Identification of potential risk factors for injury to police officers in using new technologies

This research explored the possible links between injuries to police officers, their equipment, and technology (on personnel duty belts and in police vehicles), and musculoskeletal injuries and motor vehicle accidents. The researchers aimed to identify, develop, modify and support workplace safety and well-being initiatives, contributing to injury reduction among police officers. The researchers set out to identify police vehicle and equipment design issues that contribute to on-the-job injuries, and to make recommendations addressing these concerns. They discovered that while police vehicles are increasingly becoming mobile work stations, complete with computers and other new equipment – both in the vehicles and attached to officers’ duty belts – little has been done to address the ergonomic and safety problems arising from such changes. Through observation and consultations with members of the Vancouver Police Department (VPD) and Justice Institute of B.C. (JIBC) recruits, the researchers developed a series of recommendations for improving police vehicle safety and comfort. Based on their findings, the researchers propose that immediate action be taken on issues identified as having low-cost, common-sense solutions, and that ongoing partnerships be built to address questions that require more complex strategies.