Research and Workplace Innovation Program

The Workers Compensation Board of Manitoba supports and funds scientific research and workplace innovation projects.

The WCB is now accepting applications for funding under the Research and Workplace Innovation Program. Applicants should submit proposals for either scientific research on workplace injury, illness and disease or innovative, practical solutions to improve workplace health and safety and early and safe return to work.

The final deadline for all applications is June 25, 2013.

For complete information on the application process, download the Applicant Information.

View completed projects and resources

Grants for Scientific Research Projects

The WCB supports and funds scientific research that:

Develops a stronger understanding and furthers current knowledge of workplace injuries, illness, and disease;

Identifies, prevents, treats or supports recovery from workplace injuries, illness and disease; and

Explores risk factors associated with specific industries, occupations, technology, work processes or other factors that may give rise to workplace injuries, illness and disease.

Applications for scientific research are accepted from:

• Qualified researchers, scholars and health professionals affiliated with Canadian post-secondary institutions including hospitals and research institutes;
• Canadian non-governmental organizations with an explicit research or knowledge translation mandate, or
• Labour unions, industry or employer associations and their affiliates, representing Manitoba workers or employers.

 A Notice of Intent to apply for scientific research projects is required by May 8, 2013.

Scientific research applications must be received by the WCB no later than June 25, 2013 at 4 pm. Applicants interested in requesting funding under the scientific research stream are required to submit the Scientific Research Grant Application Form.

Grants for Workplace Innovation Projects

The WCB supports and funds workplace projects that:

• Develop, implement and evaluate innovative, practical, shop-floor solutions to improving workplace health and safety and fostering successful rehabilitation and productive return to work of injured or ill workers;
• Apply new information and technology to address occupational safety and health issues;
• Use existing knowledge in new ways to solve problems in occupational safety and health; or,
• Transfer new knowledge to the workplace through the development or provision of education and training materials or programs in workers compensation issues or occupational safety and health.

Applications for workplace innovation grants are accepted from Manitoba employers, industry associations, safety groups, unions, researchers or consultants working with employers or workers for projects conducted within a specific workplace.

Projects would not be eligible for funding if the objectives can reasonably be met through existing mechanisms in the workplace or industry.

 Workplace Innovation applications must be received by the WCB no later than June 25, 2013 at 4 pm. Applicants interested in requesting funding under the innovation stream are required to submit the Workplace Innovation Grant Application Form.

2012 RWIP Grant Recipients

1. Kimberly Gretschmann, Standard Manufacturers Services Ltd.
   Innovating Casting Excellence      

    

2. Mieke Koehoorn and Christopher McLeod, School of Population and Public Health, University of British Columbia; Sheilah Hogg-Johnson, Cameron A. Mustard and Benjamin Amick III, Institute for Work and Health; and Allen Kraut, University of Manitoba
   A Comparative Analysis of Severe Work-Related Injuries and Long Duration Claims in Three Canadian Provinces
    
3. Douglas Gross, University of Alberta; Ivan Steenstra, Institute for Work and Health; William S. Shaw, Liberty Mutual Research Institute; Nicola Shaw, Algoma University; and Kelly Williams-Whitt, University of Lethbridge
   Clinical Decision Support Tools for Managing Disabling Musculoskeletal Disorders
    
4. Nick Turner, Krista Uggerslev and Kasey Martin, Asper School of Business, University of Manitoba
   Safety Knowledge Sharing Before Retirement: An Examination of Retiring Employees' Attitudes, Intentions and Behaviours
    
5. Greg Mason, Prairie Research Associates Inc.
   The Economic Costs of Workplace Injuries to Manitoba Workers, Employers and the Economy
    
6. Partnership Agreement: Workplace Safety and Insurance Board of Ontario Claims Suppression in Manitoba
    
7. Request for Proposals to develop a Safety Climate Survey Tool for use by the WCB's SAFE Work Services program.
    

Resources

• 2012 RWIP Annual Report
• WCB Policy 52.10 - Research and Workplace Innovation Program
• Research and Workplace Innovation Program Brochure

Contact:

Bruce M. Cielen
Manager, Research and Workplace Innovation Program
Workers Compensation Board of Manitoba
1010-363 Broadway
Winnipeg, MB R3C 3N9

Telephone: (204) 954-4650 or 1 (800) 362-3340