Plain-language summaries
Institute for Work & Health (IWH) plain-language summaries condense research findings in various formats. At Work articles explain study results with comments from the study leads. Research Highlights summarize journal articles in easy-to-read, digest formats. Sharing Best Evidence summaries highlight findings from systematic reviews and other types of reviews conducted or led by IWH researchers. Issue Briefings discuss key research findings from IWH or elsewhere on topics that are of particular interest to policy-makers.
Research Highlights
Does ultrasound speed the healing of broken bones?
There is a lack of high quality evidence to support the use of low-intensity pulsed ultrasound therapy to speed the healing of broken bones, although overall results appear promising.
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Research Highlights
Unstable work increases risk of unwanted sexual advances
Interventions against sexual harassment at work should prioritize precarious work situations, particularly in the service sector, study suggests.
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Sharing Best Evidence
Are workplace prevention programs effective?
Injury/illness prevention and loss control programs (IPCs) help protect workers from injuries, meet regulatory requirements, reduce the negative effects of injuries and manage costs. IPCs include the three Ps: work practices among employees, policies developed by employers and programs required by legislation. This systematic review has shown that there is strong evidence supporting the effectiveness of disability management/return-to-work programs.
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At Work article
IWH develops six messages to help prevent MSDs
Most of us know that musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) can be painful and disabling to workers. Plus these injuries to muscles, ligaments or other soft tissues negatively affect your company’s bottom line. Preventing MSDs can help enhance workers’ health, increase productivity and improve your company’s economic growth.
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Research Highlights
Five non-surgical neck pain treatments work equally well
A study of five non-surgical treatments for neck pain — nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), Cox-2 inhibiting NSAIDs, exercise, mobilization, and manipulation — found no one treatment option for neck pain was found to be clearly superior when both benefits and harms were considered.
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At Work article
Disability income security programs are poorly coordinated
Canadian workers with disabilities face a patchwork of income security benefit programs – and many working-age disabled Canadians receive no income security benefits at all, according to a study by Institute for Work & Health researchers. Income security benefits provide financial support to those who cannot work.
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At Work article
Massage relieves, but does not cure, chronic low-back pain
Current trends suggest massage has become a popular treatment option for chronic low-back pain. Massage, among the earliest known tools for treating pain, can promote muscle relaxation, improved circulation and general feelings of well-being. And it doesn’t involve surgery or prescription pill bottles. Massage feels great. But is it a cure?
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At Work article
Work accommodation offers are on the rise, but not always accepted
Workplaces in Ontario are headed in the right direction when it comes to offering injured employees a work accommodation, but there’s still more work to be done.
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At Work article
New tool opens dialogue on return-to-work issues
In recent years, the Institute for Work & Health’s Knowledge Transfer and Exchange department has made tool development a priority.
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At Work article
"Toxic dose" of too many problems can lead to long-term claims
Dr. Ellen MacEachen, Dr. Agnieszka Kosny, Sue Ferrier and Lori Chambers from the Institute for Work & Health try to understand the factors that led to long-term or prolonged claims by interviewing injured workers, peer supporters and service providers from across Ontario.
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At Work article
IWH has a rich history in return-to-work research
Dr. John Frank, one of IWH's first senior scientists, talks about Institute's rich history in return-to-work research.
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At Work article
Resources and support are vital in a PE program
Research evidence shows that a participatory ergonomic (PE) program can help prevent musculoskeletal disorders in workers. Yet, what are some key elements of participatory ergonomics that can help ensure its success in workplaces?
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