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
Rapid COVID-19 testing a potential game-changer in worker protection
Despite some limitations, rapid antigen detection tests may be important in the next phase of our response to this virus—including in work settings, writes IWH president Dr. Cam Mustard.
COVID-19: Challenges and opportunities in OHS and social security highlighted at global session
In early October, the global community of OHS and social security policy-makers gathered virtually to discuss challenges and lessons learned as countries respond to the COVID-19 pandemic emergency. Despite the diversity of their experiences, many common themes emerged.
Adequacy of COVID infection control and PPE linked to workers’ mental health: study
Workers who felt safe at their physical work sites had better mental health than workers who felt workplace COVID-19 safety practices were inadequate, according to a study conducted by IWH and OHCOW at the start of the COVID-19 emergency.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.
