WorkSafeBC Home Home

Proof of Principle & Prototyping

Proof of Principle and Prototyping grants support research that leads to practical tools or technology that can be used in the workplace to address a health and safety or work disability need.

Funding supports early-stage projects focused on developing and validating a new concept, tool, or technology (e.g., a prototype, device, software, or digital tool). Projects should demonstrate feasibility or proof of concept to inform further development or future funding opportunities.

Eligibility criteria

Principal applicants and co-applicants:

  • The principal applicant or a co-applicant may be directly involved in the workplace or industry that the project is intended to improve and play an active and substantive role in the project.
  • At least one member of the project team must demonstrate the expertise required to design and conduct the proposed research. This includes expertise in selecting and applying appropriate research methods, analyzing data, and interpreting findings to demonstrate real-world applicability and progress toward deployment.
  • The same individual may satisfy more than one of the eligibility requirements above.
  • Principal applicants must be Canadian residents.
  • International applicants are not eligible to apply as principal applicants but can participate as co-applicants.
  • WorkSafeBC employees and contractors are not eligible to serve as principal applicants but may participate on the project team.

Other eligibility criteria:

  • Projects must focus on developing a product (e.g., a prototype, device, software application, or digital tool) from concept through validation and demonstration in a relevant environment, with the goal of readiness for future real-world testing.
  • Projects that only produce knowledge products, such as reports, frameworks, or guides are not eligible on their own. Any knowledge developed must be part of, or directly support, a usable product.
  • Projects must be in the early stages of development and focused on demonstrating feasibility or proof of concept. Eligible projects generally fall within Technology Readiness Levels (TRLs) 1–6.
  • Proposed research topics must align with WorkSafeBC’s research priorities.

Funding amount and duration

Up to $100,000 over two years.

Key dates and deadlines

Funding opportunity status

Applications for this funding opportunity will be accepted from October 26, 2026 to January 15, 2027. Applicants should refer to the application form and supporting materials for submission requirements and instructions.

How to apply

  1. Download and review the Proof of Principle and Prototyping Application form to confirm you meet all the eligibility requirements and have all the materials needed to apply.
  2. Complete the application form (fillable Word document).
  3. Submit your application package, with all required documentation by the application deadline and follow the instructions in the application form.

As you put together your application, you may find it helpful to review the Research Grant Agreement, as well as refer to the resources under Funding conditions and guidelines below.

Important information:

  • Incomplete application packages will not be accepted. It is the applicant’s responsibility to ensure all required materials are submitted.
  • If your project involves human subjects or biological materials, you are responsible for observing all ethical guidelines concerning experimentation. Successful applicants must submit ethics approval certificates before we can release grant funds. Approval certificates are not required at the time of application.

Funding conditions and guidelines:

If WorkSafeBC awards you a research grant, you will need to sign a Research Grant Agreement before funding can be released. This agreement lays out the specific conditions of the grant and any related requirements.

The following schedules and guidelines provide more details about the funding conditions for this grant:

Recently funded projects

The list of 2025 Innovation award recipients will be published soon.

Award Recipient Title of Project Organization Award Amount Competition
Dr. Hugh Davies Understanding short-term exposure to fentanyl when indoor smoking occurs University of British Columbia $50,000 Applied Innovation
Dr. Jeffrey Brubacher The impact of overnight shifts on emergency medical service workers’ driving safety University of British Columbia $50,000 Applied Innovation
Dr. Chun-Yip Hon Statistical estimation of healthcare related overexposure risk to hazardous drugs Toronto Metropolitan University $49,234 Applied Innovation
Dr. Zoe Hilton Violence prevention and trauma reduction in psychiatric healthcare workplaces: Implementing evidence-based practices Waypoint Centre for Mental Health Care $99,958 Proof of Principle and Prototyping
Dr. Thomas O’Neill Creating resilience in safety management systems to reduce serious incidents and fatalities University of Calgary $100,000 Proof of Principle and Prototyping
Dr. Alex Scott Understanding the potential of the PhysViz app for workers with Achilles Tendinopathy University of British Columbia $226,530 Exploratory Research
Dr. Philip N. Ainslie Occupational wildfire exposure: An exploration of cardiorespiratory susceptibility University of British Columbia Okanagan $250,000 Exploratory Research
Dr. Christian Messier Mitigating risk for climbers during tree removal operations Université du Québec à Montréal $40,800 Exploratory Research

