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
Role of chronic conditions and physical job demands on differences in work activity limitations between women and men
The differing levels of work activity limitations among women and men are explained by the different chronic conditions they are likely to have and the different physical demands they are likely to face on the job.
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At Work article
Advocate and pioneer challenges all to erase stigma faced by workers with disabilities
IWH's Nachemson lecture looks back on 20 years of achievements by NIDMAR and Wolfgang Zimmermann
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At Work article
Ontario utility continues to benefit years after joining participatory ergonomics study
Reduced soft-tissue injuries at Kitchener-Wilmot Hydro attributed to work by participatory ergonomics team set up during study by IWH and others more than 10 years ago
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At Work article
Vulnerability survey helps employer assess worker OHS awareness, empowerment
Health and safety leader Carillion Canada uses IWH’s new measure to identify weaknesses in organization
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At Work article
Experience rating design differences lead to different outcomes in Ontario and B.C.
Ontario sees larger reductions in injury claims, but B.C.’s reductions are more enduring
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Issue Briefing
Vulnerable workers and risk of work injury
This Issue Briefing provides highlights of IWH's body of evidence on "vulnerable" workers, tracking how our research has evolved from vulnerability being associated with those who are new to a job to those who are exposed to hazards with inadequate awareness, protective policies and/or empowerment.
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Sharing Best Evidence
What workplace programs help prevent upper extremity musculoskeletal disorders?
Upper extremity musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) include painful conditions and injuries of the muscles, tendons, joints and nerves that affect the neck, shoulders, elbows, wrists and hands. This update of a previous systematic review sets out to find occupational health and safety (OHS) interventions that effectively prevent and manage upper extremity MSDs.
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At Work article
Employers that focus on both operations and safety don’t have to sacrifice either
Research project supports an approach that integrates operations and safety management
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At Work article
Eight safety leading indicators for the construction worksite
Dr. Linda M. Goldenhar and her team at CPWR – The Center for Construction Research and Training worked with stakeholders in the construction sector to identify eight leading health and safety indicators.
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At Work article
New cases of mesothelioma and asbestos-related lung cancer in one year cost $1.9B
First-ever estimate of the economic burden of asbestos looks at newly diagnosed cases in Canada in 2011
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At Work article
Disability leave duration rises with age, chronic conditions
Older workers with arthritis, depression and cancer tend to be off work the longest, STD/LTD data suggest
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At Work article
PREMUS 2016 brings together MSD prevention scientists and practitioners to share evidence
Keynotes discussed latest findings on carpal tunnel syndrome, construction safety culture, sitting and standing, and sex/gender lens in MSD research
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At Work article
Forceful repetition a carpal tunnel risk factor
Workers who often use their hands in forceful gripping and pinching motions face a higher risk of developing carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS), a painful condition that causes tingling, numbness and weakness in the hand and sometimes requires surgery
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At Work article
Key differences found in return-to-work process for MSD and psychological claims
Research comparing MSD and mental health compensation claims in Australia offers a picture of return-to-work challenges for psychological conditions
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At Work article
Study finds COR employers have lower rates of serious injuries than those not in program
IWH researcher finds voluntary audit program effective in identifying safer employers
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At Work article
OPM follow-up questions now available to help firms act on leading indicator scores
IWH, health and safety associations collaboration brings together research and field expertise
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At Work article
DASH developers credit groundwork and ongoing support for measure’s 20-year success
In its 20th anniversary year, the DASH Outcome Measure continues to be used in ever broader contexts
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At Work article
Peer coaching on patient lifts lowers injury, but at a small cost
IWH cost-benefit analysis finds training program nearly cost-neutral while lowering injury rates by a third
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At Work article
Monitoring progress key in implementing return-to-work program: IWH study
Workplace study of innovative return-to-work program highlights progress and opportunities for improvement
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