Research

The OEHC engages in a wide variety of research projects.

The Center for Indoor Environments and Health (CIEH) carries out research into the effects of environmental exposures including mold. These projects include EPA-funded analyses of air contaminants and health effects in schools, as well as other projects in State agency buildings. This work builds off a history of research projects focused on disease outbreaks associated with various industrial contaminants. The OEHC maintains an ongoing interest in health effects related to metalworking cutting fluids and sponsored a conference on the problem in 2001. Researchers are also examining the etiology of Green Tobacco Sickness in migrant workers on CT tobacco farms.

The Ergonomic Technology Center (ErgoCenter) has completed and is engaged in several projects designed to further knowledge about the relationship of physical stressors and the development of MSDs (Musculoskeletal Disorders). NIOSH has funded two projects exploring the effects of hand/arm vibration exposure from powered tools—one an international epidemiological study and one a lab-based assessment of short and long-term exposure to vibration. The ErgoCenter Biodynamics laboratory, with instrumentation to precisely measure human motion, postural and physiological characteristics of work, is central to these physiological studies and is also the base from which the ErgoCenter carries out applied research on tools and prototype devices for industrial clients.

The ErgoCenter also carries out broad, survey-based research projects on MSD causation and control, including a NIOSH-funded survey of the CT working force (the CUSP study: Connecticut Upper-Extremity Surveillance Project). The epidemiologic studies address multiple risks for MSDs, including physical, psychosocial and work organization factors. AHRQ currently funds a study of community-based health centers that explores the relationship between organizational characteristics, employee working conditions, and quality of care delivered to patients. Other research with Veterans Administration databases is identifying the aspects of organizational culture and work organization most strongly associated with system performance.

The OEHC is engaged in a number of occupational disease tracking (called surveillance) projects. The Center monitors needlestick injuries at UCHC, under a CDC-funded NaSH grant, as well as other health care worker hazards. Other projects examine the reporting of occupational diseases in Connecticut, with an emphasis on improving reporting and tracking of disease. This research includes an annual report on occupational diseases in Connecticut which is produced for the Connecticut Workers' Compensation Commission. OEHC also cooperates with the Connecticut Department of Public Health on investigations into clusters of various occupational diseases.

Another set of projects focus on female reproductive effects of occupational exposures, in order to provide pregnant workers with sound advice on chemical exposures during pregnancy.

NASA has funded the construction of a separate laboratory facility for acoustic research. Several projects exploring the use of spatially located acoustic signals for information display and control are under development.

You may also read about the HOPE Project, a nationally funded research project designed to improve the health and safety of workers and the quality of care provided to patients.

The Center for the Promotion of Health in the New England Workplace (CPH-NEW) is a Center for Excellence funded by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) in 2006.  It is a collaborative research-to-practice initiative led by investigators from the University of Massachusetts Lowell (UML) and the University of Connecticut (UCONN). The Center’s research goal is to evaluate the feasibility, effectiveness, and economic benefits of integrating occupational health and safety with health promotion interventions to improve employee health. There is a strong emphasis on workplace occupational ergonomic interventions and on worker involvement. Outcomes of particular interest include musculoskeletal health, mental health, and cardiovascular health.

Publications Library

Obtain research-related OEHC publications at our online Publications Library.