Award Recipient Title of Project Organization Award Amount Competition
Hugh Davies Evaluation of an Innovative Seat Technology to Reduce Workplace Whole Body Vibration Exposure University of British Columbia $99,990 Proof of Principle and Prototyping
Gaang Lee Adaptive Accoustic Warning System fo Safety in the Field University of Alberta $93,097 Proof of Principle and Prototyping
Antony Hodgson SAFE: Scaphoid Advanced Fixation Equipment to Enable Rapid Recovery Following Wrist Injury University of British Columbia $91,851 Proof of Principle and Prototyping
Carolyn Sparrey Instrumented laundry bins to reduce injuries in healthcare workers Simon Fraser University $96,000 Proof of Principle and Prototyping
Angelica Lang FULE-ing farm safety: defining Farmer Upper Limb postural Exposures during high-risk work tasks University of Saskatchewan $49,804 Applied Innovation
Duygu Gulseren Developing Transformational Leaders Developing Transformational Leaders to Prevent Chronic Pain and Pain Disability: An Evaluation Study York University $49,064 Applied Innovation
Kayla Fewster Exoskeleton uses in under-represented workplaces University of British Columbia $45,000 Applied Innovation
Lyndia Wu Investigating the effect of shift schedule on sleep duration and quality in nurses using wearable sensors University of British Columbia $50,000 Applied Innovation

These projects were funded under the former Innovation at Work grant competition.

2022

Award Recipient Title of Project Organization Award Amount
Calvin Kuo Wearable sensors to detect slip, trip, and fall risk hazards in the workplace
University of British Columbia $50,000
Hugh Davies
Audiometric (hearing test) database analysis of the effects of ototoxicants in the workplace
University of British Columbia $50,000
Victoria Arrandale Feasibility of developing an exposure control tool for welding fume
University of Toronto $49,296
Farinaz Havaei
Preventing workplace violence towards healthcare workers: An in-depth investigation
University of British Columbia $45,820
Kayleigh Brown Integrating Inherently Safer Design in mobile equipment risk reduction
Obex Risk Ltd. $43,000
Sarah Burrell
Assessing the acceptability and feasibility of a “virtual coach” smart phone application prototype to promote safe patient handling in Island Health
Island Health
$50,000
Dwayne Van Eerd
Programs of early OHS intervention with small businesses: environmental scan and feasibility assessment
Institute for Work & Health
$49,904

2021

Award Recipient Title of Project Organization Award Amount
Paul Amyotte Integrating process safety management into Canadian wood pellet facilities that generate combustible wood dust
Dalhousie University $50,000
Aviroop Biswas
Examining sex/gender differences in exposures to workplace-acquired communicable disease: A systematic review
Institute for Work & Health $50,000
Ron Corbeil Hazard identification research and training for hand fallers - pilot
Safety Advisory Foundation for Education and Research (SAFER) $48,800
Adam Rysanek
DAVE: Digital twin for air quality and ventilation evaluation
University of British Columbia $50,000
Leigh Blaney Firefighter Edge: Game-based resilience education for firefighters
Vancouver Island University $50,000
Amy Salmon
Reducing the long-term collateral effects of COVID-19 and pandemic response measures among staff in long term care homes in Vancouver
University of British Columbia
$49,975
Thomas Tenkate
Enhancing support for supervisors to improve the health and safety of at- home workers
Ryerson University
$50,000
Sherri Ferguson
Use of dive computers in occupational diving
Simon Fraser University
$50,000

