What's new

Text reads: One in four young adults in the U.S. have persistently poor mental health from their mid-teens to their mid-30s. These young adults also earn the lowest among their same-age peers. That's according to an IWH study of 8,000 young adults in the U.S., based on follow-up surveys over two decades. Black and white images of young people in the corner

New study looks at mental health and earnings of U.S. young adults over 20-year span

A study based on a large, nationally representative sample of 8,000 individuals in the U.S. looked at their earnings and mental health over 20 years. It found those with poor mental health are also the ones with the lowest earnings.

hands raised in training session

What research can do: Manitoba’s WCB uses IWH research in update of RTW workshop

The Workers Compensation Board of Manitoba recently updated its Return to Work Basics workshop, and the Institute’s ‘Seven Principles for Successful Return to Work’ is a key part of it. In our latest impact case study, summarized here, Manitoba WCB’s return-to-work manager shares her thoughts on the value of research.

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Overhead view of two people in safety helmets walking up the stairs in a plant

IWH’s OHS Vulnerability Measure leads pack in study of leading indicator tools

In an Australian study of five occupational health and safety (OHS) leading indicator tools around the world, a measure developed by the Institute has come out ahead for its ability to pick up workers’ risk of reporting a physical injury or a near-miss at work. The OHS Vulnerability Measure is now one of two tools recommended by the study team for use by the local workers’ compensation authority.

At the next IWH Speaker Series presentation, race and ethnic inequities in RTW, with Dr. Arif Jetha and Dr. Faraz Vahid Shahidi. January 17, 2023, 11a.m. to noon

IWH Speaker Series: Findings from systematic review on racial and ethnic inequities in RTW

Studies to date have found evidence of racial inequities in work-related injuries and illnesses, but what about in return to work (RTW)? On January 17, in the first IWH Speaker Series presentation of 2023, an IWH team shares findings from a systematic review on racial inequities in the reintegration of injured or ill workers. The team will also discuss opportunities to address obstacles faced by workers of colour in RTW and provide recommendations for future research.

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Twenty-year look-back by former IWH president finds bright spots in prevention system

On November 3, the Alf Nachemson Memorial Lecture returned after a three-year hiatus with a look-back by Dr. Cameron Mustard. The former IWH president shared five key learnings gleaned over his 20 years at the helm of the Institute.

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A yellow note tacked on a cork board reads: "we're hiring! join our team"

Our KTE team is hiring!

Join the team that’s charged with getting IWH research out to users and stakeholders. Check out our opportunities page for details on two full-time, permanent postings: one for Knowledge Transfer & Exchange (KTE) Associate and one for Visual-Digital Communications Associate. The deadline to apply is December 22.

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IWH launches research program on AI and workplace safety, inequities

Uses of artificial intelligence (AI) are all around us but, until now, few researchers have examined the impact of AI through the lens of worker inequities and worker health and safety. In October, a team led by IWH Scientist Dr. Arif Jetha kicked off a new research program at IWH on these topics.

Text reads: At the next IWH Speaker Series presentation... Preventing falls from heights in Ontario's construction sector Dr. Lynda Robson December 13, 2022, 11:00a.m. to noon www.iwh.on.ca Tinted background shows man working on the roof of a new residential build

IWH Speaker Series: Effectiveness of mandatory training standard to prevent falls from heights

In 2015, the Ontario government implemented a working-at-heights (WAH) training standard to ramp up fall prevention efforts. An IWH study team, led by IWH Scientist Dr. Lynda Robson, has now gathered two additional years of data on the effectiveness of this training requirement. Find out what the team learned at our next IWH Speaker Series webinar, taking place on December 13.

Two male workers assemble vegetable crates in a warehouse

Employers struggle to provide newcomers with OHS training and support, IWH study finds

Employers are responsible for providing occupational health and safety (OHS) training and support to keep workers safe. When it comes to workers who are new to Canada, however, workplaces face particular challenges following through on this responsibility.

