2009: Foresight through knowledge
Blogs on OHS research
The IRSST made the scientific information documented by its Strategic Watch Department available in blog form. Culled through the daily monitoring of over 600 OHS-related Web pages and of the information collected by its personnel, the blog content is selected on the basis of the scientific interest and pertinence of the information it provides.
Promoting the advancement of knowledge
GoodNanoGuide
To promote the advancement of knowledge on the safe handling of nanoparticles and nanomaterials and ensure that workplaces apply this knowledge, the IRSST, the International Council on Nanotechnology of Rice University (ICON), the British Columbia Nanotechnology Alliance, Industrie Canada and NanoQuébec joined forces to create an interactive platform on nanotechnologies. Developed by experts, this practical tool, titled GoodNanoGuide, is designed for workers and researchers who manufacture, synthesize or use nanoparticles.
Accreditation program for air microbiology
The IRSST and the Centre d’expertise en analyse environnementale du Québec (CEAEQ) pooled their efforts to introduce an accreditation sector for air microbiology. Offered on a voluntary basis, this program is intended for public- and private-sector laboratories. The new accreditation field had six domains: (1) identification of bacteria; (2) bacterial counts; 3) identification of moulds; (4) mould counts; (5) identification of spores; and (6) Légionella sp. counts. The laboratory staff’s contribution to standardization committees and to the development of analytical methods n’est pas étrangère à l’intérêt shown by this agency of Québec’s Ministère de l’Environnement.
Special agreement signed with the INRS, France
The IRSST and the Institut national de recherche et de sécurité pour la prévention des accidents du travail et des maladies professionnelles (INRS, France) signed a specific partnership agreement on topics of common research interest with a view to helping prevent accidents associated with the use and maintenance of industrial machines. In addition to providing priority access to results and data emerging from studies carried out by either of the signatories, this agreement promotes complementary activities to allow for larger-scale studies.
Memorandum of Understanding with the Workplace Health, Safety & Compensation Commission of Newfoundland and Labrador (WHSCC)
The IRSST and the Workplace Health, Safety and Compensation Commission (WHSCC) of Newfoundland signed a memorandum of understanding on research and expertise. A first specific agreement was signed with regard to conducting a review of the scientific literature on risk factors for occupational diseases in shipyard workers.
4th International Seminar on Training in Occupational Health and Safety if the ISSA (International Social Security Association) – Section on Education and Training for Prevention
Co-organized by the IRSST and the Autoridade para as Condições de Trabalho (ACT) in Portugal, this seminar saw the adoption of the Lisbon Charter, which put forward a strategy for orienting and assisting young workers with regard to occupational health and safety matters. The event was held in Lisbon, Portugal.
4th International Conference on Whole-Body Vibration Injuries
An collaboration with Concordia University, he IRSST organized the 4th International Conference on Whole-Body Vibration Injuries, attended by 125 individuals from 16 countries. This conference stood apart from the previous conferences in that it welcomed practitioners, including phsyicians, ergonomists, hygienists and preventionists, all of whom had an opportunity to exchange ideas with the researchers present.
2009 institutional colloquium
The aging workforce and OHS as the theme of the 2009 institutional colloquium. Nearly 150 people paid tribute to the program created by the Institute’s Scientific Division.