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WorkSafeBC

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Research results

The following research projects have full summaries of completed research online. They give an overview of the issue being addressed and key findings, as well as a description of how the study was done, the results and conclusions, and any information about publications based on the funded research. An index of completed research projects with full reports is also available.

Projects are grouped under the following thematic categories:

Compensation, disability management and return-to-work

Investigating the longer-term health consequences of work-related injuries among youth
This project examined the impact of work-related injuries among B.C. youth, using workers’ compensation and health care use data. The research found that work injuries for youth were associated with significant long term health consequences, and that this was especially true for musculoskeletal injuries (MSIs).

Long-term impact of western red cedar asthma on work, health and quality of life
This project examined the current respiratory health and quality of life of BC workers diagnosed with Western red cedar asthma (WRCA) since 1972. Information about work history, current employment, exposure status, respiratory symptoms and overall quality of life were gathered through telephone interviews. Findings indicate that WRCA can impact quality of life as well as respiratory health. The most favourable outcomes were experienced by individuals who continued working after diagnosis, particularly when this work did not involve further WRC exposure.

Measuring health outcomes: An empirical comparison of adaptive and standard questionnaires (Arthritis Research Centre of Canada)
This project developed and evaluated a computerized adaptive questionnaire for measuring health outcomes for patients with back pain. The questionnaire was completed by patients with mechanical back pain, and the questionnaire’s validity, feasibility and efficiency were assessed.

Workplace injury management: Using new technology to deliver and evaluate physician continuing medical education
In this study, physician Continuing Medical Education modules on two subjects (lateral epicondylitis and physician's role in Return to Work) were developed and evaluated. The modules were delivered in four different formats: video conferencing, web-based training, small group outreach visits and conference lectures).

Changing nature of work and work environment

Mobile Equipment Safety System
Many fatalities and serious injuries occur when workers are struck by or caught in heavy mobile equipment, such as forklifts, log loaders, dump trucks and bulldozers. This project developed a wireless system that can detect unsafe distances between people and heavy equipment, and shut down or slow the machinery when this occurs. In year one of the project, radio wave sensor technology was integrated into the design and a prototype was added to a forklift and successfully tested. In year two, several improvements were made, and the system was pilot tested in overhead cranes at an industrial worksite. The project team is now testing the system at industrial jobsites with different types of equipment, and expects it to be ready for introduction to the marketplace in the near future.

Using Remotely Operated Jacks to Fall Dangerous Trees
The project conducted a preliminary analysis of whether light-weight remotely operated jacks can be used to fall dangerous trees, in order to reduce the risk of injury to hand fallers. Using a mathematical model, the researcher assessed whether the holding wood (the wood left in place after initial cuts are made at the base of the tree) would be strong enough to keep the tree stationary while setting the jack, but also be weak enough to enable a lightweight jack to fall the tree while operated from a safe distance. Results showed that remote jacks can be used to fall dangerous trees, but further work is needed to determine how best to make sure the tree remains stationary while setting the jack.

Intervention research

A test re-test reliability study of the hands-free technique and safety climate questionnaire in B.C. operating room nurses
This project evaluated a new questionnaire about operating room nurses' and technicians' use of the Hands Free Technique (HFT), a safe work practice that helps prevent injuries and contamination of operating room personnel during surgeries. The questionnaire examined aspects of HFT use and workplace safety climate.

Examining the cost-benefit of additional staffing in long term care (LTC) facilities
This project examines the staffing/injury rate relationship in 174 Long-Term Care (LTC) facilities through an exploratory analysis of WorkSafeBC injury databases linked with Labour Relations Board (LRB) staffing databases. The staffing/injury rate relationship was examined across care levels and occupational groups.

Increasing Access to Radiation Safety Training and Validating its Effectiveness in Improving Work Practices Involving Radiation
In this project, researchers developed four training modules in online and DVD formats, with the goal of improving staff access to radiation safety training. The modules developed were: Radiation Safety Basics, Radiation Safety for Nursing Staff, Radiation Safety for Nuclear Medicine Technologists, and Safe Use of Fluoroscopy. To assess whether the modules were effective in transferring knowledge and improving work practices involving radiation, a pilot study was conducted in three B.C. health authorities. The modules were found to be effective and are being integrated into staff orientation procedures and training resources.

