Canada Research Chair in Ergonomic Intervention for the Prevention and Rehabilitation of Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSD)
Affiliated To
Contact Information
Expertises
Professors/Researchers
Research Specification
The Canada Research Chair has been active since 2001 in the field of Occupational Ergonomics, with a special focus on
Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs). The objectives of the Chair are to contribute to generating relevant scientific knowledge on
MSDs and develop practical workplace approaches linked to three main research themes related to MSDs:
1) Identifying and measuring workplace exposure to risk factors for musculoskeletal conditions;
2) Developing workplace ergonomic interventions to reduce exposure to these risk factors;
3) Following-up on these interventions to evaluate their efficacy regarding health and safety issues as well as
productivity.
In this third objective, the activities of the Chair combine Ergonomics with Industrial Engineering (for example in contexts of
Continuous Quality Improvement, Added-Value Production, Kaizen or 6 Sigma). Although most of its activities aim at MSD
prevention, the Chair is also interested in facilitating the healthy return-to-work of those who suffer from MSDs.
The Chair's activities are very much oriented towards concrete applications of Ergonomics in the workplace. For this reason, a
variety of research, training and technology transfer projects are conducted in collaboration with industrial partners in many
sectors (e.g., municipal, forestry, industrial cleaning, large-surface warehouse stores, printing, office work, professional
services in industrial engineering and ergonomics) and in public and parapublic organisations such as the Quebec Occupational
Health and Safety Commission (CSST) and various Ministries.
The Chair also contributes to training Master's- and PhD-level students by providing them with numerous opportunities to
participate in industry-related research, training and technology transfer projects. As of now, 17 students and postdoctoral
fellows are involved in projects with the Chair. A large majority has access to funding thanks to existing scholarship programs
and research grants.
In addition, the Chair deals with problems linked to MSDs in an interdisciplinary matter. Many projects are conducted jointly
with researchers originating from research institutes (e.g., the Occupational Health and Safety Research Institute Robert-Sauvé
of Quebec - IRSST, the Ontario Institute for Work and Health - IWH) and other universities (e.g., Laval University, Sherbrooke
University, University of Quebec in Montreal). Furthermore, international scientific collaboration projects are currently being
developed. For the students and post-doctoral fellows of the Canada Research Chair in Ergonomics, the convergence of both
science and industry-related interests results in a privileged environment for world-class research and practical
training.
Research projects examples:
The prevention and reduction of upper-extremity musculoskeletal disorders among visual language interpreters
Evaluation of the biomechanical responses of the lumbar spine to seated whole-body vibration exposure
Feasibility study on the integration of ergonomics to Added-Value Production (AVP-Kaizen)
Evaluation of the physical workload involved in high-pressure water jet cleaning
Research Personnel
- Professors/Researchers: 1
- Graduate Students: 14
- Research Assistants and Technicians: 2
Specialized Equipments
Postural analysis software, video analysis software, heart rate monitors, measuring equipment for thermal environments,
lighting and noise.
External Sources of Funding
Occupational Health and Safety Research Institute Robert-Sauvé of Quebec (IRSST)
Quebec Occupational Health and Safety Commission (CSST)
City of Montreal
Ministry of Economic and Regional Development of Quebec
Ministry of Natural Resources, Fauna and Parks of Quebec
Joint Committee on Environment (CPE)
Sectorial Association for Transportation and Storing (ASTE)
