"The big issues"
Working conditions and health
What are the effects of work, workplace and labour force conditions on the health and safety of workers and other members of society? Institute for Work & Health (IWH) research in this area seeks to understand the context in which government, sector-based and workplace injury and disability prevention programs operate. This research explores known and emerging injuries, diseases and disorders that are related to job, workplace and/or labour market conditions. It looks at the scope, potential causes and risk factors for these injuries and illnesses, as well as their effect on workers, workplaces, regulators and society as a whole.
Latest news and findings
New study looks at mental health and earnings of U.S. young adults over 20-year span
A study based on a large, nationally representative sample of 8,000 individuals in the U.S. looked at their earnings and mental health over 20 years. It found those with poor mental health are also the ones with the lowest earnings.
Find out more
IWH launches research program on AI and workplace safety, inequities
Uses of artificial intelligence (AI) are all around us but, until now, few researchers have examined the impact of AI through the lens of worker inequities and worker health and safety. In October, a team led by IWH Scientist Dr. Arif Jetha kicked off a new research program at IWH on these topics.
Read about the event
How Canadian workers move in a day, and what that means for their heart health
Canadian workers fall into one of six groups in the way they move throughout the day. Which have the best heart health? A new infographic describes the daily movement patterns of the six groups and compares their 10-year risks of heart disease, based on recent study findings.
Download the infographic
Majority of workers still experience pain a year after injury: study
A high proportion of injured workers in Ontario experience persistent pain for well over a year after their work-related injury. In a study of workers’ compensation lost-time claimants, an Institute for Work & Health (IWH) team found 70 per cent of workers experience some level of pain 18 months post-injury.
Read about the study findings
IWH Speaker Series webinar explores return-to-work challenges in policing
What challenges do members of police services face after a work injury? In an IWH Speaker Series on October 18, IWH Scientist Dr. Dwayne Van Eerd shares findings from a recent study on return to work in Ontario police services. He also highlights suggestions that emerged from the data on ways to improve the return-to-work process.
Sign up for the webinar