. This will allow the establishment of more effective protocols to better control and manage hazardous drug contaminants within B.C. healthcare facilities.
| Principal Investigator: | Winnie Chu (UBC) |
| Co-investigators: | Quinn Danyluk (Fraser Health), Chun-Yip Hon (VCH), George Astrakianakis (OHSAH), Andrea Griffiths (VIHA) |
| Funding Awarded: | $29,750 |
| Competition Year: | 2008 |
Does Surgical Setting or Wait-time Incentive Improve Return to Work Following Knee Surgery among Injured Workers
Completed
The purpose of this study is to investigate whether there is a difference in disability outcomes by surgical care setting (private clinic or public hospital) and by an expedited wait time incentive for a population of injured workers undergoing musculoskeletal day surgery. Findings from this project have the potential to influence the design of compensation policy for the provision of surgical services for injured workers in private clinics and payments for expedited surgery.
| Principal Investigator: | Mieke Koehoorn (UBC) |
| Co-investigators: | Morris Barer, Kimberlyn McGrail (UBC), Pierre Côté (IWH) |
| Funding Awarded: | $178,837 (2 years) |
| Competition Year: | 2006 |
Early Intervention with Low Back Injured Workers Who are at Risk for Work Disability
Completed
This study will examine the effectiveness of a proactive enhanced model
of WCB service delivery to workers who are at higher risk of chronic disability.
A randomized clinical trial will be conducted to compare treatment outcomes
for low-back injured workers receiving early intervention (enhanced model
of care) versus those receiving the usual standard of care.
| Principal Investigator: | Izabela Schultz (UBC) |
| Co-investigators: | Gregory Meloche (WorkSafeBC), Kenneth Prkachin (University of Northern British Columbia) |
| Funding Awarded: | $269,066 (2 years) |
| Competition Year: | 2003 |
Early Mobilization of Hand Fractures
Completed
This study will evaluate whether there is sufficient evidence from controlled clinical trials that early mobilization of hand fractures enhances healing and improves function. It will also examine the prevalence and costs of hand fractures in B.C..
| Principal Investigator: | Samuel Sheps (UBC) |
| Co-investigator: | Ken Bassett (UBC) |
| Funding Awarded: | $31,256 (2 years) |
| Competition Year: | 2002 |
EMG-based Assessment & Classification of Low Back Pain
Completed
The purpose of this project is to develop a method that can discriminate reliably between normal subjects and patients with low back pain.
| Principal Investigator: | Theodore Milner (SFU) |
| Funding Awarded: | $40,000 (1 year) |
| Competition Year: | 2001 |
Evaluating Methods to use the Virtual Corset™ Inclinometer for Trunk Posture and Spinal Compression Measurements
Completed
The purpose of this study is to evaluate a tool for assessing spinal compression of the lower back, compared to two other existing methods, with the overall goal of efficiently and effectively identifying risk factors for reducing back injuries in industrial workplaces.
| Principal Investigator: | Mieke Koehoorn (UBC) |
| Co-investigators: | Catherine Trask, Kay Teschke, Judy Village (UBC), Peter Johnson (University of Washington), Jack Callaghan (University of Waterloo) |
| Funding Awarded: | $30,000 |
| Competition Year: | 2007 |
Exposure of Teachers to Occupational Hazards in High-School Technology-Education Shop
This research will investigate occupational hazards of teachers in high-school technology-education shops (TES). It will examine exposures such as noise, vibration, air quality, and lighting, as well as compliance with regulations and the factors affecting the exposures. The intent of the project is to prepare the groundwork for developing determinants-of-exposure models to guide subsequent interventions to make TES safer.
| Principal Applicant: | Murray Hodgson (UBC) |
| Co-Applicants: | Karen Bartlett, Hugh Davies, Mieke Koehoorn (UBC); Karen Langenmaier (BC Teachers' Federation); Michael Howard (BC Tech Ed Association) |
| Funding Awarded: | $42,388 (Innovation) |
| Competition Year: | 2011 |
Females Welding and the Unborn Child
Until recently, few women have been employed as welders and little is known about whether the exposures to metals or other tasks in welding might have an effect on fertility or the outcome of pregnancy. With increasing involvement of women in Alberta’s industries related to oil and gas, significant numbers of women are now working as welders or are in apprenticeship training for this trade. This project will carry out preparatory work to establish a cohort of female welding apprentices and develop the tools needed to assess their exposures and reproductive outcomes.