Inter-rater Reliability Assessment of an Audit Tool for OH&S Management Systems in Healthcare
This project assessed the reliability of a new, standardized health and safety program audit tool developed for use in health care environments. Audits of health and safety programs in four departments within a B.C. health authority were conducted by two independent auditors using the audit tool, and the consistency of the results was assessed. The implications of the findings for future research and evaluation of health care health and safety programs are discussed.

Reducing Cytotoxic Drug Exposure in Healthcare: Determinants Influencing Cleaning Effectiveness
Cytotoxic drugs are commonly used in healthcare facilities to treat cancer and other diseases. Although guidelines for handling cytotoxic drugs exist, studies have shown that contamination can occur even when proper engineering controls are in place. This can expose health care workers to these hazardous substances, which are associated with adverse health effects. This project involved laboratory research to assess the effectiveness of the cleaning agents currently in use in B.C. to clean surfaces contaminated with cytotoxic drugs. The research team also provides recommendations based on the findings.

Summative Evaluation of the Fish Safe Stability Education Program: A Multifaceted Approach
This project evaluated the Fish Safe Stability Education Program (FSSEP). The program offers a user friendly, four-day course in fishing vessel stability principles, which are critical for preventing capsizings and fatalities in the B.C. commercial fishing industry. The course uses a technique called “indirect instruction”, which is learner focused and draws on the practical on-the-job knowledge fishermen have gained in their many years of fishing. Input from fishermen who have taken the course was collected through a questionnaire survey and focus group discussions. The evaluation found that the course was highly rated by participants, with almost all indicating they learned something from the course, and the majority having made changes to vessels and operating practices to minimize stability threats.

Tracking BBF exposures: The implementation of the Exposure Prevention Information Network (EPINet™ at VIHA)
This project implemented a surveillance system to track blood and body fluid (BBF) exposures within the Vancouver Island Health Authority. The Exposure Prevention Intervention Network (EPINet™) system, which is the gold standard for BBF surveillance, was adapted for use in the B.C. health care context and incorporated into the existing Workplace Health Indicator Tracking and Evaluation (WHITE™) database developed by the Occupational Health and Safety Agency for Healthcare (OHSAH). Injury rates were calculated and data were compared with other health authorities who have also implemented the EPINet™ system.

WorkSmart: A Warehouse Safety Video and Curriculum for Employees with Developmental Disabilities
This project developed a safety training program for individuals with developmental disabilities who work in entry level warehouse positions. Training tools include a ten minute video, facilitator’s guide, employee handbook and pictorial participant quiz. Pilot testing found that participants enjoyed the course, gained new information and transferred their learning to the workplace.

Workplace Emergency Planning Inclusive of People with Disabilities
Planning for alternative communications and inclusive evacuation and recovery procedures is critical to the safety of workers with disabilities in disaster situations such as fires, floods, hazard material incidents and earthquakes. This research project examined current workplace emergency planning practice in B.C. to determine how inclusive it is of the needs of people with disabilities. The literature review and key informant interviews also examined emergency planning in other Canadian provinces and the United States to identify best practices that could be applied in B.C. The BC Coalition of People with Disabilities (BCCPD) has developed a handbook on emergency planning in the workplace based on the findings.

Occupational injury and illness — causes, diagnosis, prevention

A case-control study to identify agricultural chemicals associated with increased risk of prostate cancer and in vitro screening of their endocrine disruption activities
A matched case-control study was conducted to identify agricultural chemicals that are associated with prostate cancer. These chemicals were then evaluated for endocrine-disrupting properties, through in vitro screening.

A pilot study to develop guidelines for reducing tree planter injuries
This project was a pilot study of MSI risk factors in tree planting, involving the measurement and characterization of ergonomic risk factors such as posture, muscle exertions, vibration and shock. The research was aimed at enabling a larger study on MSI risk factors and prevention in tree planting, and the development of MSI prevention guidelines for the industry.

