Developing a framework for understanding and measuring OHS vulnerability
Reasons for the study
In the area of occupational health and safety (OHS), vulnerability can be defined as an increased risk of experiencing a work-related injury or illness compared to a given standard. Often individuals in the labour market—e.g. young workers, new workers, immigrants or visible minorities—are labelled as vulnerable. Yet, this categorization does not identify the specific characteristics that place these workers at higher risk of experiencing a work-related injury. The purpose of this study was to build on a conceptual framework of OHS vulnerability by generating a set of domains, and pool of potential items within each domain, to form a feasible measure of OHS vulnerability.
Objectives of the study
- To develop a measure of OHS vulnerability among labour market participants that moves beyond demographic worker characteristics towards factors that are closer to risk of injury or illness at the level of the workplace
- To develop and refine a measure of OHS vulnerability to be used for public health surveillance purposes
Related research summaries
- OHS vulnerability among new immigrants. Research Highlights: Institute for Work & Health, August 2018.
- Workers with disabilities report greater OHS vulnerability. Research Highlights: Institute for Work & Health, July 2017.
Related scientific publications
- Yanar B, Lay M, Smith PM. The interplay between supervisor safety support and occupational health and safety vulnerability on work injury. Safety and Health at Work. 2019;10(2):172-179. doi:10.1016/j.shaw.2018.11.001. (Open access)
- Lay M, Kosny A, Aery A, Flecker K, Smith PM. The occupational health and safety vulnerability of recent immigrants accessing settlement services. Canadian Journal of Public Health. 2018;109(3):303-311. doi:10.17269/s41997-018-0063-4.
- Breslin FC, Lay M, Jetha A, Smith PM. Examining occupational health and safety vulnerability among Canadian workers with disabilities. Disability and Rehabilitation. 2018;40(18):2138-2143. doi:10.1080/09638288.2017.1327985.
- Lay M, Saunders R, Lifshen M, Breslin FC, LaMontagne AD, Tompa E, Smith PM. The relationship between occupational health and safety vulnerability and workplace injury. Safety Science. 2017;94:85. doi: 10.1016/j.ssci.2016.12.021.
- Lay M, Saunders R, Lifshen M, Breslin FC, LaMontagne AD, Tompa E, Smith PM. Individual, occupational, and workplace correlates of occupational health and safety vulnerability in a sample of Canadian workers. American Journal of Industrial Medicine. 2016;59(2):119-128. doi:10.1002/ajim.22535. (Open access)
Related interviews and articles
- The vulnerable worker. OOHNA Journal . October 27, 2015. Available from: https://www.iwh.on.ca/sites/iwh/files/oohna_journal_fw_2015_vulnerability.pdf
- IWH research on vulnerable workers leads to tool for measuring risk factors. At Work: Institute for Work & Health; No. 80, Spring 2015.
IWH Speaker Series presentations
- Developing a measure of OHS vulnerability. IWH Speaker Series. January 20, 2015.
Project status
Completed 2016
Research team
Collaborators and partners
- Workplace Safety & Prevention Services
- Public Services Health and Safety Association
Funded by
Canadian Institutes of Health Research