Occupational Safety and Health Laboratory

Welcome to OSU's College of Health's 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.

Fishermen Led Injury Prevention Program (FLIPP)

OSH Lab stories and news

Dec. 13, 2023
Team FLIPPs for lifejackets
Research team works with local fishermen to increase wearability and availability of lifejackets.
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.
Sept. 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.
Oct. 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.
Aug. 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.