| Principal Investigator: | Nicola Cherry (University of Alberta) |
| Co-Investigators: | Jeremy Beach, Igor Burstyn (University of Alberta); Karen Nish (Suncor Energy Services Inc.); George Cembrowski (Alberta Health Services); Christopher Manning (NAIT) |
| Funding Awarded: | $26,050* |
| Competition Year: | 2010 |
* In partnership with Alberta Employment & Immigration
Healthcare Workers and Antineoplastic Drugs: Identifying the Determinants of Exposure and Current Challenges to Reducing Exposure
This research aims to identify the possible determinants of antineoplastic drug exposure in order to subsequently develop an evidence-based approach to minimize the exposure risk. It also aims to determine which factors are potential barriers to compliance with safe work procedures in order to facilitate changes in practices/attitudes.
| Principal Investigators: | Kay Teschke & Winnie Chu (UBC) |
| Co-investigators: | George Astrakianakis (OHSAH); Chun-Yip Hon (UBC), Prescillia Chua (Fraser Health), Robin Ensom (Vancouver Coastal Health & Providence Health Care) |
| Funding Awarded: | $263,325.70 (2 years) |
| Competition Year: | 2008 |
Identifying Possible Work-related Lung Cancer in the Clinical Setting — Getting Started
Completed
This study is designed to 1) test a lung cancer specific occupational exposure assessment tool, and to 2) identify barriers and facilitators in the practical implementation of an exposure assessment tool – from the perspective of both the health care team and the worker.
| Principal Investigators: | Linn Holness & Irena Kudla (St. Michael's Hospital) |
| Co-investigators: | Victor Hoffstein (St. Michael's Hospital, Ontario), Gary Liss (University of Toronto, Ontario) |
| Funding Awarded: | $29,897 |
| Competition Year: | 2006 |
In Vivo Measurements of Lumbar Mechanics from Ultrasound Imaging
Completed
This project will examine the reliability and validity of using ultrasound imaging to estimate muscle activation and intervertebral stiffness in the human lumbar spine.
| Principal Investigator: | Theodore E. Milner (SFU) |
| Funding Awarded: | $29,255 |
| Competition Year: | 2003 |
Injury rates, ergonomic factors and work conditions associated with musculoskeletal injuries among school custodians in British Columbia
Completed
This study will expand on a recent study conducted by the B.C. Safe Schools Association to determine accurate injury rates, duration and costs for custodial workers, as well as identifying ergonomic risk factors for injury.
| Principal Investigators: | Aleck Ostry and Mieke Koehoorn (UBC) |
| Funding Awarded: | $70,474 (2 years) |
| Competition Year: | 2004 |
Investigation of Occupational Exposures to Forestry Workers from Environmental Cryptococcus neoformans var. gattii
Completed
This project will examine trees in a managed forest near Victoria, B.C. for the presence of Cryptococcus neoformans var. gattii, a yeast that is new to Canada and is the cause of an emerging infectious disease. The project will examine the tasks performed by workers who may be limbing, felling or chipping trees and collect information on their respiratory health outcomes over the last five years.
| Principal Investigator: | Karen Bartlett (UBC) |
| Co-investigators: | Hugh Davies (UBC); Murray Fyfe (BCCDC) |
| Funding Awarded: | $30,000 |
| Competition Year: | 2003 |
Lift Devices to Reduce MSI Among Home Support Workers in B.C.
