Canadian Occupational Safety

26 Canadian Occupational Safety | www.cos-mag.com TOOLS OF THE TRADE PRODUCTS & SERVICES The latest OHS innovations and industry updates Canadian tech start-up speeds post-concussion return to work Iris Technologies, a Canadian assistive technology start-up, is offering concussion patients a faster road back to work and the classroom. With the launch of their flagship product, the Iris Monitor, they offer the world's first computer monitor clinically proven to help concussion patients reduce the painful symptoms of light sensitivity when using a computer. Co-founders Conor Ross and Colin Harding, graduates of Queen's University in Kingston, Ont., are passionate about making a difference in the lives of concussion patients. "When my brother suffered a concussion two years ago, pain- ful light sensitivity kept him out of school and away from his friends for a long time, which made him feel isolated. Ever since then, we have been committed to developing assistive technolo- gies to help concussion patients regain control of their lives and reconnect with society," said Ross. The Iris Monitor features a unique 13.3-inch e-paper screen, which uses magnetized polymer to create shapes on the display, as opposed to the light modulating liquid crystals of a typical liquid crystal display (LCD) computer screen. By adapting cur- rent monitor technology, the Iris Monitor features a screen that is not constantly refreshing and is not backlit. For post-concussion syndrome sufferers, symptoms triggered by light and motion are significantly reduced. This allows users to reintroduce daily computer tasks and increase their level of productivity. With an overwhelming one in five Canadians affected by sport-related concussion injury and 1.5 million currently living with a brain injury, the inability of many concussion patients to return to work is costing patients, businesses and insurers significant financial losses. "My most painful concussion symptom to date has been severe sensitivity to light, which made using my computer next to impossible," said David Goldband, vice-president at Grant Thornton, a Toronto-based accounting firm. "Not only has the Iris Monitor allowed me to use my computer again and get back to work much sooner, it helped me reconnect with my friends and family online." In a recent clinical trial, the Iris Monitor enabled concussion patients to use their computers longer, with a significant reduc- tion in the often-painful symptoms caused by the light sensitivity typically triggered by LCD screens. "Computer screen intolerance due to light sensitivity occurs in up to 43 per cent of individuals facing ongoing symptoms after a concussion. In severe cases, painful symptoms such as photophobia and light sensitivity can last several years or even permanently," said Charles Tator, neurosurgeon and director of the Canadian Concussion Centre at Toronto Western Hospital, who led the clinical study of the Iris Monitor. "Clinical study participants who used the monitor reported fewer exacerbated symptoms, an increased ability to focus and that the screen was easier on the eyes." Iris Technologies is already seeing positive interest and demand for the Iris Monitor. Some of the company's customers include: Yale University, the University of Toronto, Bloorview School Authority, Appleby College, IBM, Grant Thornton, the Government of Ontario, an insurance company and a selection of human resources departments and occupational therapy clinics. Exoskeleton provides lightweight support when working overhead The Airframe by Levitate Tech- nologies is a lightweight, wearable exoskeleton that's engineered to support the upper extremity of pro- fessionals and skilled trade workers who are exposed to repetitive ele- vation of the arms. The Airframe provides all-day, seamless ergonomic support and reduces muscle fatigue resulting in a healthier worker, said Levitate. The Airframe transfers the weight of the arms from the shoulders, neck and back to the outside of the hips, evenly distributing the load to reduce muscle fatigue. Flexible and scalable to individuals of almost any size, it slips easily on and off, and moves with the wearer, without intruding into the work space or limiting motion or dexterity. The design allows for quick adjustments and selections of components that allow the device to be fitted for a five-foot-two person or a six-foot individual in a matter of two minutes, according to Levitate. The Airframe mechanical support system progressively activates as the arm is raised, and gradually releases as the arm is lowered, resulting in "just the right level of support — at just the right time." The lightweight nature of the device is in itself a major part of the innovation. "When walking into a BMW or Toyota plant, we are asking assemblers with 20 years of experience to put on an exoskeleton for the first time in their careers. The last thing these hard-working employees need or want is adding discomfort to their already aching bodies," said Joseph Zawaideh, vice-president of marketing at the San Diego company. The device is strictly mechanical and does not have any lubricants, seals, software, electri- cal components, pistons or compressed air. This makes the Airframe reliable enough to be used all day and every day by the worker. The system consists of cables, pulleys, springs and aluminum tubing. The technology has been used by assemblers, painters, welders and material handlers at automotive, aerospace, heavy machinery and agricultural equipment manufacturers. "This is the first time that an upper body exoskeleton is being used throughout the shift for workers, so they do not ache at the end of the day," said Zawaideh. "It has the potential to allow workers to lead healthier lives and retire without the musculoskeletal disorders or aching." The technology was validated in an Institutional Review Board-approved study for its perfor- mance in real jobs in a partnership between John Deere and Iowa State University. The university collected over 500 million electromyography data points on the eight different muscle groups on several workers, proving decrease of muscle overexertion, fatigue and injury potential. ForceFlex boasts D3O back of hand, padded palm MCR Safety has expanded the ForceFlex line of multi-task gloves. It is the first to offer D3O technology protection both in the palm and back of hand in this type glove. The D3O material is shock-absorbing yet thin, allowing full flexibility and range of motion. According to glove testing, back-of-hand impact dissipation is up to 54 per cent better and 57 per cent thinner than similar materi- als, and impact dissipation on fingers is up to 46 per cent better and 37 per cent thinner. "D3O is actively supplying their material in the mili- tary, sports, motorcycling and electronics industries. We also incorporate premium materials in its construction to maximize the protection, comfort, dexterity and efficiency of workers in the oil and gas, mining, con- struction, recycling and heavy manufacturing arenas," said Paul Harris, vice-president of product strategy and innovations for MCR Safety in Collierville, Tenn. The company's FF2930 ForceFlex series was created for the oil and gas fields specifically to provide greater grip in dry, wet and oily conditions. "According to ExxonMobil, over 90 per cent of their hand injuries are pinch and crush due to impact. The example is squeezing a grape until it bursts. This is what is happening to workers' fingertips on the rigs," said Harris. Distinguishing characteristics of the glove includes two-way spandex back, hybrid for- chettes and reinforced thumb crotch for greater durability, as well as expansion gussets for ease of donning. Additional features are the slip-on cuff with gusset, pull tab and ID panel for personalization. The glove meets ANSI/ISEA 105 Cut Level A2, Abrasion Level 4 and Puncture Resistance Level 3. When the upcoming ANSI/ISEA 138 Performance and Classification for Impact Resistant Hand Protection standard is released later this year for the North American market, it will "separate the pretenders from the contenders," said Harris, with performance levels 1 through 3 that are based on certain levels of impact dissipation achieved at both fingers and knuckles.

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