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IWH Updates - Fall 2022

IWH thanks former Board of Director members and welcomes new ones ~ IWH’s latest annual report highlights research on both emerging and longstanding issues

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Construction work on the new Victoria Bridge in downtown Saskatoon

What research can do: Sector safety group helps members measure OHS with IWH safety culture tool

When the Saskatchewan Construction Safety Association (SCSA) set out looking for a tool to measure the safety culture of its member firms, it turned to the Institute’s Organizational Performance Metric (IWH-OPM). The SCSA is asking members to assess their safety culture in multiple waves. And to do that, it needs a measure that’s easy to use.

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Text reads: At the next IWH Speaker Series presentation... Persistent pain, its role in work absence, health and employment after a work injury Dr. Kathleen Dobson November 15, 2022, 11:00a.m. to noon www.iwh.on.ca Tinted background shows man wincing in pain as he holds his shoulder

IWH Speaker Series webinar explores persistent pain after work injury

How common is it for injured workers to continue experiencing pain after a work injury? In the next IWH Speaker Series, on November 15, Dr. Kathleen Dobson shares findings from a study conducted with workers’ compensation claimants in Ontario.

An older female worker ponders decision while sitting in waiting room

Why older workers are reluctant to disclose their support needs

The aging of the working population may be a big factor behind the labour shortages being felt across the country, but if you ask older workers, many would say they’re in no hurry to retire. However, they do have support needs that they may not divulge. In a new study, Institute for Work & Health (IWH) Senior Scientist Dr. Monique Gignac explores the risks of disclosure older workers perceive, and suggests ways workplaces can support and retain these employees despite the communication barriers.

The Nachemson Lecture is back! Join us November 3, 2022. Register now

On November 3, join us at the Nachemson Memorial Lecture

After retiring in January 2022 and capping a 20-year run at the helm of the Institute, former IWH President Dr. Cameron Mustard returns to deliver the 2022 Alf Nachemson Memorial Lecture. On November 3, join us to hear Mustard reflect on the Institute’s research over two decades, and its impact on practices and policies in the protection of Ontario workers from work-related injury, illness and disability. The lecture and reception are open and free to all.

Hanging letters spell out "survey" against a yellow background

Please take our short survey

The Institute for Work & Health needs your help. In 2023, we are renewing our strategic plan and research priorities. We want to hear your thoughts on what IWH does, the usefulness of our research, and where you think we should focus our research over the next five years. Please take this short, anonymous survey, which closes October 31. 

Police sirens at night

Now available: New resource on return to work in policing

A resource is now available on the return-to-work (RTW) challenges in policing and ways to address them. As outlined by Dr. Dwayne Van Eerd in an IWH Speaker Series webinar on October 18, this four-page resource describes the challenges along three key themes—accommodation, communication and trust-building. This resource is intended for members, both sworn and civilian, in Ontario’s police services. 

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How Canadian workers move in a day, and what that means for their heart health

Canadian workers fall into one of six groups in the way they move throughout the day. Which have the best heart health? A new infographic describes the daily movement patterns of the six groups and compares their 10-year risks of heart disease, based on recent study findings.

A man sitting on a couch holds his shoulder in pain

Majority of workers still experience pain a year after injury: study

A high proportion of injured workers in Ontario experience persistent pain for well over a year after their work-related injury. In a study of workers’ compensation lost-time claimants, an Institute for Work & Health (IWH) team found 70 per cent of workers experience some level of pain 18 months post-injury.

Police sirens at night

IWH Speaker Series webinar explores return-to-work challenges in policing

What challenges do members of police services face after a work injury? In an IWH Speaker Series on October 18, IWH Scientist Dr. Dwayne Van Eerd shares findings from a recent study on return to work in Ontario police services. He also highlights suggestions that emerged from the data on ways to improve the return-to-work process.

