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.

Silhouettes of a man and a woman looking straight ahead
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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Wolfgang Zimmermann at Nachemson
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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Utility workers fix cable
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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Lee-Anne Lyon-Bartley at Carillion Canada
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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Close-up of calculator and pen
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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A view from below of truck driver behind steering wheel
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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Close-up of faceless man doing pushups
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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old-fashioned scales
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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A black and white view of construction scaffolding on a building
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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asbestos sign posted at school door
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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Closeup of disability insurance claim form
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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A close-up view of a pair of work boots
At Work article

'Too much standing hurts, too'

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PREMUS conference delegate stands to ask a question
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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A black and white image of a wrist gripping a tool
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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Woman rests face in hands at laptop
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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Four construction workers smile at camera
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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Illustration of man in suits staring at question marks
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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Mumbai_cliniic_uses_DASH
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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Two health-care workers lean on each other, smiling
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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Back of two nursing home employees pushing wheelchair
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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