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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 (University of British Columbia), Barbara Lang (B.C. Cancer Agency), Emma Guns (Prostate Center at Vancouver Hospital) |
| Funding Awarded | $119,793 (2 years) |
| Year Funded: | 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 (Forest Engineering Research Institute of Canada) |
| Co-investigators: | Eric J. Phillips (Forest Engineering Research Institute of Canada); James B. Morrison (Simon Fraser University); Doug Weber (University of Alberta) |
| Workplace Partners: | Weyerhaeuser Canada Ltd.; Western Silvicultural Contractors Association; Akehurst & Giltrap Reforestation; Quastuco Silviculture Ltd., FERIC Member companies |
| Funding Awarded: | $29,935 |
| Year Funded: | 2004 |
A Prospective Study of the Effectiveness of Early Intervention with Low Back Injured Workers Who are at Risk for Work Disability
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 (University of British Columbia) |
| Co-investigators: | Gregory Meloche (WorkSafeBC), Kenneth Prkachin (University of Northern British Columbia) |
| Funding Awarded: | $269,066 (2 years) |
| Year Funded: | 2003 |
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 (University of British Columbia) |
| Co-investigators: | Richard Gallagher (B.C. Cancer Agency), Kay Teschke (University of British Columbia), Pam Ratner (University of British Columbia), Nhu Le (B.C. Cancer Agency), John Spinelli (B.C. Cancer Agency) |
| Funding Awarded: | $365,170 (2 years) |
| Year Funded: | 2001 |
Airway Obstruction and Hypersensitivity among Young Workers: 15 Year Follow up of Machinist and Construction Apprentices
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 (University of British Columbia) |
| Co-investigators: | Kay Teschke, Karen Bartlett, Mark Fitzgerald, Paul Demers, Stephen Marion, Anne-Marie Nicol (University of British Columbia) |
| Funding Awarded: | $397,694 (2 years) |
| Year Funded: | 2003 |
| Funding Awarded: | $128,351* |
| Year Funded: | 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 (Occupational Health and Safety Agency for Healthcare in B.C.) |
| Co-investigators: | Philip Bigelow, Annalee Yassi, (University of British Columbia); Robert Klassen, Cheryl Clarke (Fraser Health Authority) |
| Workplace partners: | Health Employers' Association of B.C.; B.C. Nurses' Union, Health Sciences Association; Hospital Employees' Union; Occupational Health and Safety Agency for Healthcare |
| Funding Awarded: | $27,438 |
| Year Funded: | 2004 |
Assessing Exposures to Compost Workers from Airborne Biohazards
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 (University of British Columbia) |
| Co-investigators: | James Atwater, Kay Teschke (University of British Columbia) |
| Funding Awarded: | $399,743 (2 years) |
| Year Funded: | 2006 |
Back Injuries in Heavy Industries: Forestry, Wood and Paper Products, Construction, Transportation and Warehousing. Phase 1: Health Care History of Back Injuries and Risk Factor Exposure Assessment.
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.