A retrospective cohort study of mortality and cancer incidence among registered nurses in British Columbia
This study examined the risk of cancer for registered nurses (RNs) in B.C. The study used a retrospective cohort design involving over 58,000 RNs registered in B.C. from 1974 to 2000. Results showed that RNs had a lower risk than the general population for most cancers. However there was a higher risk of specific cancers for some job categories, exposures and with increasing number of years worked, compared to other RNs in the cohort.

Are mathematical models an appropriate surrogate for exposure monitoring when establishing respiratory protective requirements for the clean-up of small indoor chemical spills?
This project evaluated mathematical models to see if they could accurately predict the airborne concentrations resulting from chemical spills and help identify the level of respiratory protection needed. Researchers conducted simulated spills with chemicals often used in hospital laboratories, then compared the measured airborne levels with the concentrations predicted by the exposure models. None of the models accurately predicted the actual airborne concentrations that resulted from the spills.

Back Injuries in Heavy Industries, Part A: Defining Back Injury Outcomes for Research Purposes
This study examined patterns of back injury related health care contacts among  116,268 B.C. workers in heavy industries, using medical services, hospitalization and workers compensation data from 1992 to 2001. The aim of the study was to better understand how back injuries arise and change over time, and to identify when a new back injury arises (as opposed to a chronic or episodic injury). The distinct patterns of back injury identified in the study and the definition of new back injuries will be useful for future research on the causes of occupational back injuries, and for clinicians who want to better understand health care seeking behaviours of those suffering from back injury. This study was part of Phase One of a program of research to examine the causes of back injuries in five at-risk heavy industries and test interventions to reduce these injuries.  Phase One also included the study: Back Injuries in Heavy Industries: Risk Factor Exposure Assessment.

Back Injuries in Heavy Industries, Part B: Risk Factor Exposure Assessment
The primary goal of this study was to identify successful and cost-effective exposure measurement techniques that health researchers can use to study the causes of back disorders. To accomplish this goal, researchers measured the exposures of 126 workers employed in five major heavy industries in B.C., using five different exposure assessment methods. Three of these methods used instruments that took direct measurements of some of the most important risk factors for back disorders: posture and bending; muscle activity due to both posture and materials handling; and vibration of the body due to operating a vehicle. The other two methods gathered less detailed yet wider-ranging information about risk factors through once per minute observation of work, and through end-of-shift interviews with workers.

Cancer and occupational exposure to pentachlorophenol and tetrachlorophenol
This study examined the effects of pentachlorophenol (PCP) and tetrachlorophenol (TCP), two fungicides that were used broadly in BC’s lumber industry between 1950 and 1990. Both substances are chlorophenols – a group of chemicals classified as potential carcinogens by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC). Data from the BC Sawmill Cohort was linked with cancer registry data and workers’ exposures were estimated to examine the risk of cancer for B.C. sawmill workers exposed to PCP and TCP.

Carcinogen Surveillance Program
This project developed new estimates of how many workers are exposed to cancer causing agents in B.C. workplaces. The estimates were developed by using a modified version of CAREX, the International Information System on Occupational Exposure to Carcinogens, and integrating additional data sources, such as detailed B.C. and Ontario labour force estimates, workplace carcinogen exposure measurements, government reports, B.C. cancer studies and other published research. Findings include estimates of the 10 most common workplace carcinogens in B.C. and the number of workers estimated to be exposed to each.

Development and Evaluation of a Model for a Home Care Ceiling Lift Program in B.C.
A model program for implementing ceiling lifts in home care settings in B.C. was developed.  Based on a review of the relevant literature and other information such as existing programs in other locations, the research team prepared an initial home care ceiling lift program model.  After interviewing a variety of home care stakeholders about the potential model, the program elements and options were prioritized. The resulting program model also takes into account goals and success indicators.

Development of a method for quantifying biomechanical risk factors associated with manual and mechanically assisted patient handling
This project developed and evaluated methods for examining the biomechanical risk factors associated with manual and mechanically assisted techniques for patient handling tasks. Two biomechanical approaches were developed and evaluated by using them to compare the forces associated with two techniques for repositioning patients in bed: use of a slider sheet (manual method) and use of an overhead lift (mechanically assisted method).