Completed
The purpose of this project is to design an affordable lift device for use in the home by home support workers. The device will be an ergonomically sound lifting mechanism that can be used with commercially available slings and ceiling tracks.
| Principal Investigator: | Nancy Paris (BCIT) |
| Co-investigators: | Helen Heacock, James Watzke (BCIT) |
| Funding Awarded: | $75,703 (2 years) |
| Competition Year: | 2001 |
Lift Devices to Reduce MSI Among Home Support Workers in B.C. — A Community Intervention
Completed
This study will field test a newly designed, affordable manual lifting device in the homes of 20 clients and their 60 home support workers. It will examine injury rates, compensation costs and psychological variables associated with the use of this device, compared to the use of a more expensive automated device.
| Principal Investigator: | Nancy Paris (BCIT) |
| Co-investigator: | Annalee Yassi (UBC) |
| Funding Awarded: | $299,444 (2 years) |
| Competition Year: | 2002 |
Longitudinal Analysis of Lung Function Data in a Saskatchewan Potash Mine
The long-term effect potash mining has on lung function and respiratory health is unknown. Although potash miners are exposed to a variety of airborne contaminants, there are relatively few studies provided on their health status. This research will conduct a longitudinal analysis of existing spirometry data from potash mines, to determine trends in lung function. It also expected that the data will highlight the areas of focus needed for further investigations on exposures and respiratory health effects in the potash industry.
| Principal Investigator: | Niels Koehncke (University of Saskatchewan) |
| Co-investigators: | Punam Pahwa, James Dosman, Louise Hagel (University of Saskatchewan), John Gjevre (Royal University Hospital) |
| Funding Awarded: | $30,000* |
| Competition Year: | 2008 |
* In partnership with the Saskatchewan WCB – budget fully supported by the Saskatchewan WCB
Measuring Respiratory Health at B.C. Work Places
Completed
The purpose of this request is to upgrade equipment used in occupational studies of respiratory disease. The funds will be used to replace two existing spirometry systems in the UBC Mobile Lung Function Laboratory and to upgrade the laboratory to allow the measurement of early, reversible, signs of airway inflammation in future studies.
| Principal Investigator: | Susan Kennedy (UBC) |
| Co-investigator: | Karen Bartlett (UBC) |
| Funding Awarded: | $ 49,011 (equipment grant) |
| Competition Year: | 2001 |
Occupational Diesel Exhaust: Mechanisms of Airway Reactivity that Inform Preventive Measures
How diesel exhaust triggers asthma is unclear. This research will test the idea that diesel exhaust triggers oxidative stress and airway narrowing in human asthmatics, and that this may be worsened by the additional insult of allergens. If this can be shown, then it could be concluded that reducing oxidative stress in workers (either by taking an “anti-oxidant” to ward off oxidative stress, or by changing the composition and/or use of diesel fuel) is a viable strategy.
| Principal Investigator: | Christopher Carlsten (UBC) |
| Co-investigator: | J. Mark Fitzgerald (UBC) |
| Funding Awarded: | $343,023 (2 years) |
| Competition Years: | 2011 |
Occupational Risk Identification for Ovarian Cancer
Completed
The purpose of this research study is to identify occupational risk factors for ovarian cancer. In addition, this study will provide up-to-date information on non-occupational risk factors (such as reproductive history, family history of cancer and lifestyle factors). Successful renewal application in 2004.
| Principal Investigator: | Nhu Le (B.C. Cancer Agency) |
| Co-investigators: | Richard Gallagher, Barbara Lang, Angela Brooks-Wilson, Kenneth Swenerton (B.C. Cancer Agency); Joel Bert, Paul Demers (UBC) |
| Funding Awarded: | $160,248 (2 years) $112,505 |
| Competition Years: | 2001 & 2004 |
Optimization of Ultrasound Guided Hyperosmolar Dextrose Injection Therapy for Chronic Tendinopathy
Completed
This research is about improving the treatment protocol for treating tendon pain. The researchers will investigate whether reducing the time span of the injection of a treatment solution in patients with plantar fasciitis will achieve similar good clinical outcomes in a significantly shorter time.
| Principal Investigator: | Jack Taunton (UBC) |
| Co-investigator: | Anthony Wong (St. Paul 's Hospital) |
| Funding Awarded: | $54,214.95 (2 years) |
| Competition Year: | 2007 |
Outcome Assessment of Clinical Practice Guidelines in the Medical and Chiropractic Management of Patients with Acute Mechanical Lower Back Pain: A Randomized Control Trial
Completed
The purpose of this project is to determine if evidence-based care is more effective than usual care in improving the functional status of patients with acute mechanical lower back pain and whether it is effective in improving time to return to work.