An older female worker ponders decision while sitting in waiting room

Webinar now available: Supporting older workers to stay at work

Many older workers don't want to retire, but they may have support needs they don't want to disclose. How do employers provide these workers support and help them stay on the job? On September 20, at the first IWH Speaker Series webinar of the season, Senior Scientist Dr. Monique Gignac shared insights from a recent study. The webinar is now available to watch on-demand.

A visually impaired businesswoman uses smartphone and earphones during a business meeting

New initiative aims to ‘skill up’ employers on inclusion of persons with disabilities

Efforts to date to improve the employment of persons with disabilities have focused on making them job-ready. A new initiative, a joint project at the Institute for Work & Health (IWH) and McMaster University, now sets out to flip that approach on its head. It aims to “skill up” workplaces instead.  

Screen grab of the video displays the title, "Challenge 1: Impact of advanced digital technologies"

Join study on future challenges for young workers with disabilities

An ongoing study at the Institute for Work & Health identified six key challenges that young people with disabilities are expected to face in the future of work. In a series of short videos, we describe six major trends that are expected to shape employment for vulnerable workers over the next 10 years—and the program or policies that have the potential to protect these workers. Watch the first video and take part in the study.  

Cover image of At Work 109 (Summer 2022)

At Work Summer 2022 is out!

The Summer 2022 issue of At Work is out. If you did not get it in your inbox, make sure to subscribe. 

A Newton's cradle, made up of crumpled paper in different colours, drawn to look like lightbulbs

IWH model influences other research orgs’ approach to measuring impact

Research organizations in the field of work and health share a common challenge: how to assess the difference they make. IWH’s Research Impact Model was developed in 2010 to guide Institute thinking about, and documentation of, its impact. The model has resonated with other organizations around the world doing similar research. As told in a new impact case study, summarized here, the model has made a difference in how several research institutes assess the impact of their work and shape their knowledge transfer and exchange strategies.

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A young worker at her computer workstation holds her shoulder and neck in pain

Study examines links between job conditions and rheumatic disease symptoms

Can work and labour market conditions be linked to worsened rheumatic symptoms in young adults with the disease? Most studies aimed at removing work barriers for young people with rheumatic diseases have focused on clinical care—not on adapting working conditions. An IWH study examined how job security and work limitations are linked with pain, fatigue and other rheumatic disease symptoms.

A woman takes notes at a desk while attending a videoconference on the computer monitor

How does real-time online training compare with face-to-face formats?

When much of work-related training went virtual during the COVID-19 pandemic, providers of occupational health and safety training naturally began asking questions about the effectiveness of online real-time formats. In a recent study, a research team at the Institute for Work & Health reviewed the research literature to date. So how does synchronous or real-time online learning compare with face-to-face methods? A new plain-language summary outlines the evidence.

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Grant round-up: Exploring the impact of AI, recovery and work after COVID, and more

Upcoming research at IWH is tackling important work and health issues, from COVID-19 return-to-work and recovery outcomes to the impact of artificial intelligence on worker inequities. The latest Grant Round-up article offers a snapshot of new research being undertaken at the Institute, thanks to external grant awards.

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Call for new Board members closes August 12

Don't miss this opportunity to play a part in the governance of the Institute for Work & Health. The Institute's Board of Directors is looking for new members. Please help us spread the word by forwarding this call for members to qualified individuals. Submissions are accepted until Friday, August 12.

Blurred figures of workers walking

How daily movement patterns are linked to heart health of workers

How much physical activity do Canadian workers actually do in a day, and when? And what patterns of movement are associated with lower risks of cardiovascular disease? An Institute for Work & Health (IWH) study drew on activity tracker data to answer these questions. It found that people who were sedentary—i.e. who did little physical activity throughout the day—had the highest risk of heart disease compared to most other groups. No surprise there. What is surprising, however, was how their heart health risk compared with those who did vigorous, tiring work all day.