Early Intervention with Low Back Injured Workers Who are at Risk for Work Disability
A randomized controlled trial was conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of early intervention (EI) within a workers’ compensation setting, for high and moderate risk workers with a back injury, who have been off work for 4–10 weeks. The key outcomes evaluated were return to work (RTW) rates, health care and disability costs, and work days lost. This project builds on an earlier pilot study that showed that EI can reduce time loss outcomes in a workers’ compensation setting.

Elevated jackhammer support: Development and evaluation of a jackhammer support device to reduce musculoskeletal injuries among construction workers
This study involved the design, fabrication and testing of a jackhammer support device. The support device was field tested by construction workers who use jackhammers on a daily basis.

Identifying Possible Work-Related Lung Cancer in the Clinical Setting – Getting Started
This pilot study confirmed the feasibility of using a questionnaire to assess the workplace exposures of lung cancer patients in a clinical setting. In the study, patients filled out questionnaires about their history of workplace exposures and the results were compared with findings of interviews conducted by an occupational hygienist. Key informant interviews with clinicians were also conducted to identify barriers and facilitators to clinicians investigating and reporting work-related lung cancer. Recommendations are provided for using patient-filled questionnaires to increase the reporting of possible work-related cancers and the appropriate referral of patients for further investigation.

In vivo measurements of lumbar mechanics from ultrasound imaging
This project evaluated the use of ultrasound imaging for providing information about the muscle mechanics of the lower back. Ultrasound images of lumbar trunk muscles were assessed for their potential application in quantifying the strength of muscle contraction, intervertebral stiffness and muscle stiffness.

Injury rates, ergonomic factors and work conditions associated with musculoskeletal injuries among school custodians in British Columbia
This cohort study, conducted in 2006, examined rates of musculoskeletal injuries (MSIs) for school custodians working at a Lower Mainland School Board (School Board) in relation to ergonomic and broader school environmental risk factors. The research included focus groups, a detailed breakdown of tasks performed for major job categories, and ergonomic assessments of the tasks. Using these data, a job exposure matrix was constructed. Injury outcomes were obtained through injury incident reports. Separate analyses were conducted for both the school year and the summer periods. School custodians employed at the School Board had an injury rate four times greater than the school board’s overall rate. About half the injuries among cohort members were MSIs. The report recommends strategies to improve the prevention of MSIs in school custodial work.

Investigation of occupational exposures to forestry workers from environmental Cryptococcus neoformans var. gattii
This study investigated occupational exposure to Cryptococcus gattii ( C. gattii ), an organism that is responsible for an emerging infectious disease in BC. This organism is normally found in tropical and sub-tropical areas, but has been found in recent years in treed areas on some parts of Vancouver Island. Researchers examined the prevalence of the organism in trees, soil and air and assessed the potential for occupational exposure related to performing woodland maintenance tasks.

Lift devices to reduce MSI among home support workers in B.C. – A community intervention
In this study, a manually operated ceiling lift was evaluated in the homes of 20 home support clients over a one year period. The research examined psychological factors associated with the use of the device, as well as musculoskeletal (MSI) injury rates and compensation costs. The manual lift was designed in an earlier project by BCIT researchers, and is intended to be a lower cost lift that is suitable for homecare settings.

Occupational Risk Identification for Ovarian Cancer
This project is the first phase (data collection) of a larger research study to identify occupational risk factors for ovarian cancer.  A total of 1167 participants were recruited for the study, and data was collected on their work histories and other relevant information. In the next stage, participants’ exposure to chemicals in the workplace will be estimated by linking their work histories with estimates of typical exposures for different types of jobs (job exposure matrices).

Outcome Assessment of Clinical Practice Guidelines in the Medical and Chiropractic Management of Patients with Acute Mechanical Lower Back Pain: A Randomized Control Trial
This study examined whether treatment outcomes for patients with acute lower back pain are more favourable when treatment is provided in accordance with clinical practice guidelines. Clinical practice guidelines recommend the treatments with the strongest evidence according to independent reviews of the scientific literature. The study compared the progress of patients receiving either usual care under a family physician or clinical practice guidelines-based care through the Non-operative Orthopaedic Spine Program at Vancouver General Hospital. Results showed that patients treated according to the clinical practice guidelines experienced greater functional improvements and greater improvements in quality of life measures than patients receiving family physician-directed usual care.

