Plain-language summaries

Institute for Work & Health (IWH) plain-language summaries condense research findings in various formats. At Work articles explain study results with comments from the study leads. Research Highlights summarize journal articles in easy-to-read, digest formats. Sharing Best Evidence summaries highlight findings from systematic reviews and other types of reviews conducted or led by IWH researchers. Issue Briefings discuss key research findings from IWH or elsewhere on topics that are of particular interest to policy-makers.

Research Highlights

Depression, poor physical health increase injured workers’ disability days

Poor physical health and more depressed mood significantly increased the total number of days that workers received compensation benefits, study finds.
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Research Highlights

Soft-tissue injuries are associated with increased health-care visits

Work-related musculoskeletal disorders may cost society more than currently believed, as injured workers experience symptoms both before their claims and after they return to work.
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Research Highlights

Work-related injuries reduce caregiving hours at home

Study participants recovering from work-related musculoskeletal disorders report a significant drop in the amount of time they spend providing care to family outside of work.
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Research Highlights

Ontario has lowest young worker injury rate

A study of injury rates among young workers finds Ontario has the lowest rate and Saskatchewan the highest.
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Two workers in a warehouse consult document
Sharing Best Evidence

Effectiveness of participatory ergonomics: summary of a systematic review

By improving the ergonomics of work and workplaces, it should be possible to prevent or reduce musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) and increase productivity. This systematic review summarizes the evidence on the effectiveness of workplace-based participatory ergonomics interventions in improving workers' health.
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A factory worker fills out form
Sharing Best Evidence

Effectiveness of OHS management systems: summary of a systematic review

Occupational health and safety management systems (OHSMSs) have developed considerably over the last 20 years, yet little is known about their effectiveness. The systematic review aimed to provide the evidence on the the effectiveness of mandatory and voluntary OHSMSs and identify facilitators and barriers to their adoption and implementation.
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Close-up of a woman in a hard hat
Sharing Best Evidence

Workplace-based return-to-work interventions: summary of a systematic review

What workplace-based return-to-work interventions are effective and under what conditions? This systematic review examines both qualitative and quantitative studies.
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