Building Capacity for Productive, Sustainable, and High-Performing Work

The Canadian Institute for Safety, Wellness, and Performance (CISWP) is an independent not-for-profit research institute dedicated to strengthening the productivity, sustainability, and resilience of Canada’s workforce
Who We Are

Grounded in an applied research model and informed by real‑world data, we work directly with employers, workers, and communities to ensure our insights and solutions reflect the realities of today’s and future’s workforce.

Through a collaborative, transdisciplinary approach, we generate rigorous evidence, translate research into practical, scalable solutions, and build workforce capacity to address the complex challenges.
CISWP leads innovative, often first-of-its-kind, initiatives at the intersection of safety, wellness, and performance, tackling emerging risks, persistent inequities, and evolving workforce needs. Our work positions Canada as a global leader in creating environments where people and organizations can adapt and thrive in a rapidly changing economic and social landscape.

CISWP Strategic Plan

Vision

A future where every Canadian worker thrives in safe, healthy, and high‑performing workplaces, strengthening the resilience and competitiveness of businesses across the country.

Researcher processing MOVE 4D data on desktop

Mission

To lead innovation in workplace safety, wellness, and performance in Canada by integrating applied research, workforce development, advanced technology, and evidence‑informed practices in collaboration with partners to deliver measurable, real‑world impact.

Construction worker holding clipboard, wearing PPE on construction site

Core Value

Core Value Items
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Innovation

We pursue cutting-edge, transdisciplinary, and applied research to close knowledge gaps and develop evidence-informed tools, technologies, and solutions that meaningfully improve workplace safety, wellness, and performance

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Equity and Inclusiveness

We are committed to uplifting diverse communities by building equitable, inclusive systems that ensure every worker has access to meaningful, safe, and fulfilling employment.

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Collaboration

We work in genuine partnership with employers, non‑profits, labour unions, academics, service providers, policymakers, and practitioners to co‑design, implement, and scale solutions that are both effective, evidence-informed, and sustainable.

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Integrity

We uphold the highest standards of ethics, transparency, and scientific rigor in our work, ensuring trust with the organizations and communities we serve.

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Impact

We are driven by measurable, real‑world outcomes that create lasting improvements in worker health, organizational performance, and economic prosperity.

Testimonials

I really want to let you know that your team was exceptional! They were friendly and personable with me and the staff. They worked tirelessly and extended their workday to accommodate any extra staff at the end of each day. They made our staff feel comfortable during the tests and really helped with the buy-in for recruitment as word got out!

— Employer Representative

We have collaborated a few times with CISWP, providing them access to our sites across all divisions (Bridge, General Contracting and Infrastructure) to work with our teams. Each study not only provides our team the chance to provide valuable feedback and data to the organization, but also allows us to help contribute to the changes CISWP would like to implement to keep our guys on-site safe.

— Partner Organization

We’ve had a great experience working with CISWP. We’ve worked with many different teams across the two studies we’ve partnered on, and they’ve always been a warm and professional presence on site. Our crews have always been happy to work alongside them!

— Industry Partner

The biggest impact we have seen is the level of engagement created through our partnership with CISWP. Their positive, collaborative approach has encouraged our team to be more open and honest in their feedback, reinforcing a shared commitment to improving safety and giving our workforce greater confidence in contributing to a safer construction industry.

— Employer Representative

What excites us the most about the work CISWP is conducting is that there is a direct impact on our industry. This work isn’t being done for the sake of it. This work is being done to make sure that our team, and teams like ours, get to work in an environment they enjoy, for longer, and under safer conditions for themselves.

— Employer Representative

It’s been a great process, I’m happy to have my company take care of the workers and think of the future and not just the now. So, it's great having these researchers come in and try to figure out what our muscles are going to do with fatigue and recovery. And, hopefully with the researchers coming in to our company and working together, the future will be bright for us workers

— Partner Organization

Research Initiatives

Research Initiative Items

The MOSAIC Research Initiative

The MOSAIC (Multivariate Occupation-Specific AnthropometrIC Database) Research Initiative is a cutting-edge program led by the Canadian Institute for Safety, Wellness, and Performance (CISWP).

The WorkSITE Initiative

The Safe Work Solutions, Innovations, and Technology Evaluation (Safe WorkSITE) Initiative delivers specialized, real-world research designed to help Ontario businesses make evidence-informed decisions that improve worker health and safety and enhance productivity.