April 2018

Opioids prescribed for acute MSDs linked with work disability

An Institute for Work & Health (IWH) systematic review finds a consistent link between opioids prescribed for acute musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) and prolonged work disability. However, review authors caution against drawing conclusions about cause and effect due to the limitations of the studies reviewed.

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How do workplace violence risks differ for men and women?

Workplace violence is gaining public attention, but men and women face starkly different risks of workplace violence. In a recent IWH Speaker Series presentation, IWH Senior Scientist Dr. Peter Smith shared results of two studies examining these differences, particularly in the types of violence faced and committed by men and women.

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Now recruiting: managers who have accommodated workers with chronic diseases

We need your help. If you’re a manager or supervisor with experience accommodating employees with chronic physical or mental health conditions, we’d like to hear from you for a study on talking about workplace accommodation needs. Tell us about the challenges you faced supporting employees with chronic health conditions while also balancing privacy concerns. Your participation would consist of a confidential phone interview of about 30 to 40 minutes. If you’re interested, please email jbowring@iwh.on.ca or call 1-855-884-1416.

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IWH researcher to discuss newcomer health and safety at Work, Migration and Health Forum 2018

In Canada, migrant workers and newcomers are among those disproportionately affected by precarious employment. On May 8-9, the Work, Migration and Health Forum 2018 examines the labour experiences of Canada’s migrants and newcomers, including temporary foreign workers, new immigrants, refugees, international students and undocumented migrants. IWH’s Dr. Basak Yanar, one of the keynote speakers, discusses newcomers’ experiences looking for work and finding information about health and safety. Registration is free for newcomers and migrants.

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Get our latest findings and tools at Partners in Prevention

Are you going to Partners in Prevention, Canada’s largest health and safety trade show and conference, being held in Toronto on May 1-2? If so, you can hear two IWH researchers talk about their findings. On Day 1, Dr. Peter Smith discusses which is better: sitting or standing at work. On Day 2, Morgane Le Pouésard presents the new Evidence-informed guide to supporting people with depression in the workplace, based on IWH research. You can also drop by Booth #525 to learn even more about IWH research findings and tools–and enter our draw for a Fitbit.

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Register now for IWH’s systematic review workshop

How do you weigh the merits of the studies that come across your desk? Or faced with conflicting findings from many studies, how would you come up with a summary message? Learn how at IWH’s Spring 2018 Systematic Review Workshop, May 14 to 16. Register now as space is limited.

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CRE-MSD marks 50th anniversary of University of Waterloo Kinesiology Department

The University of Waterloo’s Department of Kinesiology is celebrating its 50th anniversary with the KIN@50 conference, and the Centre of Research Expertise for the Prevention of Musculoskeletal Disorders (CRE-MSD) is taking part. CRE-MSD Director Dr. Jack Callaghan and CRE-MSD researchers Dr. Mike Holmes and Dr. Tammy Eger help kick off the celebration on Friday, April 27, with a presentation on kinesiology at work. Dr. Steve Fischer, Dr. Howie Green and other CRE-MSD researchers address topics such as the future of kinesiology, innovations in ergonomics, fundamental discoveries, exercise, nutrition and health, and recovery and rehabilitation.

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