The Centre of Research Expertise for the Prevention of Musculoskeletal Disorders (CRE-MSD) conducts research to improve the understanding of and prevention of work-related musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs). The single largest contributor to lost time claims and costs in Ontario (and worldwide) is MSDs. CRE-MSD is recognized for its focus on the primary prevention of MSDs: saving workers from injury in the first place.
CRE-MSD is a network currently made up of 47 dedicated researchers across 13 different institutions in Ontario. Our network approach gives us a wide range of expertise that allows us to research MSD prevention in multiple sectors. The Centre collaborates with multiple stakeholder groups and workplace partners in all stages of its research. This allows us to ask better and more relevant research questions, shape research projects to maximize their value for workplaces and improve transfer from research to practice.
CRE-MSD was founded in 2004 and is based at the University of Waterloo. The Centre receives funding through a grant provided by the Ontario Ministry of Labour and also benefits from the support of the University of Waterloo.
Mission
Bringing researchers and workplaces together to identify the key questions, find the best research answers and pass on the best knowledge that will lead to the prevention of musculoskeletal disorders at work.
Goals
- To support workplace-partnered, stakeholder-focused research into the primary prevention of musculoskeletal disorders
- To generate transferrable knowledge on the primary prevention of musculoskeletal disorders at work