WCB Manitoba funds $1 million in workplace safety grants

Program has supported 154 initiatives since 1997

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 http://www.wcb.mb.ca/research-and-workplace-innovation-program-0



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