Ontario university receives provincial funding for workplace safety projects

The government of Ontario is partnering with Laurentian University to support occupational health and safety projects.

Projects include a virtual reality simulation intended to improve line-of-sight awareness. Laurentian University received $59,437 in funding for this component, which is intended for workers who move around heavy equipment on a daily basis.

The university will also create a study to examine Indigenous occupational health and safety in Northeastern Ontario. The study received $69,309 in funding.

Ontario will also invest $182,208 to help Laurentian University develop knowledge transfer kits to address mobile equipment hazards, such as vibration exposure and musculoskeletal disorders, for the construction, mining, forestry and pulp and paper sectors.

“Our goal is to ensure that our workers in Sudbury and across Ontario go home safe at the end of their shift,” said Glenn Thibeault, member of provincial parliament for Sudbury.

The investment is part of Ontario’s Research Opportunities Program and Occupational Health, Safety and Prevention Innovation Program.

Since 2003, Ontario’s annual rate of workplace injuries has dropped by more than 50 per cent, making the province’s workplaces the safest in Canada and among the safest in the world, according to the province.

“This year’s Research Opportunities Program and Occupational Health, Safety and Prevention Innovation Program projects are helping to ensure Ontario continues to be one of the safest places to work in the world,” said Kevin Flynn, minister of labour.

“By working with excellent partners like Laurentian University on advancing occupational health and safety through solid research, we can make a positive difference in the lives of our workforce for generations to come.”

SOURCE: GOVERNMENT OF ONTARIO