Posttraumatic Stress Disorder in hospital emergency room personnel
This project examined Posttraumatic Stress Disorder and posttraumatic stress symptoms in emergency room (ER) workers, including prevalence, contributing workplace characteristics, and ways to improve prevention and treatment. A questionnaire was competed by 107 ER staff from 3 Vancouver hospitals, and interviews were conducted with a smaller sample of participants.

Shift work, light-at-night, and melatonin: Characterizing a new cancer-related occupational exposure
New measurement methods are needed to enable research on exposure to light-at-night, a possible risk factor for cancer, in particular for shift workers. This study measured health care workers' melatonin levels and 24-hour light intensity exposure in occupational and residential settings.

Sustaining Health Care Professionals during Pandemic Influenza: A Pre-incident Pilot Project
Health care organizations have been advised by the World Health Organization to prepare for widespread influenza outbreaks that could occur in the future. This project aimed to better understand health care practitioners’ needs, concerns and stress levels related to preparing for and dealing with such an event.  Participants were also asked for input on two stress management tools. The research findings point to how training and orientation programs could be improved to better prepare and support health care practitioners for potential future pandemics.

Tendinosis and tendon regeneration: Roles of apoptosis and insulin-like growth factor-I
Tendon injuries are a common type of work-related musculoskeletal disorder, but their cause is not fully understood and treatment is often unsuccessful. This study examined the role of a non-inflammatory process (apoptosis) in the injury of tendon tissue, and provides the groundwork for the study of a potential new treatment.

The effect of subject awareness in assessing the probability of slip and fall accidents
The goal of this study was to examine how the probability of human subjects slipping in laboratory tests is affected when they are aware in advance that they are going to slip. The research findings have implications for the validation of tribometers, devices used to measure shoe/floor friction.

The Prevalence, nature and risks of voice problems in teachers
In this study, a questionnaire was developed for assessing the prevalence, nature and risk factors for occupational voice disorders in public school teachers. The questionnaire has been completed, validated and pilot tested.

The Use of Induced Sputum as an Additional Diagnostic Indicator of an Asthmatic Reaction to Red Cedar after Specific Inhalation Challenge Testing
The current method of diagnosing red cedar asthma — inhalation challenge testing — is time consuming and has potential side effects.  This study examined the possibility of using biomarkers of asthma activation in induced sputum (the mucus or phlegm induced and coughed up from the airways by inhalation of hypertonic saline) as a potential alternative method for diagnosing red cedar asthma. Samples of induced sputum were obtained from patients before and after inhalation challenge testing with purified red cedar extract. The biomarkers in the samples before and after inhalation challenge testing were compared to identify any changes, and the researchers assessed whether these changes could be used to confirm the diagnosis of red cedar asthma.

Trace Metal and Pesticide Exposure in Tree Planting in British Columbia
This study assessed tree planters’ exposure to fertilizers and pesticide residues, and examined the relationship between exposure to fertilizers and potential health effects, including chronic respiratory symptoms. Research methods included monitoring tree planters’ exposures at five different sites in B.C., environmental sampling, interviews with tree planters, and statistical analysis. Measures to reduce and monitor exposure are recommended.

Ultrasound Guided Dextrose Injections as a New Treatment for Chronic Overuse Tendon Injuries
This study tested the effectiveness of a treatment for chronic tendon pain, in which a solution is injected into areas of the tendon that show signs of degeneration, as identified through an ultrasound examination. The goal of this procedure is to stimulate healing in the damaged areas of the tendon. A total of 108 tendons in the Achilles, heel (plantar fascia), knee or elbow area were treated using this method. The change in level of pain for patients by the end of treatment and at long term follow up was assessed, as were physical changes in the tendons occurring over the course of treatment.

Who works where? Building occupational research capacity in the BC Linked Health Database
This project developed an industry of employment variable in the BC Linked Health Database (BCLHD) to enhance the capacity of the database for future research projects on the relationships between work and health.

