Review of safety resources for recent immigrants entering the Canadian workforce

Report cover

Published: March 2011

by: Kosny A, Lifshen M

Little is known about the sort of preparation that newcomers receive as they enter the Canadian labour market. Are there resources aimed at newcomers that speak to their rights at work, injury prevention and safety at work? Are there materials available for newcomers to inform them of what to do in the event of an injury or how to successfully return to work if injured on the job? Are materials typically translated and, if so, into what languages?

The Institute for Work & Health undertook a project to examine the services, programs and resources available to newcomers to Canada that focus on employment standards, occupational health & safety and workers' compensation. This report discusses trends in the types of resources available, identifies important gaps, and highlights case studies of programs that present interesting opportunities for providing this information to newcomers.