Work and health within broader societal context
Work has a role to play in producing and maintaining inequalities in population health. But broader conditions outside work—such as economic conditions, housing affordability and access to childcare—can impact employment quality and worker health and safety. Similarly, social and income support systems can shape the experiences of workers facing a job interruption, and accessibility legislation can impact employment opportunities for persons living with disabilities. Our research explores how workers and workplaces are affected by changes to labour, social and health laws and policies, as well as by macro economic and societal conditions.
Latest findings
What research can do: Estimating the role of workplaces in COVID-19 transmissions
By using two sources of information in Ontario, we can estimate the incidence of COVID-19 infections that arose from workplace transmission during the first six months of the pandemic.
What research can do: How IWH research is responding to COVID-19
COVID-19 affects the work and health of people in Canada and around the world in vastly different ways. Research on the experiences of workers, and the effects of the pandemic on their health, is essential. Here's how IWH researchers are responding.
At-work use of cannabis reported by 1 in 12 workers—no change since legalization
In follow-up study of cannabis use before and after legalization in Canada, IWH research team found no increase in at-work or daily use of cannabis. Still, one in 12 said they used cannabis just before work, during work or during work breaks.In the first systematic review on racial and ethnic inequities in return to work, IWH found strong evidence that non-white workers are less likely than white workers to return to work following an injury or illness—and moderate evidence that Black workers face pronounced barriers.
