WSIB announces $65M investment in workplace injury and illness research
The Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB) has announced a historic $65.75 million investment in St. Joseph’s Health Care London’s Lawson Research Institute, marking a transformative step forward in occupational injury and illness research. This 10-year commitment, the WSIB's largest-ever research investment, will establish Canada’s first Occupational Injury Prevention and Treatment Network, setting the stage for global leadership in addressing workplace health challenges.
“This is a game-changer, something that will transform how we work together to get ahead of work-related injury, pain, and mental illness,” says Lisa Porter, vice-president of research at St. Joseph’s and Scientific Director at Lawson. “This investment will propel us to global leadership in finding solutions to some of the most pervasive issues affecting workplaces today.”
WSIB president and CEO Jeffery Lang echoes this sentiment: “We want fewer injuries to happen, and if they do, we want people to recover safely and quickly. This research will help us get there.”
Network designed for impact
The new network will integrate cutting-edge technology with cross-disciplinary collaboration to address chronic pain, mental health, and musculoskeletal (MSK) injuries—three key contributors to workplace injury claims in Ontario. It will feature advanced infrastructure, including Canada’s first positron emission tomography/magnetic resonance imagery (PET/MRI) scanner, which enables precise diagnosis of conditions like depression and post-traumatic stress disorder.
“This tool will revolutionize our ability to diagnose and tailor treatment for mental health conditions,” Porter explains. “We’ll be able to accompany patients with advanced imaging, ensuring they get the right care sooner, which could mean the difference between recovery and chronic conditions.”
The initiative also includes a cutting-edge Computer-Assisted Rehabilitation Environment (CAREN), which uses virtual reality to test and solve workplace injury challenges, as well as research chairs dedicated to solving pressing questions related to workplace health and safety.
Collaborative solutions for long-term recovery
Porter underscores the interconnected nature of workplace injuries, explaining how untreated MSK injuries often lead to chronic pain and depression. “Traditionally, injuries have been treated in silos,” she says. “What this network does is bring together clinicians, researchers, and advanced technology to address not just the injury but its long-term impact. We’re moving upstream, identifying who’s at risk of chronic conditions before they develop.”
The network also takes aim at the opioid epidemic, which has often been a byproduct of treating chronic pain. Porter highlights the importance of preventing the cycle of addiction by addressing the root causes of pain early. “We now understand that chronic pain stems from rewiring in the brain, not just at the site of the injury,” she explains. “When people aren’t treated properly, they may turn to opioids, which has contributed to addiction issues in workplaces. Our research will aim to rewire the brain for recovery, not dependency.”
Mental health is another cornerstone of the research. Porter notes that addressing workplace trauma for frontline workers and first responders is particularly urgent. “We’re developing solutions that help build resilience in these high-risk professions,” she adds. The network also plans to host annual conferences to engage health and safety professionals, emphasizing the role of employers in fostering safer workplaces.
Collaboration is central to the network's design, with Lawson leveraging its extensive partnerships across Canada. The goal is to create an environment where data and resources are shared widely to maximize impact. “We’re building infrastructure that no single organization could duplicate,” Porter says. “This isn’t just about making discoveries—it’s about ensuring those discoveries benefit as many people as possible.”
Feedback from researchers has been overwhelmingly positive. Porter shares, “We’ve already received messages from across the country. This investment is exciting because it’s not just about funding; it’s about setting a new standard for collaboration and innovation in workplace health research.”
Porter emphasizes that the network is designed not only for researchers but also for health and safety leaders. “This initiative will create resources directly relevant to employers and those working in health and safety. We’re looking forward to engaging with them through discussions, conferences, and ongoing collaborations,” she says.
The WSIB’s investment is poised to reshape workplace health across Ontario and beyond. As Porter puts it, “we’re not just solving individual problems; we’re changing the way we think about workplace injury and prevention. This is about innovation, collaboration, and ultimately, improving lives.”
