STRIDE Lab
Aiming to develop a representative, inclusive anthropometric database reflecting the diversity of body shapes, sizes, and abilities across the Canadian workforce.
The Skilled Trades Research in Inclusivity, Diversity, and Equity (STRIDE) Lab is a nationally unique research facility dedicated to advancing inclusive design in the skilled trades. The STRIDE Lab houses state‑of‑the‑art anthropometric and body‑scanning technologies, the only comprehensive infrastructure of its kind in Canada, enabling CISWP to develop occupation‑specific datasets that reflect the true diversity of Canadian workers.
By capturing detailed measurements of body shape, size, form, and functional capacity across different trades, the STRIDE Lab fills long‑standing gaps in the data traditionally used to design tools, equipment, and personal protective equipment (PPE).
In addition to developing anthropometric databases, the STRIDE Lab also focuses on the testing and evaluation of tools, equipment, and PPE to ensure they accommodate real‑world variation in body size, shape, and functional capacity. This work addresses long‑standing gaps in design standards, where existing PPE and tools often reflect outdated or non‑representative body data.
Uniquely situated within one of Canada’s largest skilled trades training campuses, the STRIDE Lab has direct access to thousands of apprentices and trainees annually, representing a wide range of trades and training programs. This unparalleled access ensures that the anthropometric datasets generated in STRIDE truly reflect the next generation of Canadian workers, and the real diversity of the skilled trades workforce.
What is the goal of the STRIDE Lab?
The STRIDE Lab aims to build a representative, inclusive anthropometric database that reflects the diversity of body shapes, sizes, and abilities across the Canadian workforce. This evidence is essential for developing tools, equipment, and PPE that fit properly, function effectively, and support safe, inclusive participation in all skilled trades.
Where is the STRIDE Lab located?
The STRIDE Lab is located in Cambridge, Ontario, embedded within one of Canada’s largest and most advanced skilled trades training campuses.
What research is occurring in the STRIDE Lab?
The STRIDE lab leads and supports major CISWP research initiatives. In partnership with the Workplace Insurance Safety Board (WSIB), the STRIDE Lab is supporting the development of the novel Multivariate Occupation-Specific Anthropometric Database (MOSAIC). This is the first Canadian database to comprehensively capture the body dimensions of the diverse Canadian workforce.
Data generated through STRIDE lab will shape the future of PPE, tools, equipment, and workplace design using detailed anthropometric data, functional assessments, and user-experience insights, ensuring new products enhance safety, comfort, and performance for all workers.