WCB Manitoba funds $1 million in workplace safety grants

The Workers Compensation Board of Manitoba (WCB) unveiled the latest nine funding recipients of its Research and Workplace Innovation Program (RWIP). Among the projects receiving funding are injury prevention for new immigrants and healthcare workers.
"Over the years, we've been able to share practical applications and new resources with employers, workers and the general public," says WCB president and CEO Winston Maharaj. "The Research and Workplace Innovation Program grants help create innovative projects that reduce workplace injuries and disease and help injured workers recover. By funding scientific research we are expanding our knowledge of workplace injuries, illness and diseases."

The RWIP makes available $1 million each year to fund high-quality scientific research and programs that develop, implement or evaluate innovative, practical solutions for improving workplace health and safety. Since 1997, funding has supported 154 workplace prevention, education and training initiatives.

"We require innovative solutions that will address a variety of workplace safety hazards," says Maharaj. "With our community partners, we are contributing to a strong culture of safety in Manitoba."

The 2011 recipients are:

New grants:
•Musculoskeletal Injury preventIon project for home care program
Charlene Robert, Occupational Safety and Health Officer, Interlake Regional Health Authority (IRHA)
(up to $200,000)

•OccupatIonal exposure to carcInogens In the aerospace industry
Doug Wylie, Winnipeg Air Testing
$67,000

•Workplace safety and health traInIng materIals for German and Spanish speaking workers
Yvette Milner, On-Site Safety and Health Management Solutions
$68,500

•A comparison of usage of opioid medications by workers compensation claimants and other Manitobans
Allen Kraut, Associate Professor, Faculty of Medicine, University of Manitoba
$83,854

•PrognostIc factors for time away from work in workers with chronic low back pain
Ivan Steenstra, Associate Scientist, Institute for Work and Health
$119,332

•Serious games to decrease injury in the fire service by train safer movement patterns and decision making skills: Development and piloting
Bernadette Murphy, Professor, University of Ontario Institute of Technology and Stephen Passmore, Professor in Spine Biomechanics and Human Neurophysiology, School of Medical Rehabilitation, Faculty of Medicine, University of Manitoba
$199,167

•Working with individuals with intellectual disabilities: Injuries and challenging behaviour
Beverley Temple, Assistant Professor, Faculty of Nursing, University of Manitoba
$133,041

Partnerships:
•Development of a provincial workplace exposure database for Manitoba
Hugh W. Davies, Associate Professor, School of Population and Public Health, University of British Columbia
$88,466

•Technologies and safety: Making farms safer
Robin R. Millar, Executive Director, Centre for Education and Work
$200,000

The RWIP is now accepting applications for 2012 grants. For more information, call Bruce Cielen at 204-954-4650 or visit the WCB website.