2020

Award Recipient Title of Project Organization Award Amount
Thomas Tenkate eCHAP-Risk: Chemical risk assessment software tool for SMEs
Ryerson University $50,000
Florriann Fehr &
Michelle Seibel
Cognitive research training as an anti-bullying intervention for nursing students and new nurse graduates - Part 2
Thompson Rivers University $14,557
John Madden Smart Sheet: A tactile sensor array for the prevention of pressure ulcers
University of British Columbia $50,000
Jackie Ellis &
Chun Yip Hon
Change Management Process: The Introduction of Closed System Drug Transfer Devices to Reduce Occupational Exposure to Hazardous Drugs in the healthcare industry
Ryerson University $50,000
Joseph Puyat Reducing burnout and caregiving stress among interdisciplinary staff in long term care
University of British Columbia $49,997
Paul Amyotte Inherently safer bow ties for dust hazard analysis
Dalhousie University $50,000

2019

Award Recipient Title of Project Organization Award Amount
Ron Corbeil Energy Absorbing Cab Guards for Log Trucks
View report
SAFER $42,747
Aziz Ghahary Liquid Skin Substitute for Pressure Ulcers in Spinal cord Injury Patients University of British Columbia $72,000
Vicki Kristman Tradeswomen: Potential Concerns of Bullying, violence & Harassment in BC & Alberta
View report
Lakehead University $50,000
Hugh Davies Antineoplastic Drug handling and Potential for Inadvertent Exposure among Veterinarians
View report
University of British Columbia $50,000
Cheryl Peters Tailored Sun Safety Messages for Outdoor Workers
View report
Alberta Health Services $50,000
Byron Gates Enhanced Surface Sampling for Assessing and Mitigating Workplace Exposures
View report
Simon Fraser University $48,800
Chad Shipmaker Developing a Resource Road Driver Alert System
View report
Valid manufacturing Ltd. $50,000
Bernadette Quemerais Metals in Exhaled breath Condensates as Markers of Exposure to Welding Fumes
View report
University of Alberta $49,355

2018

Award Recipient Title of Project Organization Award Amount
Arif Jetha Strengthening RTW communication in B.C.'s healthcare sector
View report
Institute for Work & Health $49,838
Daniel Robinson Upper body protection for arborists
View report
Kwantlen Polytechnic University, Wilson School of Design $44,200
Byron Gates Detection kits with enhanced sensitivity for heavy metal contaminants
View report
Simon Fraser University $106,000
Leigh Blaney Building resilience in volunteer firefighters
View report
Vancouver Island University $16,089
Darren Brenner A compendium of policy and practice to reduce exposure to antineoplastic drugs in pharmacies
View report
University of Calgary, Cumming School of Medicine $49,775
Mona Shum Fog in the film industry and health effects
View report
Aura Health and Safety Corporation $50,000
Greg Anderson Building personal resilience and coping skills in BScN nursing students
View report
Justice Institute of British Columbia $49,612
Heather Cooke Examining incivility and bullying in long-term residential care
View report
University of British Columbia, School of Nursing $47,950
Sandra Dorman Evaluating an intervention for psychosocial risk factors in wildland firefighters and staff
View report
Laurentian University, Centre for Research in Occupational Safety and Health (CROSH) $49,510

2017

Award Recipient Title of Project Organization Award Amount
Hans-Joachim Wieden Development of EMS pathogen detection tools using next generation sequencing
View report
University of Lethbridge, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry $50,000
Monique Mayer Dose to the Lens of the Eye in Veterinary Workers Performing Diagnostic Radiology Procedures
View report
University of Saskatchewan, Small Animal Clinical Services $37,115
Carolyn Sparrey Feet First: Instrumented Insoles to Examine Workplace Injury Risk
View report
Simon Fraser University $49,840
Mamdouh Shubair Improving the Health, Safety and Wellness of Long-Haul Truck Drivers through Research on Best Practices in Integrated Health Protection and Promotion Programs
View report
University of Northern British Columbia $49,050
Zoe Hilton PTSD and help-seeking among psychiatric workers: Workplace factors and barriers to support
View report
University of Toronto, Waypoint Research Institute $42,771

