Innovative Applied Research to Support Safety and PPE design
The Canadian Institute for Safety, Wellness & Performance (CISWP) is based at Conestoga College and is the only work and health applied research centre in Canada's college system. It works to ensure that Canadian workplaces are safe, productive, and sustainable and that employee well-being is protected.
CISWP offers researchers a unique opportunity to access workshops and conduct applied research with the current and next generation of skilled trades workers. The institute has fostered partnerships with a wide range of stakeholders, including industry, unions, and government, and has closely collaborated with over 100 partners on various applied research projects.
Levitt-Safety is partnering with CISWP to support groundbreaking research in safety and performance in the skilled trades.
Solving skilled trades workforce challenges
Workplace injuries are significant in the skilled trades, often leading to early exits from the labour market and resulting in skilled trades labour shortages. New knowledge and evidence-informed resources are urgently needed for skilled trades businesses to reduce the risk of workplace injuries.
Understanding how PPE should fit with anthropometric data
Anthropometric data are physical measures of a person's size, form, and functional capacities, and this data is used to design tools and PPE products. Current anthropometric data based on non-Canadian populations is often outdated and may not consider multiple parameters, such as age, sex, or occupational composition.
To provide future direction and ensure better-fitting PPE products, we are currently developing sector-specific anthropometric databases using state-of-the-art technology.Getting involved with workers and industry
Are you working in the Skilled Trades?
CISWP is specifically looking for women, newcomers to Canada in the last 5 years, and workers aged 55 years or older working in a skilled trade to participate in a short online interview.
Your perspectives on PPE comfort, fit, and design may improve the design of future products that will accommodate all shapes and sizes of skilled trades workers in Canada. CISWP wants to hear your opinions on the comfort, fit, and sizing of PPE and will ask questions regarding:
- Types of PPE you use
- Your experiences with PPE comfort and fit while completing work duties
- Feedback on your PPE to understand what you need for comfortable and well-sized PPE and any changes you would make
Interviews will be held until April 30, 2025. We appreciate you taking the time to provide your input, and you will receive a Tim Hortons gift card as a thank you gift. Click here to sign up today!
Are you a PPE Manufacturer?
CISWP is conducting a study to evaluate the needs and design requirements of personal protective equipment (PPE) manufacturers. Your perspectives on PPE design factors will guide the development of our Canadian, occupation-specific anthropometric database for inclusive PPE design.
CISWP wants your feedback and expertise regarding the following:
- Decision-making around sizing
- Understanding the essential measures for designing PPE
- Understanding how anthropometric data to design PPE
- How you currently applying inclusive designs
- How can CISWP translate their upcoming database to something usable for manufacturer
If you are interested in participating or have questions, please contact CISWP Researcher Kat Webster.