At Work - Past Issues
At Work 58 (Fall 2009)
Economic crisis taking toll on worker health, IWH research suggests
Work insecurity (such as low pay and unpaid overtime) and unemployment — both fallouts of the recent economic crisis — are likely having a negative effect on the physical and mental health of workers.
Dyslexia linked to higher risk of work injury among youth
The early indicators are that dyslexia, a learning disability earmarked by particular problems with reading, writing and spelling, may contribute to higher workplace injury rates among young workers.
Grant round-up: IWH research to provide practical answers to OHS/RTW questions
Thanks to funding from external funding agencies and programs, IWH scientists hope to find answers to important questions concerning injury rates, older workers, time off work, temporary work agencies and more.
Nachemson lecture: Health and safety in small workplaces
Dr. Joan Eakin, a professor in the Dalla Lana School of Public Health at the University of Toronto, will talk about the challenges of ensuring worker health and safety in small businesses at the 2009 Alf Nachemson Memorial Lecture, taking place November 25 in Toronto.
What researchers mean by… statistically adjusted
When determining the relationship between two factors, scientists “statistically adjust” their findings to strip away the impact of other factors on that relationship.
IWH News
In Focus: The wide reach of IWH research
Public institutions in Canada and abroad incorporate Institute for Work & Health research into their workplace injury prevention and disability management programs. Here’s a look at how four such institutions have put IWH research into action.
At Work 57 (Summer 2009)
Worksite program speeds return of workers with low-back injury
A workplace-based program involving workers and supervisors is especially effective for helping older and previously sick workers return to their jobs more quickly.
At a glance: What the RTW program looks like
The return-to-work program that is proving to be so effective involves these five steps.
Study suggests ways to improve safety among hard-to-reach, out-of-school young workers
A new Institute for Work & Health study explores workplace health and safety issues and challenges among young workers who are no longer in school.
Ergonomics case study: Car parts manufacturer realizes benefits of PE program
An Ontario manufacturer learned that a participatory ergonomics (PE) program saved it almost a quarter-of-a-million dollars.
What researchers mean by… regression
Scientists use regression techniques to find and illustrate trends in the relationship between two factors, which can then be used to make predictions.
Research 101: Getting published
This series takes you behind the scenes of a research project at IWH, from start to finish. In this fourth instalment, the researchers eye the critical step of getting their findings published.
IWH News
- IWH associate wins Vanier scholarship
- New centre focuses on workplace cancer
- Pilot project offers free access to Cochrane
- IWH welcomes new science, KTE advisors
In Focus: Community-based research explores impact of job injuries on workers’ lives
As the Research Action Alliance on the Consequences Work Injury moves past the halfway mark, the academic and injured worker communities involved reflect on its achievements.
Research to action: IWH guide helps solve RTW problems
A new guide is available from the Institute for Work & Health (IWH) to help deal with return-to-work cases that are not progressing as expected.
At Work 56 (Spring 2009)
IWH briefing explores business cycles and workers’ compensation
Are the frequency and cost of workers’ compensation claims likely to go up or down in a shrinking economy? A recent Issue Briefing from IWH has the answers.
IWH disability benchmarking partnership helps workplaces improve outcomes, reduce costs
Workplace Disability Benchmarking (WDB) is a research-based IWH tool that allows employers to track and compare disability outcomes in order to identify program improvements that protect employee health and the bottom line.
Evidence elusive on procedures used to help heal fractures
Solid evidence confirming the effectiveness of electromagnetic stimulation and low-intensity pulsed ultrasound remains elusive, says an IWH scientist involved in systematic reviews of these procedures.
Mental health and injured workers: Depressive symptoms linked to delayed work-returns
New IWH research shows workers with musculoskeletal disorders are prone to depressive symptoms, particularly in the weeks after injury and later on if they’re having difficulty returning to work.
What researchers mean by… missing data
Research data may have holes for a number of reasons. But if there is a pattern to this missing information, accurate conclusions may be in jeopardy.
Research 101: Getting feedback on early results
This series takes you behind the scenes of a research project at IWH, from start to finish. In this third instalment, the researchers seek input to confirm if they are on the right track.
IWH News
- Scientists contribute to health policy book
- Systematic review and measurement workshops coming up
- Deadline approaching for fellowship applications
In Focus: OHS management audits differ in what they assess and how
The nature and delivery of occupational health and safety (OHS) audits vary considerably. That’s why employers need to know why they are auditing and what they hope to learn when choosing an audit that suits their needs.
At Work 55 (Winter 2009)
Preventing upper extremity MSDs: What works and what doesn’t
The strongest evidence to come out of a new systematic review from the Institute for Work & Health is that workstation adjustments alone have no effect in preventing upper extremity musculoskeletal disorders. However, there are indications that adding ergonomics training to the mix may make a difference.
What researchers mean by..."cross-sectional vs. longitudinal studies"
Cross-sectional studies make comparisons at a single point in time, whereas longitudinal studies make comparisons over time. The research question will determine which approach is best.
Pilot program decreases duration and costs of workers’ comp claims
Organizational support to family physicians — including health services case managers to help coordinate care, improve communication with employers and reduce paperwork — can improve the delivery of health care to injured workers and lower costs. Dr. Thomas Wickizer explained how and why.
Research 101: Dealing with the unexpected
In Part 1, we introduced you to the project’s lead researcher, IWH Scientist Dr. Peter Smith. We explored the formulation of the research question and the search for funding. Here, Smith and his team come up against three challenges that threaten to derail the project's timeline.
New IWH senior scientist reaches out to policy-makers
Getting workplaces, health-care providers and public institutions to understand and adopt evidence-based practices has long been a priority of the Institute for Work & Health (IWH). Now, the IWH is strengthening its ties in particular with the policy-makers within these stakeholder groups.
Tools you can use: A practical way to apply best evidence
The Institute for Work & Health is adding to its collection of user-friendly tools to help you make health, safety and return-to-work decisions based on the best scientific evidence.
IWH News
- New IWH website up and running
- IWH Board welcomes new member
- Change of date for WorkCongress9
Infocus
Small firms need OHS services tailored to their needs
When it comes to occupational health and safety (OHS), small businesses are not large firms on a smaller scale. They have unique features that affect their approach to workplace health and safety, and these features should be taken into account by OHS professionals and policy-makers when designing small-firm programs and services.
At Work 54 (Fall 2008)
Lead story:
IWH develops six messages to help prevent MSDs
Infocus:
A bridge from the "ivory tower": involving communities in research
Other articles:
What researchers mean by..."primary data and secondary data"
Canadian youth enter the job market early, IWH study finds
Research 101: How IWH conducts research
Research team examines the relationship between business and OHS outcomes
At Work 53 (Summer 2008)
Lead story:
Massage relieves, but does not cure, chronic low-back pain
Infocus:
Immigrant workers experience different health and safety issues
Other articles:
What researchers mean by..."sample size and power"
Disability income security programs are poorly coordinated
New Mustard Fellow plans to study prevention efforts, media campaigns
Grant Round-up
At Work 52 (Spring 2008)
Lead story: Work accommodation offers are on the rise, but not always accepted
Infocus: "Toxic dose" of too many problems can lead to long-term claims
At Work 51 (Winter 2008)
Lead story: Resources and support are vital in a PE program
Infocus: International task force reports on neck pain