2016

Award Recipient Title of Project Organization Award Amount
Dan Bilsker A systematic approach to identifying resilience training needs of EMS personnel
View report
BC Emergency Health Services $49,500
Keith Tyler An Assessment of Wearable Feedback Devices for CPR Training
View report
St John Ambulance BC & Yukon $35,896
Florriann Fehr Cognitive Rehearsal Training (CRT) as an Anti-Bullying Intervention for Nursing Students and New Nurse Graduates—Part 1
View report
Thompson Rivers University, School of Nursing $27,093
Jay Olson Improving Knowledge Translation of Shift Work Fatigue Research
View report
McGill University $50,000
Aziz Ghahary Liquid skin substitute combined with autologous meshed grafts improves the survivability, healing quality and faster recovery of patients with large injuries University of British Columbia, BC Professional Firefighters’ Burn and Wound Healing Research Group $58,280
Ruth Wright Proactive Strategies for Managing Workplace Harassment and Bullying
View report
Conference Board of Canada $49,812
Jong Sung Kim Toxicological Approach to Assess Occupational Health Risks of Nanoparticles
View report
Dalhousie University, Faculty of Medicine $50,000

2015

Award Recipient Title of Report Organization Award Amount
Byron Gates Development of snap tests for assessing potential exposure to nanomaterials in the workplace

View report
Simon Fraser University $104,860
Ross Gibson Evaluating the generalizability and efficacy of implementing SafeWards across a variety of care settings in the Fraser Health Authority

View report
Simon Fraser University $50,000
Elena Martin Investigation of occupational microbial exposure using quantitative total cell count analysis

View report
TSS Total Safety Services, Inc. $50,000
Dwayne Van Eerd Managing depression in the workplace – Bridging the research to practice gap

View report
Institute for Work & Health $44,973
Patricia Rodney Supporting long term care residents throughout the dying process: Understanding and addressing related health care Provider Stress

View report
Simon Fraser University $28,808

2014

Award Recipient Title of Report Organization Award Amount
Marc White Identification, Control and Prevention of Work-related Psychosocial Hazards and Social Conditions Contributing to Mental Health Disorders and Prolonged Work Absence

View report
UBC $50,000
Brent Langlois Indigenous leadership in structural firefighting: Developing tomorrow’s leaders in British Columbia

View report
First Nations' Emergency Services Society $49,000
Barbara Neiss Preventing Occupational Disease: Designing a System that Works

View report
Memorial University of Newfoundland $50,000
George Astrakianakis The application of novel measurement and field evaluation protocols for assessing healthcare workers' exposure to antineoplastic drugs; evaluation of their utility for exposure assessment

View report
UBC $50,000

2013

Award Recipient Title of Report Organization Award Amount
Byron Gates Developing Methodology for Remediation of Nanoparticle Contamination in the Workplace

View report
SFU $50,000
Winnie Chu Development of a real-time aerosol dosimeter

View report
Nanozen Industries Inc $49,994
Carolyn Sparrey The effect of environmental exposure on the performance of fall arrest systems

View report
SFU $49,066
Beverley Thorpe Tools and strategies for informed substitution to adopt safer chemicals in cleaning and maintenance work

View report
BCGEU $49,975
Hugh Davies Truck Drivers and Vibration-Damping Seats: An Evaluation of Technology Choices

View report
UBC $50,000

2012

Award Recipient Title of Report Organization Award Amount
Brenna Lynn Pilot Proposal - Enhancing Physicians' Knowledge and Skills on Stay-at-Work and Return-to-Work, Disability Prevention and Management

View report
UBC $92,100

2011

Award Recipient Title of Report Organization Award Amount
Rita Ciconte & Quinn Danyluk Assessment and Determination of Practical Considerations for Wide-scale Utilization of Elastomeric Half-facepiece Respirators during a Pandemic or Outbreak Situation

View report
Fraser Health $50,000
Ryan Kanigan Assessment of the Efficacy of Safety Engineered Scalpels

View report
Peak Research $50,000
Winnie Chu Development of an Effective Cleaning Agent for Cytotoxic Drugs