| Principal Investigators: | Kay Teschke and Mieke Koehoorn (University of British Columbia) |
| Co-investigators: | Hugh Davies, Paul Demers, Murray Hodgson (University of British Columbia); Peter Johnson (University of Washington) |
| Workplace Partners: | Industrial, Wood and Allied Workers of Canada; Forest Industry Health Research Program; Pulp, Paper and Woodworkers of Canada; Communication, Energy and Paperworkers Union of Canada |
| Funding Awarded: | $358,674 (2 years) |
| Back Study Website: | http://www.cher.ubc.ca/backstudy.htm |
| Year Funded: | 2003 |
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 (University of British Columbia) |
| Co-investigators: | Thomas R. Oxland (University of British Columbia), John-Paul D. Veri (University of British Columbia) (St. Paul's Hospital) |
| Funding Awarded: | $31,896 |
| Year Funded: | 2002 |
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 (University of British Columbia) |
| Co-investigators: | Kay Teschke (University of British Columbia), Clyde Hertzman (University of British Columbia) |
| Workplace Partners: | Canadian Forest Products Ltd. Communications, Energy and Paperworkers Union of Canada Industrial, Wood & Allied Workers of Canada |
| Funding Awarded: | $56,232 (2 years) |
| Year Funded: | 2002 |
Carcinogen Surveillance Program
Complete
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 (University of British Columbia) |
| Co-investigators: | Nhu Le (B.C. Cancer Agency); Kay Teschke (University of British Columbia) |
| Funding Awarded: | $80,490 (2 years) |
| Year Funded: | 2003 |
Determining Injury Rates and Ergonomic and Psychosocial Work Conditions Among School Custodians in British Columbia
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 (University of British Columbia) |
| Workplace Partners: | Union of Operating Engineers Vancouver School Board |
| Funding Awarded: | $70,474 (2 years) |
| Year Funded: | 2004 |
Development and Evaluation of a Model for a Home Care Ceiling Lift Program in B.C.
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 - Institute of Health Promotion Research) |
| Co-investigators: | Nancy Paris, James Watzke (BC Institute of Technology) |
| Funding Awarded: | $93,772 |
| Year Funded: | 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 (University of British Columbia) |
| Co-investigators: | Silvia Raschke (British Columbia Institute of Technology); Yvette Jones (Simon Fraser University / British Columbia Institute of Technology); Daniel Robinson (Occupational Health & Safety Agency for Healthcare) |
| Funding Awarded: | $28,310 |
| Year Funded: | 2003 |
Do Pain-Related Fear, Catastrophizing, Depression and Negative Affectivity Predict Pain-Related Disability and Treatment Outcomes?
This project will examine whether depression and/or pain-related fears
(e.g., fear of pain, movement and/or re-injury) can predict rehabilitation
and return-to-work outcomes for workers with soft-tissue injuries, and
whether those psychosocial variables are improved by participation in
a standard Occupational Rehabilitation Program.
| Principal Investigator: | Kenneth Craig (University of British Columbia) |
| Co-investigators: | Elizabeth Bannerman, Wesley Buch, Graham Struthers (Behavioural Health Care) |
| Funding Awarded: | $97,500 (2 years) |
| Year Funded: | 2003 |
Does Radon Present a Health Risk to B.C. Workers?
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 |
| Year Funded: | 2006 |
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 (University of British Columbia) |
| Co-investigator: | Ken Bassett (University of British Columbia) |
| Workplace Partners: | Visiting Specialist's Clinic |
| Funding Awarded: | $31,256 (2 years) |
| Year Funded: | 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 (Simon Fraser University) |
| Funding Awarded: | $40,000 (1 year) |
| Year Funded: | 2001 |
Evaluating the Inclinometer as a Novel Approach to Estimate Spinal Compression for the Epidemiological and Occupational Field Studies of Back Injuries 
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 (University of British Columbia) |
| Co-investigators: | Catherine Trask, Kay Teschke, Judy Village (University of British Columbia), Peter Johnson (University of Washington), Jack Callaghan (University of Waterloo) |
| Funding Awarded: | $30,000 |
| Year Funded: | 2007 |
Evaluation of Electronically Recorded Occupational Peak Flow Monitoring and Weekly Occupational Change in Spirometry as Substitutes for Inhalation Challenge Testing in Red Cedar Asthma
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 (University of British Columbia) |
| Co-investigator: | Moira Yeung (University of British Columbia) |
| Funding Awarded: | $36,184 (2 years) |
| Year Funded: | 2004 |
Identifying Possible Work-related Lung Cancer in the Clinical Setting — Getting Started
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 |
| Year Funded: | 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 (Simon Fraser University) |
| Funding Awarded: | $29,255 |
| Year Funded: | 2003 |
Investigating Outcomes for Musculoskeletal Surgeries Among Injured Workers in B.C.
