Workers' compensation and benefits policy
Workers' compensation is a form of insurance providing wage replacement and medical benefits to workers injured in the course of their employment. Eligibility for, and awarding of, benefits to injured workers are determined by workers’ compensation boards, which are funded through employer premiums. IWH research explores trends in compensation benefits, including benefit adequacy and equity, as well as the effects of compensation policy design on injury and illness prevention.
Featured
Research Highlights
Severe pain, not pressure to return to work or lack of accommodation offer, linked to opioid use post-injury
An IWH study found that among a group of injured workers in Ontario, those who experienced severe pain were more likely to use opioids than those who had no or only mild pain.
Published: February 12, 2025
Research Highlights
Workers are using cannabis to treat work-related conditions, mostly without medical guidance
While cannabis is often used recreationally, there is growing interest in its use for therapeutic purposes, such as for pain, anxiety, depression and sleep problems. Some workers are using cannabis many months following the onset of a work-related condition, mostly without medical guidance.
Published: October 5, 2023
Project
Project
Analyzing the adequacy of benefits among workers’ compensation claimants in Ontario, 1999-2005
An IWH research team updated an earlier study that looked at the adequacy of workers’ compensation benefits for permanently disabled workers under two Ontario programs: pre-1990 and 1990-1997. This update took a look at benefits adequacy under the program introduced in 1998.
Status: Completed 2017
Project
Project
Inter-jurisdictional comparison of OHS and workers’ compensation system performance
Jurisdictions can learn a lot from each other about ways to improve the performance of their occupational health and safety and workers’ compensation systems by comparing their systems. This collaborative research project aims to do just that, starting with a comparison of severe work-related injuries and long-duration claims in B.C., Manitoba and Ontario.
Status: Completed 2020
Impact case study
WSIB introduces new work reintegration program
Research by IWH scientist describes problems with previous program and suggests way forward.
Published: October 2012
Impact case study
SIEF amendments reduce relieved benefit costs
An IWH analysis helps lead to creation of specialized SIEF adjudication team at Ontario's Workplace Safety and Insurance Board, resulting in millions in savings.
Published: May 2012
Issue Briefing
The Canadian recession and the compensation of work-related injury and illness
What happened to workers' compensation claim rates in Canada during the 2008-2009 recession? This Issue Briefing looks at the research and confirms that, relative to the long-term trend of declining claim rates in North America, the frequency of workers' compensation claims per hours worked tends to go down during recessions.
Published: February 2012
Project
Project
Centre for Research on Work Disability Policy: Envisioning the future of disability policy in Canada
The Centre for Research on Work Disability Policy (CRWDP) is a transdisciplinary initiative on the future of work disability policy in Canada, bringing together over 60 academic and over 60 partners from across the country.
Status: Ongoing
Issue Briefing
Trends in no-lost-time claims in Ontario
The proportion of work-related injuries registered as no-lost-time claims (NLTCs) versus lost-time claims (LTCs) increased in Ontario from 1991 to 2006. Based on research from IWH, this Issue Briefing takes a close look at the characteristics of NLTCs in Ontario and the factors that may help explain their increasing share of workers' compensation claims in the province.
Published: August 2011
At Work article
At Work article
Assessing the adequacy of workers’ comp benefits for permanently disabled workers
Workers who suffer permanent impairments from a work injury often receive workers’ compensation benefits to replace lost earnings. Just how well three compensation programs provided adequate benefits is the subject of a new Issue Briefing from the Institute for Work & Health.
Published: May 2011
Issue Briefing
The adequacy of workers’ compensation benefits
Workers who suffer permanent impairments from a work injury often rely on workers' compensation benefits to replace lost earnings. But how well are benefit programs fulfilling this role? This Issue Briefing addresses that question.
Published: March 2011
At Work article
At Work article
At issue: Income security for persons with disabilities in Canada
A more coordinated and client-oriented approach is needed for disability benefit programs in Canada, according to a new Issue Briefing from the Institute for Work & Health (IWH).
Published: February 2011