A new research initiative will try to improve safety in New Brunswick’s long-term care homes.
More than $1.6 million over the next four years will support a research program looking at the physical demands of caregiving and develop and evaluate solutions to improve caregiver and resident safety.
Two kinesiology professors – Dr. Michelle Cardoso, associate professor and research chair in health care and ergonomics at the Université de Moncton, and Dr. Wayne Albert, a full professor at the University of New Brunswick – will lead the effort.
The funding is coming from WorkSafeNB, Mitacs, New Brunswick Continuing Care Safety Association and ResearchNB.
According to a release from WorkSafeNB, the initiative will bring researchers, health-care organizations, government and industry partners together.
They’ll work on developing, evaluating and implementing evidence-based solutions aimed at reducing workplace injuries among caregivers.
Health-care workers have some of the highest rates of musculoskeletal injuries in Canada.
Previous research estimated work-related musculoskeletal injuries in New Brunswick’s long-term care sector cost approximately $8 million annually.
Injuries mean lost work time, staffing pressures and increased demands on a strained health-care system.
“Health-care workers dedicate their careers to caring for others, yet they continue to experience some of the highest rates of workplace injury in Canada,” said Cardoso.
“This research program allows us to work alongside our health-care partners to develop practical, evidence-based solutions that improve worker safety while strengthening the quality of care delivered to residents.”
WorkSafeNB’s president and CEO said the organization is investing in efforts that will help identify practical solutions to reduce injuries and improve workplace safety.
“Partnerships like this are key to building safer workplaces and advancing our vision of making New Brunswick the safest place to work,” Tim Petersen said.
