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.
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
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
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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Research Highlights
Which factors put workers at risk for neck pain?
Neck pain in workers results from a number of individual and workplace factors. This review examines the role of age, physical fitness, work demands, job insecurity, among others.
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Research Highlights
Young workers out of school, with no diploma, more likely to be injured
Young workers who are not in school have higher injury rates, suggesting that additional workplace training programs may be needed outside of the formal school system to reach more at-risk young workers.
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Sharing Best Evidence
Factors for success in participatory ergonomics
In participatory ergonomics (PE), a team works together to identify risks, and change tools, equipment and work processes to improve workplace conditions. PE programs can reduce work-related injuries to muscles, tendons, ligaments and other soft tissues. This systematic review identifies the factors that can increase the likelihood of a successful PE program in workplaces.
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Research Highlights
Does chiropractic care for neck pain increase stroke risk?
Despite reports linking chiropractic care with vertebrobasilar artery (VBA) stroke, this study finds no evidence that visits to a chiropractor increase the risk of a stroke.
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Research Highlights
How can non-researchers get involved in research?
An approach used by the Institute for Work & Health to involve non-researchers in systematic reviews offers several benefits, providing the basis for the inclusion of stakeholders as a permanent step of conducting reviews.
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Research Highlights
For many workers, neck pain lasts at least a year
Neck pain is a persistent and recurring problem in workers. About 60 per cent of workers who experienced neck pain reported having it one year later.
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Research Highlights
OHS risks in social service organizations
Working in a not-for-profit social service organization can be rewarding, but the job can come with health risks. However, a study finds the organization's mission can be a powerful concept in non-profit organizations, resulting in workers putting their clients’ well-being before their own.
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