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
Worker participation in ergonomic programs has benefits
A participatory ergonomic approach can improve risk factors related to musculoskeletal disorders, and meaningful worker participation in the process is an important aspect for the success of this approach.
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Research Highlights
Depression, poor physical health increase injured workers’ disability days
Poor physical health and more depressed mood significantly increased the total number of days that workers received compensation benefits, study finds.
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Research Highlights
Soft-tissue injuries are associated with increased health-care visits
Work-related musculoskeletal disorders may cost society more than currently believed, as injured workers experience symptoms both before their claims and after they return to work.
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Research Highlights
Work-related injuries reduce caregiving hours at home
Study participants recovering from work-related musculoskeletal disorders report a significant drop in the amount of time they spend providing care to family outside of work.
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Research Highlights
Ontario has lowest young worker injury rate
A study of injury rates among young workers finds Ontario has the lowest rate and Saskatchewan the highest.
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Research Highlights
Some herbal drugs may ease back pain in short term
A Cochrane review of treatments for low-back pain finds positive results for three herbal medicines, particularly Devil's Claw. However, no evidence exists to suggest that any of these substances are safe and useful for long-term use.
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Research Highlights
Ergonomics eases pain of repetitive strain injury
A worksite ergonomics program was linked to a drop in frequent and severe pain among those with repetitive strain injuries. Supervisor support and workers' ability to make decisions are also significant factors.
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Research Highlights
How work conditions affect depression
Several workplace factors are connected with depression among female workers, including the balance between worker effort and rewards, and the balance between work and family pressures.
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Sharing Best Evidence
Effectiveness of participatory ergonomics: summary of a systematic review
By improving the ergonomics of work and workplaces, it should be possible to prevent or reduce musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) and increase productivity. This systematic review summarizes the evidence on the effectiveness of workplace-based participatory ergonomics interventions in improving workers' health.
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Sharing Best Evidence
Effectiveness of OHS management systems: summary of a systematic review
Occupational health and safety management systems (OHSMSs) have developed considerably over the last 20 years, yet little is known about their effectiveness. The systematic review aimed to provide the evidence on the the effectiveness of mandatory and voluntary OHSMSs and identify facilitators and barriers to their adoption and implementation.
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Sharing Best Evidence
Workplace-based return-to-work interventions: summary of a systematic review
What workplace-based return-to-work interventions are effective and under what conditions? This systematic review examines both qualitative and quantitative studies.
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