November 2016

Study comparing two experience rating programs finds design differences affect outcomes

Not all experience rating programs are the same. A study by the Institute for Work & Health (IWH) looks for the first time at design differences in the experience rating programs of two jurisdictions—Ontario and British Columbia. It finds claims reductions under Ontario’s program are larger in the short term, while those under B.C.’s program are longer lasting. In an At Work article, study author Dr. Emile Tompa shares his thoughts on how program design might affect claims management practices.

Read the article

Carillion Canada uses OHS Vulnerability Measure to spot weaknesses in health and safety program

Even health and safety leaders have areas of weakness. Carillion Canada, a health and safety award winner, took part in an IWH study to find out where its workers might be vulnerable. In the Fall At Work issue, Lee-Anne Lyon-Bartley, the company’s health, safety, quality and sustainability manager, tells us why the company got involved in the research, and what it learned.

Read the case study

Advocate honoured at Nachemson urges greater inclusion of people with disabilities in workplace

IWH’s Nachemson lecture last month shone a spotlight on the contribution of Wolfgang Zimmermann, founder and executive director of the National Institute of Disability Management and Research (NIDMAR) in Port Alberni, B.C. Three speakers paid tribute to his impact—the development of a professional standard for disability managers, the adoption of that standard in many jurisdictions across the world, and the founding of the world’s first university decicated to work health sciences. Zimmermann also challenged workplace leaders and policy-makers to “change the terrible narrative” that continues to describe the reality of most people with disabilities when it comes to their participation in the labour force. If you want to listen to the remarks, they are now available as slidecasts on our Nachemson page. You can also read a media release and an At Work article on highlights of the event.

See the Nachemson page

Plenary slidecast: What are health-care providers told about their role in return to work?

Doctors have an important role in the return-to-work (RTW) process. But research shows they sometimes struggle to manage RTW consultations and help patients return to work after an injury. As part of a broader exploration into the role played by doctors in RTW, Dr. Agnieszka Kosny, an IWH scientist, examined resources, policies and guidelines that have been developed for physicians by workers’ compensation boards, governments and other organizations across Canada. She highlights resource gaps in a recent plenary, now available as a slidecast.

Watch the plenary

Webinar on developing a client handling program being offered by CRE-MSD and PSHSA

On December 7, at noon, the Centre of Research Expertise for the Prevention of Musculoskeletal Disorders (CRE-MSD) is teaming up with the Public Services Health and Safety Association (PSHSA) to offer a free one-hour webinar that will provide an overview of the key features needed in a patient handling program to help prevent musculoskeletal disorders. Entitled Client Handling Program Development Tips and PSHSA Resources, the webinar will feature advice from Frances Ziesmann, a registered physiotherapist, Canadian Registered Safety Professional (CRSP) and consultant for PSHSA. A Q&A session will follow.

Sign up for the webinar

Uyen Vu
Communications Associate
613-979-7742
uvu@iwh.on.ca