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

When a “hurt” becomes a “harm” in return to work

Early return-to-work policy in many jurisdictions is underpinned by the "hurt" versus "harm" concept — that the pain a worker experiences after an injury does not cause harm or inhibit recovery. But there are situations in which this concept does not apply.
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Research Highlights

Laser therapy evidence unclear for low-back pain

There is not enough evidence to confirm or refute that low-level laser therapy is beneficial in treating patients with non-specific low-back pain, according to a systematic review.
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At Work article

New tool helps bridge clinical practice and research world

The Institute for Work & Health has launched a new clinical commentary tool, Practice Perspectives. It emerged from a clinician-scientist collaboration in which physiotherapists provided direct input into a research project.
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At Work article

Team evaluates participatory ergonomic programs

A unique partnership involving workplaces, researchers and health and safety experts is tackling a problem in electrical and utilities companies that concerns many workplaces: musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs).
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At Work article

OHS interventions show health and economic benefits

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At Work article

Institute viewed as a top work-health research centre globally

The Institute for Work & Health (IWH) “easily ranks” among the top five occupational health and safety research centres in the world and has made “remarkable progress” in advancing work-health knowledge over the past five years. These assessments were made by an international panel convened to evaluate the quality, relevance and impact of the Institute’s work from 2002 to 2006.
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At Work article

Training program attracts work and health researchers

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At Work article

Safety climate shows promise in injury prevention

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At Work article

Only one in five new workers receives safety training

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At Work article

Preventing injury in health-care workers

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At Work article

Ontario’s Patient Lift Initiative: early findings

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At Work article

Institute welcomes new scientific director

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At Work article

Research explores health and safety issues in immigrant workers

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At Work article

Ontario, BC show different declines in work injury rates

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