| Principal Investigator: | Paul Bishop (Combined Neurosurgical and Orthopaedic Spine Program) |
| Co-investigators: | Charles Fisher, Marcel Dvorak (Combined Neurosurgical and Orthopaedic Spine Program); Jeff Quon (UBC) |
| Funding Awarded: | $198,333 (2 years) |
| Competition Year: | 2004 |
Parkinson's Disease — Workplace Risk Factors
Completed
The purpose of this epidemiological study is to determine whether individuals whose workplace environment entails exposures to respiratory infections, pesticides, metals, solvents, vibrations, or stress have an increased risk of Parkinson's Disease. The study will also investigate whether certain individuals are more susceptible to such exposures and are, therefore, more likely to develop the disease.
| Principal Investigator: | Kay Teschke (UBC) |
| Co-investigators: | Stephen Marion, Joseph Tsui (UBC) |
| Funding Awarded: | $313,870 (2 years) |
| Competition Year: | 2001 |
| Funding Awarded: | $107,067 |
| Competition Year: | 2007 |
Posttraumatic Stress Disorder in Hospital Emergency Room Personnel
Completed
This project will examine the prevalence of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in emergency room staff, identify the workplace characteristics that contribute to traumatic stress, and examine ways to prevent and treat PTSD in healthcare workers.
| Principal Investigator: | Lynn Alden (UBC) |
| Funding Awarded: | $25,130 |
| Competition Year: | 2003 |
Prolotherapy in the Treatment of Supraspinatus Tendinopathy
The study proposes to test the effectiveness of Prolotherapy, a technique which has been shown to encourage tissue growth and repair in areas of the body, in the treatment of supraspinatus tendinopathy (shoulder tendinopathy).
| Principal Investigator: | Helene Bertrand (UBC) |
| Co-Investigators: | Janusz Kaczorowski (UBC); Cameron Bennett (Active Shoulder Clinics) |
| Funding Awarded: | $128,565 (2 years) |
| Competition Year: | 2010 |
Radon in British Columbia Work Places
Completed
This research will investigate the health risk to workers from radon in selected B.C. workplaces. The information gained will be used to develop a full research proposal aimed to formulate guidance for new policy and regulatory requirements in relation to radon entry prevention, and limited radon exposure, in the workplace.
| Principal Investigator: | Raymond Copes (BC Centre for Disease Control) |
| Co-investigator: | Brian Phillips (BC Centre for Disease Control) |
| Funding Awarded: | $29,870 |
| Competition Year: | 2006 |
Reduction of Asthma Risks Among Cleaners in the B.C. Healthcare Industry: Protocol Development
This research is about working with stakeholders (scientific experts and those in the work environment) in developing a research protocol for subsequent research aimed to identify feasible control measures or work environments most likely to be effective in reducing the risk of asthma among cleaners in the health care industry.
| Principal Investigators: | Susan M. Kennedy (UBC) and George Astrakianakis (OHSAH) |
| Co-investigators: | Annalee Yassi, Paul Demers (UBC), Malcolm Steinberg (OHSAH) |
| Funding Awarded: | $29,820 |
| Competition Year: | 2005 |
Selective Nerve Root Blocks Treatment of Acute Sciatica
Completed
This study will investigate whether a new treatment for sciatica is effective in improving functional status, reducing sciatica pain, returning patients to work and preventing surgery.
| Principal Investigators: | Paul Bishop (Vancouver Hospital), Maziar Badii (Arthritis Research Centre of Canada) |
| Co-investigators: | Jacek Kopec (Arthritis Research Centre of Canada) Matthew Liang (Harvard Medical School) |
| Funding Awarded: | $264,012 (2 years) |
| Competition Year: | 2002 |
Shift Work, Light-at-Night, and Melatonin: Characterizing a New Cancer-Related Occupational Exposure
Completed
This project will pilot test methods to directly measure light-at-night during a 24-hour, 7-day protocol and to correlate shift work with measurements of light-at-night and melatonin levels.
