Longstanding work and health issues
Many longstanding issues related to work injuries and their consequences continue to negatively affect the lives and health of workers. For example, musculoskeletal injuries remain the leading cause of disability and discomfort among Canadian workers. Rates of workers’ compensation claims for traumatic fatalities have remained constant for the past decade. Persons with disabilities continue to be employed at lower rates, or in poorer work conditions, than those who do not live with a disability. Our research aims to provide new knowledge to help regulators and workplaces address persistent occupational health and safety (OHS) risks, workers’ compensation challenges and barriers to labour market inclusion.
Latest findings
![A man kneels as he works with decking boards on a patio](/sites/iwh/files/styles/bootstrap_4_col_widescreen/public/iwh/images/kneeling_deck_builder.jpg?h=0753b624&itok=RZPSEisK)
Work activities and the development of osteoarthritis in men and women
What work activities are associated with greater risk of developing osteoarthritis in men and women—and at what threshold levels? An IWH systematic review takes a look at the research literature to date, a first to look at osteoarthritis in a wide range of joints.![A health-care worker wearing a face mask and body covering](/sites/iwh/files/styles/bootstrap_4_col_widescreen/public/iwh/images/health-care-worker-mask-covid.jpg?h=d3d2a0e5&itok=34-4BbXr)
Anxiety levels among health-care workers during COVID-19 linked to inadequate PPE
Nearly six in 10 surveyed health-care workers in Canada reported anxiety levels surpassing an accepted threshold for clinical screening for the condition. Workers who reported more unmet PPE needs also reported higher levels of anxiety, according to a study by OHCOW.![Close-up of a faceless jogger, lacing up her running shoes](/sites/iwh/files/styles/bootstrap_4_col_widescreen/public/iwh/images/running_shoes_jogger.jpg?h=2adcd632&itok=clt0jxUi)
Physical activity levels and work factors over 12 years
Is there a link between psychosocial work factors and workers' exercise levels outside work? An Institute for Work & Health study looked into this, using a 12-year national sample and a novel research method.Featured impact case study
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