Work precarity and vulnerability
“Precarious” is a word often used to describe work that is characterized by low pay, low job security and little protection. “Vulnerable” is a word often used in the health and safety world to describe those who are at an increased risk of work injury or disease. At the Institute for Work & Health (IWH), an evidence-based framework has been developed that defines OHS vulnerability as being exposed to hazards without having adequate protection. This page pulls together research on OHS vulnerability and work precarity.
Featured
![A series of blocks stacked together with icons representing various workplace benefits](/sites/iwh/files/styles/bootstrap_6_col_wide/public/iwh/images/LGB%20job%20quality.jpg?h=1195263f&itok=OJbyJSvj)
At Work article
Lesbian, gay and bisexual workers in Canada more likely than straight workers to report low quality, precarious jobs
Drawing on a survey of Canadian workers, a recent study found that lesbian, gay and bisexual workers reported lower job quality than their straight counterparts.
Published: January 15, 2024
![A worker bends over, cutting paving stones in a landscaping job](/sites/iwh/files/styles/bootstrap_4_col_widescreen/public/iwh/images/landscape_paving_dust.jpg?h=94559b3b&itok=TUXRG7WU)
At Work article
Inadequate employment standards, OHS vulnerability add to higher injury risks
IWH researchers found workers whose jobs fail to offer minimum employment standards are at an increased risk of work injury. When these workers also face health and safety vulnerability on the job, their risk of injury is even higher than the combined risk.
Published: August 2021
![View from the back of a man in a suit in an urban street](/sites/iwh/files/styles/bootstrap_4_col_widescreen/public/iwh/images/urban_streetscape_faceless_man.jpg?h=a3fe7ade&itok=Iiuvg2tw)
At Work article
Unemployment benefits linked to lower mortality rates over 10 years: IWH study
We know that being out of work puts people at risk of short- and long-term health consequences—including higher death rates. A new study looks at whether—and how much—having income support during unemployment can lessen the negative impact.
Published: June 2021
![female factory worker sitting on floor with tools, looking worried about what to do](/sites/iwh/files/styles/bootstrap_4_col_widescreen/public/iwh/images/female%20factory%20worker%20worried%20about%20making%20comp%20claim.jpg?h=6df45b3a&itok=_rfPKXXC)
At Work article
Weaker OHS procedures, policies explain small employers’ higher injury risks: study
Workers at small firms are more exposed to hazards and report more work-related injuries and illnesses. But an IWH study finds injury risks in large and small firms even out when weaker OHS policies at small firms are accounted for.
Published: May 2021
Project
Project
Transitioning to the future of work: an intersectional study of vulnerable youth and young adults
This project applies an intersectional theoretical framework to explore the impact of the future of work on the transitional work experiences of vulnerable groups of young people—including women, visible minorities, immigrants, LGBTQ2+, and those with low socioeconomic status—and to uncover the overlapping structures that contribute to labour market inequities for different groups.
Status: Ongoing
![A woman works at a laundry service](/sites/iwh/files/styles/bootstrap_4_col_widescreen/public/iwh/images/laundry_female_worker.jpg?h=ab04b661&itok=igpS9Pqv)
Research Highlights
Is precarious work more prevalent for people with disabilities? The role of age and job tenure
Workers with disabilities are no more likely than those without to work in precarious jobs. However, some subsets of people with disabilities are more likely to work in precarious jobs—older people or people with shorter job tenure. Contrary to expectation, younger people with disabilities are not more likely than older people with disabilities to have precarious jobs. Among people with and without disabilities, having better health is linked to a lower likelihood of working in precarious jobs.
Published: February 2021
Journal article
Journal article
The working disadvantaged: the role of age, job tenure and disability in precarious work
Published: BMC Public Health, December 2020
![A woman with a bandaged left arm fills out injury claim form](/sites/iwh/files/styles/bootstrap_4_col_widescreen/public/iwh/images/bandage_claim_form_injury.jpg?h=119335f7&itok=b9gE7gW6)
At Work article
Workers exposed to common hazards more likely to report their injuries: IWH study
Building upon research showing high rates of under-reporting, an IWH study explores factors linked to whether workers report their injuries to a workers' compensation board.
Published: August 2020
![A young man behind the wheel of a car checks his smartphone](/sites/iwh/files/styles/bootstrap_4_col_widescreen/public/iwh/images/ride_share_driver.jpg?h=51a72048&itok=JvTPe4Wi)
Research Highlights
Exploring the health and safety risks facing ride-share drivers
Ride-share drivers face physical and mental health risks that are not only similar to, but also distinct from, those of taxi drivers. Beyond the risks experienced by taxi drivers, ride-share drivers face stressors unique to this form of work.
Published: March 2020
Journal article
Journal article
Examining the impact of occupational health and safety vulnerability on injury claim reporting in three Canadian provinces
Published: American Journal of Industrial Medicine, February 2020
![Two workers in safety vests, in a factory environment, point to something offscreen](/sites/iwh/files/styles/bootstrap_4_col_widescreen/public/iwh/images/supervisor_factory_safety.jpg?h=45fa3cb9&itok=kzpXAfAB)
At Work article
Supportive supervisors help reduce risks when workers face hazards, lack protection
Workers are vulnerable to injuries or illnesses when they're exposed to hazards and lacking protective factors such as OHS policies, awareness or empowerment. However, supportive supervisors can help lower the likelihood of injuries even when workers are vulnerable, according to a new study.
Published: February 2019