Skilled Trades Applied Research and Training Lab
The Skilled Trades Applied Research and Training (START) Lab consists of equipment that can measure multiple dimensions of human performance related to injury risk. This equipment will allow CISWP researchers to conduct studies to understand the etiology of injuries and develop and evaluate targeted innovative solutions.
Workplace injuries are significant in the skilled trades and often lead to early exits from the labour market. Premature exits have contributed to the current and emerging skilled trades labour shortage. Without intervention, skilled trades companies have lost opportunities, turned down contracts, and have been less competitive.
Informed by industry partners and our research, there is an immediate need for new knowledge and evidence-informed resources for skilled trades businesses to reduce the risk of workplace injuries. Our START Lab consists of equipment that can measure multiple dimensions of human performance related to workplace injury risk and capture multiple types of work exposures, demands, and hazards, and will allow us to conduct innovative and ecologically valid research within Conestoga’s skilled trades ecosystem.
START Lab features
10-camera high fidelity motion capture system
CISWP’s START Lab is outfitted with the latest 16MP Vicon Valkyrie motion capture system for the study of human movement while performing simulated tasks in a well-controlled laboratory. Kinematic data is used as inputs into biomechanical models and will help us understand coordinated movements, postures, and physical performance.
A full-body wireless muscle activity measurement system
Measuring and recording muscle activity (surface electromyography – EMG) allows us to evaluate motor patterns, muscle fatigue, and neural responses to physical and psychosocial stressors and estimate the demands of work tasks. CISWP’s 18 channel wireless Cometa PicoX EMG system is configured with extended transmission range and battery life and is integrated with CISWP’s motion capture system to identify opportunities to reduce injuries, and design and evaluate interventions.
A suite of force-measuring equipment including force plates and six degree-of-freedom load cells
CISWP’s START Lab is equipped with the latest instrumented floor systems, including an AMTI Optima-BMS multi-axis force plate, and with a suite of Bertec PY6 Load Cells. This equipment will allow us to study force exertion, strength, fatigue, ground reaction forces, and changes to the body’s centre of pressure during simulated work tasks.