| Principal Investigator: | Marilyn Borugian (B.C. Cancer Agency) |
| Co-investigators: | Kristan Aronson (Queen's University); Richard Gallagher (B.C. Cancer Agency) |
| Funding Awarded: | $29,322 |
| Competition Year: | 2003 |
Shift-work Practice in British Columbia
Completed
The purpose of this study is to assess whether shift schedules used in B.C. have benefited from advances in knowledge of optimal shift design and whether workers receive training on techniques to improve adaptation.
| Principal Investigator: | Ralph Mistlberger (SFU) |
| Funding Awarded: | $100,001 (2 years) |
| Competition Year: | 2001 |
Shiftwork Education: Program Development and Evaluation
Closed
The purpose of this study is to examine whether workplace training programs
for shiftwork adaptation are effective and to determine whether a better
tool for training can be developed.
| Principal Investigator: | Ralph Mistlberger (SFU) |
| Co-investigators: | Guy A. Dumont; Cristina Conati, (UBC) |
| Funding Awarded: | $207,636 (2 years) |
| Competition Year: | 2004 |
Sustaining Health Care Professionals During Pandemic Influenza: A Pre-incident Pilot Project
Completed
This pilot project represents the first stage in developing more effective means of providing pre-incident education and psychosocial support for health care workers in the event of a pandemic influenza.
| Principal Investigator: | David R. Kuhl (Providence Health Care and UBC) |
| Co-investigators: | Denys J. Carrier, Linda MacNutt, Paul R. Whitehead, Raymond Barnard (Providence Health Care) |
| Funding Awarded: | $30,000 |
| Competition Year: | 2005 |
Systematic Review of Process & Implementation of Participatory Ergonomic (PE) Interventions: Stakeholder Engagement
Completed
This systematic review aims to determine the factors that facilitate or act as barriers to the process and implementation of participatory ergonomic interventions (used as a method for reducing musculoskeletal disorders) in workplaces – with a goal to provide recommendations as warranted by the literature.
| Principal Investigator: | Dwayne Van Eerd (IWH) |
| Co-investigators: | Donald Cole, Emma Irvin (IWH) |
| Funding Awarded: | $21,500* |
| Competition Year: | 2006 |
*In partnership with the Workers' Compensation Board of Manitoba
Tendinosis and Tendon Regeneration: Roles of Apoptosis and Insulin-like Growth Factor-I
Completed
Work-related musculoskeletal disorders comprise the majority of injury claims in B.C. Repetitive-use tendinopathies (commonly called “tendonitis”) of the upper extremity are common but its cause is not fully understood and its treatment is frequently unsuccessful. This study will test a treatment aimed to help repair tendinosis.
| Principal Investigator: | Karim Khan (UBC) |
| Co-investigator: | Vincent Duronio (UBC) |
| Funding Awarded: | $179,468 (2 years) |
| Competition Year: | 2006 |
Tendinosis and Tendon Regeneration: Roles of Apoptosis and Insulin-Like Growth Factor-I
Completed
This project will examine tissues removed during the normal course of rotator cuff surgeries for evidence of apoptosis - a process in which cells activate death-inducing enzymes in response to various stimulii. An animal model will also be used to test whether a new drug, insulin-like growth factor (IGF-I), can create stronger, more fully regenerated tendons following repetitive strain injury.
| Principal Investigators: | Vincent Duronio, Karim Khan (UBC) |
| Co-investigator: | Alexander Scott (UBC) |
| Funding Awarded: | $29,953 |
| Competition Year: | 2003 |
The Effect of Subject Awareness in Assessing the Probability of Slip and Fall Accidents
Completed
This study will quantify the effect of subject awareness on the probability of slipping and falling on low friction surfaces. The data collected will be used to validate three types of meters used to measure shoe/floor friction.
| Principal Investigator: | Gunter Siegmund (UBC) |
| Co-investigators: | David Sanderson, Timothy Inglis (UBC) |
| Funding Awarded: | $69,118 (2 years) |
| Competition Year: | 2002 |
The Prevalence, Nature and Risks of Voice Problems In Teachers
Completed
The purpose of this project is to develop and pre-test a questionnaire on occupational risk factors for voice disorders.
