Longstanding work and health issues
Many longstanding issues related to work injuries and their consequences continue to negatively affect the lives and health of workers. For example, musculoskeletal injuries remain the leading cause of disability and discomfort among Canadian workers. Rates of workers’ compensation claims for traumatic fatalities have remained constant for the past decade. Persons with disabilities continue to be employed at lower rates, or in poorer work conditions, than those who do not live with a disability. Our research aims to provide new knowledge to help regulators and workplaces address persistent occupational health and safety (OHS) risks, workers’ compensation challenges and barriers to labour market inclusion.
Latest findings
Rises in opioid harms highest in machining, construction, sales
A new study has found that opioid harm rates have increased among injured workers over the last two decades. The study also breaks the trends down by occupation.
New tool for measuring risk of occupational stress injury now validated by IWH study
An IWH study has found that a tool developed by the Public Services Health and Safety Association has strong measurement properties relevant to employee mental health.
Nearly half of workers with disabilities hide impact of health condition on work
The decision to not disclose and the decision to actively hide information about the impact of a health condition on work are distinct. This study explores how often people hide health information at the workplace, who is likely to do so, or what the impacts may be.Featured impact case study
After an IWH study filled a research gap on claim suppression in B.C. and helped make the case for change, the province amended legislation to strengthen protections against the practice.
Featured tool
A new tool helps workers with episodic health conditions think about—and ask for—the supports they need at work.