Societal change in occupational health and safety

A Multidisciplinary Study of Factors Influencing Hazard Reduction Strategies, Using Noise Exposure and Hearing Loss as a Model
This study examined barriers to including Engineered Noise Controls (ENCs) in workplace hearing conservation programs. ENCs reduce the noise exposure of workers by stopping noise at the source, and are an effective way to prevent occupational-related hearing loss. The research included interviews with staff and audits of workplace hearing conservation programs in eight B.C. workplaces in the food and beverage manufacturing sector. Based on the findings, the researchers recommend several ways to promote the adoption of ENCs in workplaces.

A Review of Evaluations of Social Marketing Campaigns in Occupational Injury, Disease or Disability Prevention
This study conducted a systematic review of the evidence on the effectiveness of social marketing campaigns in the area of occupational injury, disease and disability prevention. The quality of the research methods used in the studies was assessed, to identify and select high quality studies for review. The project also explored whether there are enough high quality economic evaluations to enable the cost-effectiveness of social marketing interventions in this area to be assessed.

Assessing Attitudes, Beliefs and Readiness for MSI Prevention in the Construction Industry
This research developed a questionnaire for examining construction industry worker and supervisor knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs about and readiness for musculoskeletal injury (MSI) prevention. The project included consultation with the B.C. Construction Safety Network, a literature review, focus groups, and physical demand analysis data. The questionnaire was completed by workers and supervisors in 15 B.C. road building companies, located mainly in the lower mainland. Based on the findings, the researchers recommend strategies for reducing MSIs in the road building industry.

Implementation and Evaluation of a “Safety Culture” in Residential Care Through Involvement of Front-Line Workers
The aim of this project was to develop, deliver and evaluate workplace interventions to reduce MSIs in a residential care environment. An Innovation Team of five frontline staff members played a key role in designing and delivering the interventions, which were modeled on successful practices at another residential care unit known as a “best performer” in preventing MSIs. Injury rates as well as several measures of work and safety culture were assessed before and after the interventions.

Measuring the effectiveness of a hand hygiene campaign on health care workers’ knowledge, attitudes and intention to comply with hand hygiene guidelines
This project examined the effectiveness of a hand hygiene campaign aimed at health care workers within the Vancouver Coastal Health Authority. Surveys, focus groups and a poster competition were used to explore the individual, organizational and environmental factors that influence intent to comply with hand hygiene guidelines and contribute to a successful hand hygiene campaign. The results are relevant to the planning of future infection control initiatives and other behavioural change interventions.

Population-based survey of beliefs about neck and upper extremity injuries: Prelude to social marketing campaigns designed to reduce disability
Research has shown that individual beliefs can affect pain and disability outcomes. This project surveyed a sample of B.C. and Alberta residents about their beliefs concerning recovery from three common workplace injuries: neck pain disorders, upper extremity pain disorders, and whiplash associated disorders (WAD).  The survey results are relevant to clinical practice and social marketing efforts.

Using Social Marketing to Increase Occupational Health and Safety
This research project was intended to inform the development of social marketing campaigns aimed at young workers. Research methods included a content analysis of over 250 worker safety communications materials from across North America, a controlled online experiment, and focus group discussions with young male B.C. workers. One of the key findings from the content analysis was that “fear appeals” were used by over half of the young worker health and safety materials received. The online experiment and focus group discussions further explored what aspects of the fear appeal based materials make them most effective, and how participants perceive and react to occupational health and safety ads aimed at young workers.

Working Safe in Aboriginal Communities
This research project examined workplace injury prevention programs in Aboriginal business enterprises. The aim was to discover whether the contexts in which Aboriginal enterprises work mean that injury prevention programs are developed, implemented and operated differently than in non-Aboriginal firms, and if so, what implications this might have for the ability of Aboriginal enterprises to work safely. The project was a qualitative research study which included a review of relevant literature, in-person interviews with business managers and owners, and participant observations to capture respondents’ experiences. Recommendations for WorkSafeBC and Aboriginal communities are provided, based on the findings.

