About

2023 Research Projects and Reports

WorkplaceNL approved research funding for the following research projects; findings from the research will be posted when available:

• Evaluation of the use of personal flotation devices and personal locator beacons in the Newfoundland and Labrador fishing industry
  • Author: Keith Hutchings, Canadian Centre for Fisheries Innovation
  • Description: This research, in part, supports a project organized by industry partners who are providing PLBs to fish harvesters throughout the province at a reduced cost by subsidizing the purchase price. Research funding will support assessing the rate of PFD and PLB use, as well as factors that may influence their use. Funding will also support determining the short- and long-term response and effectiveness of the ongoing PLB distribution project. 
  • Approved funding: $178,101.59
  • Proposal project duration (months): 36
  • Project documents: TBA
    
    

• The Effect of Objectively Measured Sitting Time During Work and Leisure On Back Function And Perceived Low Back Pain: A Pilot Study 
  • Author: Dr. Diana De Carvalho, Memorial University of Newfoundland and Labrador
  • Description: Research funding will support a 17-month pilot study to evaluate sitting exposure through a typical workday and associated perceived back pain and laboratory-measured back function. The study aims to determine the feasibility of objectively measuring sitting exposures and spine posture for extended durations for people who primarily sit and perform deskwork for their occupation. Data from this pilot study will further be used to determine if activity and posture exposures effect back function and perceived back pain. 
  • Approved funding: $35,636.00 
  • Proposal project duration (months): 17
  • Project documents:
    • Executive Summary: The Effect of Objectively Measured Sitting Time During Work and Leisure on Back Function and Perceived Low Back Pain: A Feasibility Study
    • Final Report: The Effect of Objectively Measured Sitting Time During Work and Leisure on Back Function and Perceived Low Back Pain: A Feasibility Study 
      
      

• Sweating the Small Stuff: The Biomonitoring and Elimination of Fireground Carcinogens in the Sweat of Firefighters 
  • Author: Dr. John Frampton, Dalhousie University
  • Description: Research funding will support a three-phase, year-long study to investigate whether sauna use can be a safe and effective method for firefighters to reduce the levels of carcinogens in their bodies from fire exposure, via sweat excretion. The first phase will determine whether sweat samples obtained following sauna use shows biomarker differences between sample population groups. The second phase consists of designing a detoxification unit prototype and conducting focus groups at fire stations in Newfoundland and Labrador. The final phase involves assembling a research team to design a longitudinal study to test the detoxification unit.
  • Approved funding: $150,000.00
  • Proposal project duration (months): 12
  • Project documents:
    • Project will not be completed
      
      

• Identifying barriers to participation in the Certificate of Recognition Program in the Newfoundland and Labrador construction industry 
  • Author: Dr. Kim Cullen, Memorial University of Newfoundland and Labrador
  • Description: SafetyNet Centre for OHS Research, in collaboration with the Newfoundland and Labrador Construction Safety Association (NLCSA) and the Newfoundland and Labrador Statistics Agency is conducting a 15-month research project to identify facilitators and barriers to participation in the NLCSA’s COR® Program, an audit-based OHS certificate program for construction companies in the province. The study will consist of online surveys and qualitative interviews to determine stakeholder perspective. Findings will be used to identify opportunities and recommendations to increase COR® participation. 
  • Approved funding: $111,241.07
  • Proposal project duration (months): 16 
  • Project documents: TBA

Contact Information

Questions regarding WorkplaceNL’s Research Initiatives Program may be emailed to [email protected].  

If you would like updates about the Research Initiatives Program, including future calls for research applications, please click here to sign up.