View report
Nanozen Industries Inc $49,950
Séamus Parker Development of Enhanced Emergency Braking System for Logging Trailers

View report
FPInnovations $33,646
Vernon Curran Educational Offerings in Health and Safety in Canadian Post-Secondary Institutions

View report
Memorial University of Newfoundland $49,321
Murray Hodgson Exposure of Teachers to Occupational Hazards in High-School Technology-Education Shops

View report
UBC $42,388
Kevin Lyons Field Testing a Remotely Operated Falling Wedge

View report
UBC $42,369
Marc White Interventions to Reduce Work Absence: A synthesis of systematic reviews

View report
UBC $50,000
Annalee Yassi Occupational Health Incident Reporting System for the Forestry Sector

View report
UBC $50,000
Tyler Amell Proof of Concept for an Innovative Approach to Physical Job Demands Analysis

View report
LifeMark Health Management $49,060
Stephen Bornstein Tracking Occupational Diseases: An Analysis of Approaches for the Canadian Context

View report
Memorial University of Newfoundland $49,321

2010

Award Recipient Title of Report Organization Award Amount
Jack Taunton A Clinical Trial of a Multi-element Exercise Program for Plantar Fasciopathy in Workers Required to Stand for Prolonged Periods of Time

View report
UBC $50,000
Ian Tomm Avalanche Floatation Devices – Current Status at the Canadian Workplace

View report
Canadian Avalanche Association $48,718
Martha Cloutier Creating a Safe Client Handling Culture in the Challenging Environment of Emergency Departments

View report
Fraser Health $50,000
Byron Gates Detecting, Handling and Controlling Nanoparticle Contamination in the Workplace

View report
SFU $50,000
Dwayne Van Eerd Dissemination and Uptake of a Participatory Ergonomics Guide for Workplaces in British Columbia

View report
Institute for Work & Health $44,925
Rick Hall Ergonomic Syringe Adapter

View report
Vancouver Coastal Health (PHSA) $49,956
Steven Threadkell "FIT" Fishboat Inclinometer Testing (Commercial Fishing Vessel Behaviour)

View report
PortShip Consulting Inc. $56,550
Marc White Health and Work Productivity Web-Portal: Knowledge to action for disability prevention and management - A Pilot Study

View report
LifeMark Health Management $49,060
Brent Langlois Safeguarding our Indigenous Communities: Measuring the Health and Safety Culture of Aboriginal Fire Crews and Emergency Service Personnel in British Columbia

View report
First Nations' Emergency Services Society $49,000
Mieke Koehoorn Seeking Compensation for Mesothelioma: Investigating why Individuals do or do not seek Workers’ Compensation Benefits in British Columbia

View report
UBC $50,000
David Malloy Work & Hardiness: Exploring Rate of Return and Existential Courage

View report
University of Regina $27,659

2009

Award Recipient Title of Report Organization Award Amount
Annalee Yassi Building Capacity of Joint Occupational Health and Safety Committees: Creating an Innovative Web-based Tool

View report
UBC $50,000
Kevin Lyons Developing a Remotely Operated Falling Wedge

View report
UBC $32,280
Catherine Ogden Development of an Online Repository of OH&S Education and Training Resources for Healthcare: Phase 1

View report
OHS Agency for Healthcare in BC $48,678
Richard Shervey Mobile Equipment Safety System

View report
Pro-Active Safety Systems Technologies Inc. $100,000
Wendell Uglene On Water Visibility Study - Determining the most Visible Colour that can be Worn by Floating Subjects

View report
Mustang Survival Corp. $25,850
Mel Sawyer Preventing Needle-stick Injuries and the use of Dental Safety Syringes

View report
UBC $48,330
Doug Bennett Resource Road Safety Assessment: Pilot Project on Mobile Mapping Systems

View report
FPInnovations $47,350

2008

Award Recipient Title of Report Organization Award Amount
Murray Hodgson Acoustical Environments in VCH Health-Care Facilities, Phase 1: Measurement Tools and Pilot Studies