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 (University of British Columbia) |
| Co-investigators: | Morris Barer, Kimberlyn McGrail (UBC), Pierre Côté (IWH) |
| Funding Awarded: | $178,837 (2 years) |
| Year Funded: | 2006 |
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 (University of British Columbia) |
| Co-investigators: | Hugh Davies (University of British Columbia); Murray Fyfe (Institution British Columbia Centre for Disease Control) |
| Workplace Partners: | Capital Regional District Water Department; Western Forest Products Ltd. |
| Funding Awarded: | $30,000 |
| Year Funded: | 2003 |
Is Sarcoidosis Present among B.C. Workers Potentially Exposed to Beryllium – A Preliminary Study to Guide Future Surveillance
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 (Simon Fraser University) |
| Co-investigators: | Paul Demers, Christopher McLeod, Mieke Koehoorn (University of British Columbia) |
| Funding Awarded: | $30,000 |
| Year Funded: | 2007 |
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 (B.C. Institute of Technology) |
| Co-investigators: | Helen Heacock (B.C. Institute of Technology), James Watzke (B.C. Institute of Technology) |
| Funding Awarded: | $75,703 (2 years) |
| Year Funded: | 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 (British Columbia Institute of Technology) |
| Co-investigator: | Annalee Yassi (Occupational Health and Safety Agency for Healthcare in B.C.) |
| Workplace Partners: | The Community Home Support Services Association Delta
Home Support Langley Home Support |
| Funding Awarded: | $299,444 (2 years) |
| Year Funded: | 2002 |
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 (University of British Columbia) |
| Co-investigator: | Karen Bartlett (University of British Columbia) |
| Funding Awarded: | $ 49,011 (equipment grant) |
| Year Funded: | 2001 |
Occupational Risk Identification for Ovarian Cancer
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).
| Principal Investigator: | Nhu Le (B.C. Cancer Agency) |
| Co-investigators: | Richard Gallagher (B.C. Cancer Agency), Joel Bert (University of British Columbia), Barbara Lang (B.C. Cancer Agency) |
| Funding Awarded: | $160,248 (2 years) |
| Year Funded: | 2001 |
Occupational Exposures to Fertilizer and Contaminants in British Columbia Tree Planters
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 (Forest Engineering Research Institute of Canada), and Hugh W. Davies (University of British Columbia) |
| Co-investigator: | Christian Van Netten (University of British Columbia) |
| Workplace Partners: | Western Silviculture Contractors Canada |
| Funding Awarded: | $29,925 |
| Year Funded: | 2005 |
Occupational Risk Identification for Ovarian Cancer
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).
| Principal Investigator: | Nhu Le (B.C. Cancer Agency) |
| Co-investigators: | Richard Gallagher (B.C. Cancer Agency), Joel Bert (University of British Columbia), Barbara Lang (B.C. Cancer Agency) |
| Funding Awarded: | $160,248 (2 years) |
| Year Funded: | 2001 |
Occupational Risk Identification for Ovarian Cancer - Application for Renewal of Funding
This research is a continuation of a project previously funded by the
WSBC. It is focused on the occupational health of women and on determining
whether an association exists between ovarian cancer and specific occupations.
If an association is found, this project will also ascertain whether the
risk of cancer is increased because of exposure to chemicals in the workplace.
