@WORK Update

by Olivia McAuley & the Dal@WORK team

Committed to safety, success and a supportive workplace for all

For the past 11 years, the @WORK project has been at the forefront of initiatives that enhance health, safety, and well-being across the Dalhousie community. Through the School of Occupational Therapy, the project collaborates with various departments to support faculty and staff in staying safe and succeeding at work.

@WORK is partnering with Dalhousie’s Office of Environmental Health and Safety and the People and Culture department, reinforcing its commitment to workplace wellness. Each year, from January to June, Occupational Therapy students join the project, applying their expertise in Occupational Therapy assessment, analysis, and proactive intervention. During their fourth and final fieldwork placement in March and April 2025, current second-year MSc student Occupational Therapists—Mairi, Baylee, and Olivia—are actively working to prevent workplace injuries and enhance productivity across both the Halifax and Truro campuses, gaining invaluable hands-on experience along the way.

One key initiative focuses on ergonomic assessments for office-based staff. The team optimizes workstation setups through group-based and one-on-one sessions, promotes safe work habits, and mitigates ergonomic risk factors, strengthening workplace safety across multiple departments.

The project also extends its efforts to more than 80 Facilities Management staff, including tradespeople such as electricians, plumbers, carpenters, painters, HVAC technicians, and utility service personnel. The team gathers valuable insights that inform interactive psychoeducational workshops by conducting job demands analyses and worksite occupational assessments. These sessions equip trade personnel with practical strategies for mitigating ergonomic risk factors by considering optimal body mechanics, pacing, and planning for their physically demanding roles.

Additionally, @WORK continues its initiative to improve accessibility in Dalhousie’s first-year chemistry labs. Students contribute to developing resources that support Chemistry department instructors, teaching assistants, and lab coordinators in accommodating diverse student needs and fostering inclusive learning environments.

Through these efforts, the @WORK project remains committed to supporting our Dalhousie Community in staying safe and succeeding at work, creating a healthier, more supportive workplace for all.