| Principal Investigator: | Linda Rammage (UBC) |
| Co-investigators: | Lynne Sinclair, Charlie Naylor (British Columbia Teachers' Federation) |
| Funding Awarded: | $40,000 (2 years) |
| Competition Year: | 2001 |
The Role of Mast Cells and Nerves in Overuse Tendinopathy: Clinical and Laboratory Studies
Activity related soft tissue disorders are a major cause of work-related pain and disability. Often, the cause of the pain is not known. The purpose of this research is to gain greater understanding of tendinosis as a potential cause of pain in workers with lateral epicondylitis (tennis elbow).
| Principal Investigator: | Alex Scott (UBC) |
| Co-investigators: | David Hart, Kevin Hildebrand (University of Calgary); Thomas Goetz (UBC); |
| Funding Awarded: | $30,000 |
| Competition Year: | 2011 |
The Use of Induced Sputum as an Additional Diagnostic Indicator of an Asthmatic Reaction to Red Cedar after Specific Inhalation Challenge Testing
Completed
The purpose of this project is to determine whether the diagnosis of
Western Red Cedar Asthma can be made reliably with electronic peak flow
meters and to determine whether this method is as good as the much more
expensive method currently used by the WCB of B.C..
| Principal Investigator: | Raja Abboud (UBC) |
| Co-investigator: | Moira Yeung (UBC) |
| Funding Awarded: | $36,184 (2 years) |
| Competition Year: | 2004 |
Trace Metal and Pesticide Exposure in Tree Planting in British Columbia
Completed
This study will examine tree planter exposure to fertilizers and their heavy metal contaminants to determine if health complaints associated with this exposure are more frequent with this group than with other occupational cohorts. This knowledge will be useful in developing preventative measures that could reduce or eliminate a potential workplace hazard.
| Principal Investigators: | Ernst Stjernberg (FERIC), and Hugh W. Davies (UBC) |
| Co-investigator: | Christian Van Netten (UBC) |
| Funding Awarded: | $29,925 |
| Competition Year: | 2005 |
Ultrasound Guided Dextrose Injections as a New Treatment for Chronic Overuse Tendon Injuries
Completed
This research is designed to test the effectiveness of an ultrasound guided injection of specially prepared dextrose solution to reduce pain and improve the physical ability of individuals who have experienced tendon pain for an extended period of time. The study intends to focus on injuries specific to Achilles, heel, knee, and elbow tendons.
| Principal Investigator: | Jack Taunton (UBC) |
| Co-investigator: | Anthony Wong (St. Paul's Hospital) |
| Funding Awarded: | $18,912 |
| Competition Year: | 2006 |
Who Works Where? Building Occupational Research Capacity in the British Columbia Linked Health Database
Completed
This project will construct 'employment status' and 'industry of employment' variables in the B.C. Linked Health Database (BCLHD), to increase the utility of the BCLHD in answering occupational health research questions.
| Principal Investigator: | Mieke Koehoorn (UBC) |
| Co-investigators: | Kimberlyn McGrail, Kay Teschke (UBC) |
| Funding Awarded: | $29,983 |
| Competition Year: | 2003 |
Women’s Heath in Apprenticeship Trades - Metal Workers and Electricians (WHAT-ME)
This project builds on previous WorkSafeBC-funded research designed to establish a cohort of female welders that can be used to examine, prospectively, whether female welders are at increased risk of adverse pregnancy outcome and to identify exposures and work practices that are associated with higher risk. It will also chart the incidence of potentially work-related conditions (asthma, dermatitis, musculoskeletal pain) to relate these to history of exposures. The purpose is to identify work hazards that can be prevented, resulting in safer work places for both male and female trades persons.
| Principal Investigator: | Nicola Cherry (University of Alberta) |
| Co-investigators: | Jeremy Beach, George Cembrowski, Julaine Herst (University of Alberta); Christopher Manning (NAIT) |
| Funding Awarded: | $197,786* (2 years) |
| Competition Year: | 2011 |
*In partnership with Alberta Employment & Immigration