Transferring research knowledge to the workplace

CPR and First Aid Skill Retention
This research project examined the decline of first aid and CPR knowledge and skills over time in individuals employed in office, recreation, and industrial settings. Participants’ first aid and CPR knowledge and skills were evaluated during their performance of two scenarios — one involving choking and one requiring CPR — and a multiple choice first aid exam.  An analysis was conducted to determine if skill and knowledge levels were associated with the length of time since the individuals’ most recent training/certification. A literature review on knowledge and skill training and retention in First Aid and CPR was also conducted.  The project is relevant to developing policies on the frequency and type of training needed to support the retention of lifesaving first aid and CPR skills in those responsible for providing the initial response to injuries and cardiac arrests in the workplace.

Development and evaluation of an affordable lift device to reduce musculoskeletal injuries among home support workers
In this study, a lift device for use by home support workers was designed and evaluated. Study results suggest the device is safe and effective, and could retail at about half the price of commercially available lifts.

Development of a working prototype sling for use with floor and ceiling lifts to be used by the veterinary sector
Veterinary workers are at risk of back injury from lifting and moving large dogs and other animals. The purpose of this project was to develop and evaluate a working prototype sling for the veterinary sector, designed to be compatible with mechanical lift devices, and to be used for lifting, transferring and repositioning four-legged animals in the 25kg to 50kg range.

Ergonomics Health Promotion for B.C. Dental Offices
In this project, researchers developed and evaluated an online ergonomics education and self-evaluation program for dental health professionals. The project aimed to transfer knowledge gained from an earlier WorkSafeBC funded study, which identified changes that can be made to ways of working and using equipment in order to reduce the risk of musculoskeletal pain for dental health professionals.

Shift-work practice in B.C.
This study surveyed types of shiftwork and shiftwork education program in B.C. workplaces across various sectors. The organizations surveyed used a wide variety of shift systems and the majority did not provide shiftwork education. A complementary study of shiftworkers at the Vancouver International Airport during mid-winter and mid-summer was also conducted to assess the effect of seasonal variation on shift-work adaptation.

Training for a Non-toxic Workplace
The hotel industry and school districts are heavy users of commercial-institutional cleaning products, which often contain toxic ingredients. This can include carcinogens, reproductive toxicants, asthmagens (which are substances that can cause asthma), and endocrine-disrupting chemicals (which can interfere with hormones). However, workers often have limited knowledge of chemicals and their potential health effects. In this project, the research team provided training on chemical exposure regulation and product substitution to joint occupational health and safety committees and staff at five school and hotel work sites. The aim of the project was to determine if greater knowledge of chemical exposures, health effects and product substitution would lead to institutional change on product purchasing. A guide on cleaners and toxins for workers in the commercial cleaning industry was also developed and is available on the Labour and Environmental Alliance Society (LEAS) web site.

Treatment of occupational injury and illness

Biomechanical comparison of ankle ligament reconstructive techniques
This study evaluated a new technique for repairing injured ankle ligaments that may provide a stronger repair and allow for earlier rehabilitation. Using laboratory testing, the new technique was compared with the current standard surgery in terms of resulting ankle stability, range of motion and strength of repair.

Early Mobilization of Hand Fractures in B.C.
This study explored the potential for treating hand fractures with a technique called Early Controlled Mobilization (ECM). A systematic review of the literature was conducted to assess whether there is scientific evidence of this technique's effectiveness. Epidemiological research was also conducted on both general and work-related hand fractures in B.C., including the proportion of work-related hand fractures that could potentially be treated with ECM.

EMG-based assessment and classification of low back pain
This study designed and validated a method for classifying Low Back Pain based on the reactive responses of trunk muscles, which are required to stabilize the spinal column.

Randomized Double-Blind Placebo-Controlled Trial of Selective Nerve Root Blockade (SNRB) in Acute Lumbar Disc Herniation and Sciatica
In this study, a clinical trial was conducted to assess how treating acute sciatica with transforminal selective nerve root blockade (SNRB) affects leg pain, back pain, functional ability and surgery rates. Results were examined for three different lengths of symptom duration: 0-6 weeks, 6-12 weeks, and 12-18 weeks.

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