The Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety (CCOHS), Canada’s national resource for workplace health and safety, and the Institut de recherche Robert-Sauvé en santé et en sécurité du travail (IRSST), Quebec’s leading research institute dedicated to occupational health and safety, have signed a five-year partnership agreement to strengthen collaboration in scientific research and knowledge sharing. The framework aims to advance the prevention of workplace injuries and occupational diseases by combining expertise, resources, and evidence-based practices that support safer, healthier work environments across Canada.
For laboratory leaders, this partnership underscores the growing emphasis on coordinated OHS research, data sharing, and practical prevention strategies that directly affect lab operations, from chemical safety to ergonomics and psychosocial well-being.
Key goals of the CCOHS–IRSST agreement
The agreement outlines several concrete actions designed to promote scientific excellence and knowledge mobilization:
- Annual coordination meetings to set joint research priorities, assess ongoing projects, and review strategies for disseminating results
- Project-specific agreements defining each organization’s responsibilities, timelines, funding, and intellectual property considerations
- Collaborative initiatives such as shared training programs, seminars, and conferences; joint publications and tool development; and the exchange of research staff and expertise
Together, the two institutions aim to develop innovative tools and frameworks to address workplace hazards, improve data accessibility, and translate scientific findings into actionable resources for employers and workers alike.
Leaders emphasize collaboration and innovation in worker safety
“This agreement reinforces the pan-Canadian cooperation that is essential to advancing occupational health and safety research,” said Lyne Sauvageau, IRSST president and CEO. “It will enable us to pool our expertise, develop innovative solutions, and better address the realities and specific needs of workplaces.”
“At the heart of this partnership is a shared goal to advance worker well-being through knowledge, innovation, and collaboration,” added Anne Tennier, president and CEO of CCOHS. “We look forward to working with the IRSST to create lasting improvements in workplace health and safety.”
Why this partnership matters for laboratory managers
For laboratory managers and safety officers, the CCOHS–IRSST collaboration signals a stronger national framework for evidence-driven health and safety practices. Future outcomes may include:
- Expanded access to validated OHS data and prevention resources relevant to lab environments
- New opportunities for training and participation in pan-Canadian safety initiatives
- Greater alignment between provincial and federal research efforts supporting safe laboratory design and operations
By staying engaged with updates from both organizations, lab leaders can ensure their safety programs reflect the latest science and best practices for protecting workers’ health and well-being.
This article was created with the assistance of Generative AI and has undergone editorial review before publishing.
