OHS enforcement and regulation
The regulator’s role in setting and enforcing the adoption of basic standards is fundamentally important to ensuring the health, safety and fair treatment of workers and the productivity of workplaces. The Institute for Work & Health (IWH) conducts a wide range of research to help labour ministries, workers' compensation boards and other regulatory bodies (and those affected by them) understand where their limited time and money will be most effectively allocated to achieve fewer work-related injuries and illnesses.
Impact case study
OSHA says IWH review confirms effectiveness of OHS enforcement
Why the U.S. federal agency OSHA cites IWH research to bolster changes in its approach to enforcement.
Published: December 2015
Impact case study
Manitoba takes measures to address claims suppression, review assessment rate model
IWH conference on experience rating and financial incentives helps shape review of claims suppression.
Published: December 2014
Impact case study
MOL broadens strategy for identifying poor OHS performers
IWH evaluation of high risk firm program confirms need for a redesign.
Published: April 2014
Project
Project
Synthesizing and tailoring OHS knowledge for use in specific provincial and local contexts
In partnership with Memorial University’s SafetyNet Centre for Occupational safety & Health Research and the Workers Compensation Board of Manitoba, IWH developed and tested an innovative methodology for synthesizing current scientific workplace health, safety and disability prevention knowledge and tailoring it for use in specific provincial and local contexts.
Status: Completed 2017
Issue Briefing
Effectiveness of targeted OHS labour inspections
This Issue Briefing takes a close look at the design and outcomes of three North American studies and how they inform our understanding of the effectiveness of targeted labour inspections on occupational health and safety (OHS) outcomes.
Published: September 2012
Impact case study
Expert panel reshapes Ontario's OHS system
IWH scientists support the work of the Dean panel with "trusted" and "balanced" research and analysis.
Published: July 2011
At Work article
At Work article
Ontario’s Patient Lift Initiative: early findings
The Institute for Work & Health was selected to evaluate the impact of the Patient Lift Initiative funded by Ontario's Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care
Published: April 2007
At Work article
At Work article
Health, safety partners make MSD prevention a priority
Ontario’s workplace health and safety system is taking a big step forward in how it addresses musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs). It has recognized the need to make MSD prevention a priority for all system partners and all workplaces in Ontario.
Published: November 2006