New ‘innovative’ mobile labs aim to reduce workplace injuries across Ontario

New technology is being put to use to analyze workplaces and prevent injuries, CTV London's Reta Ismail has more on the groundbreaking new method.

New state-of-the-art technology is being used to help prevent workplace injuries across Ontario by bringing advanced research tools directly into real-world work environments.

Researchers with the Canadian Institute for Safety, Wellness and Performance (CISWP) joined representatives from the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB) on Tuesday at Middlesex-London Paramedic Services headquarters to showcase three mobile research labs designed to collect real-time data from workers on the job.

The initiative is backed by an $11-million investment from the WSIB and focuses on understanding how workplace injuries occur before they happen.

“This work is very innovative. It has never been done before anywhere in the world because of the approach we’re taking,” said Dr. Amin Yazdani, CISWP’s executive director.

Unlike traditional research conducted in controlled laboratory settings, the mobile labs travel directly to workplaces, allowing researchers to gather data in real-world conditions.

The labs are equipped with advanced technology, including motion sensors, eye-tracking devices, full-body scanners and 4D imaging systems that help researchers analyze how workers move, interact with their environment and respond to workplace demands.

WSIB president and CEO Jeff Lang said investing in prevention ultimately benefits workers and employers alike.

“A one dollar investment in prevention saves two on taking care of somebody if they become ill or injured,” Lang said. “And we know to get the right answers; we need to do research.”

During the demonstration, Middlesex-London Paramedic Services staff participated in the research showcase, highlighting how the technology can be used to study physically demanding occupations.

Paramedics regularly work in unpredictable environments and often perform tasks that involve lifting patients, carrying equipment, and navigating challenging spaces.

“It’s an opportunity through an initiative like this that there’s actually research being done using frontline paramedics and getting information directly from the frontline paramedics and the logistics staff,” said Adam Bennett, director of Middlesex-London Paramedic Services. “To be able to see what it is that they go through on a day-to-day basis and be able to use that to drive the change that we’re going to potentially be able to see in that industry moving forward.”

Researchers say the data collected will help employers identify injury risks before incidents occur, improve compensation and adjudication decisions, and support the development of better-fitting personal protective equipment.

The three mobile labs have already visited 24 organizations across Ontario, collecting more than 2,500 hours of data from over 550 workers.

Phase one of the initiative is focused on first responders and construction workers, with plans to expand into additional sectors in the coming months.

Researchers hope the project will ultimately transform workplace health and safety practices across Ontario while positioning London as a leader in occupational health research.