View report
UBC $49,943
Susan Tarlo Asthmatic Knowledge and Careers

View report
St. Michael's Hospital $49,460
Nancy McGovern Changing the Sheets. The Slider Sheet System -- Phase Two: Incorporating Lessons Learned from Phase One

View report
Interior Health Authority $50,000
Elliot Goldner Designing, Implementing, and Evaluating a Dissemination Strategy for Management of Low Mood and Depression among Employees of Pacific Blue Cross

View report
SFU $50,000
Michael Leiter Developing a Safety Climate: Shared Assumptions and Interventions

View report
Acadia University $49,618
Annalee Yassi Establishing an Occupational Health and Infection Control Program in a Large Ambulatory Care Facility

View report
UBC $50,000
Axel Hovbrender Identification of Potential Risk Factors for Injury to Police Officers using New Technologies

View report
JIBC $15,138
Mona Sykes Joint Prevention of Workplace Violence: Creating an Innovative Web-based Tool

View report
BCGEU $50,000
Richard Shervey Mobile Equipment Safety System

View report
Pro-Active Safety Systems Technologies Inc. $100,000
Janice Abbott Taking Care of those who Care: Assessing Organizational and Individual Stress Management Interventions for Anti-violence Workers

View report
Atira Women's Resource Society $49,586
James Carter The Effectiveness of Current Fire Fighter Rapid Intervention Teams

View report
The Justice Institute of BC $43,860
Elliot Goldner & Joti Samra Training, Dissemination & Evaluation of a Depression Self-care Tool Delivered to Injured Employees

View report
SFU $50,000

2007

Award Recipient Title of Report Organization Award Amount
Helen Mersereau Breaking New Ground: Does Radon Present a Health Risk to Nova Scotia Workers?

View report
Cape Breton University $26,100
Chantal Dion Cleaning and Decontamination of Workplaces Containing Beryllium – Techniques and Cleaning Solutions

View report
IRSST $50,000
Séamus Parker Development of Descent Guidelines for Log-hauling Vehicles (highway legal configurations)

View report
FPInnovations $30,011
Emile Tompa Economic Evaluation Workbook for Workplace Parties in the Healthcare Sector

View report
Institute for Work & Health $50,000
Lynn Alden Factors that Predict Return-to-work in Workers with PTSD

View report
UBC $47,940
Séamus Parker In-service Evaluation of Onboard Brake Monitoring Device for Logging Trucks

View report
FPInnovations $40,079
Barbara Howe Summative Evaluation of the Fish Safe Stability Education Program: A Multifaceted Approach

View report
Quinte Marine Services Ltd. $49,610
Richard Shervey Wireless Personal Protection System

View report
Pro-Active Safety Systems Technologies Inc. $46,000
Margaret Birrell Workplace Emergency Planning Inclusive of People with Disabilities

View report
BC Coalition of People with Disabilities $38,870
Kirsti Inglis WorkSmart: A Warehouse Safety Video and Curriculum for Employees with Developmental Disabilities

View report
Developmental Disabilities Association $5,500

2006

Award Recipient Title of Report Organization Award Amount
Gregory Anderson CPR and First Aid Skill Retention in an Industrial Setting

View report
University College of the Fraser Valley $49,880
Kelly Crosby HVAC Filter Change Project

View report
Ocean Air Systems Ltd. $49,162
Waqar Mughal Implementation and Evaluation of a "Safety Culture" in Residential Care Through Involvement of Front-line Workers

View report
Fraser Health $43,863
Emmy Duran Increasing Access to Radiation Safety Training and Validating Its Effectiveness in Improving Work Practices Involving Radiation

View report
Vancouver Coastal Health $48,930
Wayne Peppard Innovation in Worker Safety Representation Systems

View report
BC & Yukon Building & Construction Trades Council $49,226
Annalee Yassi Joint Prevention of Workplace Violence: Creating an Innovative Web-based Tool

View report
UBC $50,000
Mae Burrows Training for a Non-toxic Workplace

View report
Labour Environmental Alliance $33,795
David Johnson Working Safe in Aboriginal Communities

View report
United Native Nations $47,986