Monthly news and research findings from the Institute for Work & Health

IWH News

January 2017

OHS vulnerability as measured by IWH tool linked to higher rates of injury


Workers who report being vulnerable because they are exposed to job hazards, from which they are not adequately protected by workplace policies, awareness programs or empowerment mechanisms, also report much higher rates of work-related injury. That’s according to an Institute for Work & Health (IWH) study on the relationship between work-related injury and illness and occupational health and safety (OHS) vulnerability.


Read about the findings

Ontario Ministry of Labour’s vulnerable workers framework based on IWH research


The protection of vulnerable workers is a key priority of the Ontario Ministry of Labour. This has especially been the case since the Expert Advisory Panel on Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) released its report in December 2010, which included recommendations devoted to improving protections for vulnerable workers. In response, the Ministry adopted an evidence-based framework for assessing the extent to which workers may be vulnerable to OHS risks. As told in a new case study, that framework was created by a team led by IWH senior scientist Dr. Peter Smith, who also developed a 27-item survey instrument based on it (see above).


Read the case study

Eight-item IWH-OPM used to help WorkSafeBC improve OHS in B.C. workplaces


After two sawmill explosions in British Columbia, special advisor Gordon Macatee has issued recommendations to enhance workplace safety in the province. Over several reports tracking the implementation, Macatee mentioned the value of the Institute’s IWH-OPM. A new impact case study looks at how this eight-item leading indicator tool is now used by WorkSafeBC to assess health and safety culture and interact with employers across the province.


Read the case study

Cochrane Back and Neck review finds yoga may help people with chronic low-back pain


Low-back pain is a common health problem, sometimes lasting for longer than three months in what’s called “chronic” pain. A new review by Cochrane Back and Neck, housed at the Institute, looks at yoga for treating this condition. It finds moderate evidence that yoga is more effective than non-exercise controls for back-related functioning at six months, and for pain at three to four months.


Read the summary

IWH team needs your help to learn how workplaces help employees with depression


The Bell Let’s Talk campaign has brought much attention to depression, a condition that has a significant impact on workers and workplaces. Many workplaces are doing innovative things to help those living with depression stay at work, but there are also challenges. That’s why a research team at the Institute is conducting a survey to learn what workplaces are doing to help workers with depression. This project will bring together research evidence along with best practices so that all can benefit from the findings. If you are interested in participating in the survey (coming soon), please register by clicking on the link below. Your participation would be most helpful in providing the best practices to a wider audience.


Sign up to take part

For more information, please contact


Cindy Moser
Communications Manager
416-927-2027, ext. 2183
cmoser@iwh.on.ca

Uyen Vu
Communications Associate
613-979-7742
uvu@iwh.on.ca

IWH News is distributed monthly by the Institute for Work & Health, an independent, not-for-profit organization that conducts and shares research to protect and improve the health and safety of working people.


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