| Principal Investigator: | Nhu Le (B.C. Cancer Agency) |
| Co-investigators: | Richard Gallagher, Angela Brooks-Wilson, Kenneth Swenerton (B.C. Cancer Agency); Paul Demers (University of British Columbia) |
| Funding Awarded: | $112,505 |
| Year Funded: | 2004 |
Optimization of Ultrasound Guided Hyperosmolar Dextrose Injection Therapy for Chronic Tendinopathy
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 (University of British Columbia) |
| Co-investigator: | Anthony Wong (St. Paul 's Hospital) |
| Funding Awarded: | $54,214.95 (2 years) |
| Year Funded: | 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
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 (University of British Columbia) |
| Funding Awarded: | $198,333 (2 years) |
| Year Funded: | 2004 |
Parkinson's Disease — Workplace Risk Factors and Host Susceptibility
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 (University of British Columbia) |
| Co-investigators: | Stephen Marion, Joseph Tsui (University of British Columbia) |
| Funding Awarded: | $313,870 (2 years) |
| Year Funded: | 2001 |
| Funding Awarded: | $107,067 |
| Year Funded: | 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 (University of British Columbia) |
| Funding Awarded: | $25,130 |
| Year Funded: | 2003 |
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 (University of British Columbia) and George Astrakianakis (Occupational Health and Safety Agency for Healthcare) |
| Co-investigators: | Annalee Yassi (University of British Columbia), Malcolm Steinberg (Occupational Health and Safety Agency for Healthcare), Paul Demers (School of Occupational and Environmental Health) |
| Workplace Partners: | Sodexho, B.C. Nurses Union, Hospital Employees Union |
| Funding Awarded: | $29,820 |
| Year Funded: | 2005 |
Selective Nerve Root Blocks Treatment of Acute Sciatica
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) |
| Year Funded: | 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 |
| Year Funded: | 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 (Simon Fraser University) |
| Funding Awarded: | $100,001 (2 years) |
| Year Funded: | 2001 |
Shiftwork Education: Program Development and Evaluation
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 (Simon Fraser University) |
| Co-investigators: | Guy A. Dumont; Cristina Conati, (University of British Columbia) |
| Funding Awarded: | $207,636 (2 years) |
| Year Funded: | 2004 |
Sustaining Health Care Professionals During Pandemic Influenza: A Pre-incident Pilot Project
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 University of British Columbia) |
| Co-investigators: | Denys J. Carrier, Linda MacNutt, Paul R. Whitehead, Raymond Barnard (Providence Health Care) |
| Workplace partners: | Dr. Dan Kalla, Ms. Kit Schindell, Ms. Stephanie Hennessy, Ms. Wendy Scott, Ms. Bouita Elliott |
| Funding Awarded: | $30,000 |
| Year Funded: | 2005 |
Systematic Review of Process & Implementation of Participatory Ergonomic (PE) Interventions: Stakeholder Engagement
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 (Institute for Work & Health, Toronto, Ontario) |
| Co-investigators: | Donald Cole, Emma Irvin (IWH) |
| Funding Awarded: | $21,500* |
| Year Funded: | 2006 |
*In partnership with the Workers' Compensation Boards of Manitoba and Saskatchewan
Tendinosis and Tendon Regeneration: Roles of Apoptosis and Insulin-like Growth Factor-I
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 (University of British Columbia) |
| Co-investigator: | Vincent Duronio (UBC) |
| Funding Awarded: | $179,468 (2 years) |
| Year Funded: | 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 (University of British Columbia) |
| Co-investigator: | Alexander Scott (University of British Columbia) |
| Funding Awarded: | $29,953 |
| Year Funded: | 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 (University of British Columbia) |
| Co-investigators: | David Sanderson (University of British Columbia) Timothy Inglis (University of British Columbia) |
| Funding Awarded: | $69,118 (2 years) |
| Year Funded: | 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 (University of British Columbia) |
| Co-investigators: | Lynne Sinclair (British Columbia Teachers' Federation), Charlie Naylor (British Columbia Teachers' Federation) |
| Funding Awarded: | $40,000 (2 years) |
| Year Funded: | 2001 |
Ultrasound Guided Dextrose Injections as a New Treatment for Chronic Overuse Tendon Injuries
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 (University of British Columbia) |
| Co-investigator: | Anthony Wong (St. Paul's Hospital) |
| Funding Awarded: | $18,912 |
| Year Funded: | 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 (University of British Columbia) |
| Co-investigators: | Kimberlyn McGrail, Kay Teschke (University of British Columbia) |
| Funding Awarded: | $29,983 |
| Year Funded: | 2003 |