The Workplace Health, Safety and Compensation Commission (the Commission) may fund research initiatives where research goals are consistent with the program goals of the Commission and its stakeholders. This may include uncovering practical solutions for injury prevention, workplace health and safety, and return to work; basic research related to occupational health or disease; or applied research including evaluation, feasibility, demonstration or pilot studies.  

ELIGIBILITY  

To be eligible, applicants must demonstrate sufficient subject expertise to competently complete the project. The merits of proposals will be judged on a case-by-case basis considering the potential significance and usability of the findings for Newfoundland and Labrador workplaces. The Commission reserves the right to be selective in the projects it funds and may monitor or audit approved initiatives. 

Applicants acting on behalf of their employer or another organization must ensure the employer or organization supports their application. 

Research proposals must adhere to Canadian ethical standards for research involving human subjects, as well as Commission policy regarding Information Protection and Access. The Commission may require proposals to be reviewed by the Human Investigation Committee (Memorial University of Newfoundland). The administration fee for these reviews will be paid for by the Commission.  

Funding is not provided where objectives of the research have been accomplished elsewhere, where funds are otherwise available from another source or where funding is more appropriately available elsewhere.  

Applications may be submitted at any time. Depending on the nature of the proposal it may take up to eight weeks for the Commission to complete the review. 
  
APPLICATION PROCESS 

Stage One: Letter of Intent 
Applicants must submit a Letter of Intent outlining applicant contact information, project purpose, research objectives and outcomes, estimated project costs, along with the name and contact information for individuals / organizations supporting the research initiative with their signed letters of support. Applicants should also outline the anticipated benefits to Newfoundland and Labrador workplaces and provide a brief statement regarding strategies for disseminating research findings. 

Potential applicants may informally discuss their ideas with a Commission representative prior to submitting a Letter of Intent.  

The Commission will invite applicants to proceed to stage two where the eligibility criteria have been met.  

Stage Two:  Research Proposal Submission 
During stage two, applicants will submit a detailed research proposal which must include: 

• research methods and schedule
• detailed budget
• personnel experience
• ethical considerations
• literature review   

APPROVAL PROCESS
 
Research Funding is approved by the Board of Directors. Where funding is approved, the applicant, any party to the research and the Commission will be required to sign a contract which will outline specific terms and conditions. Research projects will be monitored by the Commission’s Corporate Governance and Planning Department. 

For more information telephone 709-778-1275.