Occupational Safety and Health Laboratory

College of Public Health and Human Sciences

Welcome to OSU's College of Public Health and Human Sciences Occupational Safety and Health Research Laboratory.

We use a variety of tools and methods to investigate workplace hazards and environmental pollutants on safety and health outcomes in working populations and communities.

We conduct a broad range of research in the commercial fishing industry, masonry workers, and the timber industry. In addition, one project is tracking pollutants and health in our community using cutting edge technology.

Our goal is to develop and test targeted interventions that create healthy communities and people, and to improve worker safety in high risk industries.

April 27, 2023

Applied ergonomics study finds fishermen-developed “banger bar” helps reduce risk of injury on crab boats

Dungeness crab fishermen are at high risk for on-the-job injury, but having a metal bar to bang crab pots against as they harvest can help them prevent injury.
September 29, 2022

Study finds higher rates of traumatic injuries for outdoor workers during hotter weather

Results underscore the importance of providing robust safety protections for outdoor workers.
October 9, 2021

OSU researchers to help make the 'deadliest catch' less deadly

Crabbing is Oregon’s most lucrative – and dangerous – fishing market. Now a federal grant aims to make the work safer.
August 10, 2021

New grant will help OSU researchers find ways to prevent injury in Dungeness crab industry

Jay Kim and Laurel Kincl will build on existing research with the Dungeness crab fishing industry, where workers suffer high rates of both fatal and non-fatal injuries, thanks to a grant from the NIOSH.
May 27, 2021

Practicing ergonomics at work and home

Associate Professor Laurel Kincl and Assistant Professor Jay Kim discuss proper ergonomics and risk factors in Public Health Insider webcast.
February 10, 2021

Time-specific safety interventions needed to improve construction worker safety

Workers in the construction industry are most likely to suffer injuries early in their shifts, and those working night shifts experience more severe injuries.