Media room

Latest news releases

Only cannabis use at or before work linked with higher work injury risks

July 31, 2023 (Toronto, Ont.)—Are workers who use cannabis at greater risk of having an injury at work? Yes, but only those workers who use cannabis during or before a work shift. Workers who only use cannabis outside of work hours are at no greater risk of getting injured at work than workers who do not use cannabis at all. That’s according to a study by the Institute for Work & Health (IWH) published today in the Canadian Journal of Public Health (doi:10.17269/s41997-023-00795-0). The study,… Read more

New social innovation lab to build employer confidence in hiring and supporting persons with disabilities

May 18, 2023 (Toronto, Ontario)—Launching today is a six-year initiative that flips on its head the traditional approach to increasing the employment of persons with disabilities. Instead of focusing on the resources and skills that ensure persons with disabilities are job-ready—where most attention has previously been paid—Inclusive Design for Employment Access (IDEA) is focusing on building the capacity of employers and workplaces to recruit, hire, onboard, accommodate, train, mentor and promote persons with disabilities. Funded by the federal government’s New Frontiers… Read more

People with disabilities in Canada consistently report working in lower quality jobs than people without disabilities

April 12, 2023 (Toronto, Ont.) — People with disabilities in Canada are not only less likely than people without disabilities to find work. When they do, they are also more likely to find themselves in lower quality jobs. That’s according to a study published online today in the Journal of Occupational Rehabilitation (doi: 10.1007/s10926-023-10113-7). Led by IWH Associate Scientist Dr. Faraz Vahid Shahidi, the study… Read more

New IWH tool helps workers with chronic conditions find job-tailored supports that allow them to keep working

March 7, 2023 (Toronto, Ont.) — A new evidence-based tool from the Institute for Work & Health (IWH) will help workers with chronic and often episodic health conditions continue to work safely, comfortably and productively in their jobs. The Job Demands and Accommodation Planning Tool (JDAPT), being launched online on March 21, will allow workers with chronic conditions to learn about potential supports and accommodations specific to their job demands. Workers will then be able to implement them on their own or, if necessary, seek support from their employer, without… Read more

IWH Board of Directors appoints new Institute president

January 13, 2022 (Toronto, Ont.) — The Board of Directors of the Institute for Work & Health (IWH) is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Peter Smith as the next Institute president. Smith, a member of IWH’s scientific staff for over 15 years and currently IWH’s scientific co-director, steps into the new role on January 17, 2022. The Institute is known for its research excellence, production of useful and relevant findings, and engagement with stakeholders throughout the scientific process, says Smith. I’m looking forward to contributing in new and… Read more

See more

Talk to an expert

Scientists at the Institute for Work & Health (IWH) are experts in many workplace health, safety and disability prevention topics, including injury prevention, return to work, workers' compensation, labour market trends and more. For a list of areas in which IWH has specific expertise, click on the button. To set up an interview with a scientist, see the media contact information below.

Areas of expertise

Receive our news releases

If you would like to be added to the Institute's media list to receive our news releases and monthly updates of recent findings, you can sign up through the "Subscribe" button at the top of this page. When asked to indicate your professional role, select "Communications/media/knowledge exchange."

Or, if you prefer, simply send an email with your name, media outlet and email address (if different from the email you're sending from) to Communications Manager Uyen Vu or Communications Associate Andrea Larney.

Media contacts

Andrea Larney
Communications Associate
Institute for Work & Health
289-387-0153 (cell)
416-927-2027 ext. 2156 (office)
alarney@iwh.on.ca

Uyen Vu
Communications Manager
Institute for Work & Health
613-725-0106
613-979-7742 (cell)
uvu@iwh.on.ca