Temporary workers

Temporary work, particularly work procured through temporary work agencies (temp agencies), is increasingly common in our changing economy and its demand for a flexible labour market. This type of employment involves workers who are employed by temporary work agencies and then hired out to perform work at, and under the supervision of, clients of these agencies. IWH research looks at the nature of temp agency work as it relates to workplace injuries, illnesses, workers’ compensation and return to work.

IWH Speaker Series
IWH Speaker Series

The management of OHS and return-to-work issues in temporary work agencies

Temporary work agencies are a growing phenomenon and an increasingly established part of new flexible labour markets. Studies have shown that agency workers are at greater risk for occupational accidents and diseases than permanent workers. However, little is known about the management of injury prevention and return to work within temporary work agency contexts. In this presentation, Dr. Ellen MacEachen talks about the findings from an IWH study on the organization of health and safety in temporary work agencies.
Published: April 2012
At Work article
At Work article

Investigating temporary employment in Canada

For more than eight years, IWH researchers have explored the impact of temporary employment and other non-standard work forms and arrangements on worker health. Read about some of the latest findings.
Published: October 2011
A man sits in an empty diner, head in hand
Research Highlights

Precarious employment may affect worker health

A longitudinal study of a representative sample of Canadian workers finds certain work characteristics are linked with precarious employment and put workers at increased risk of poor physical health.
Published: January 2011
IWH Speaker Series
IWH Speaker Series

The impact of temporary employment and job tenure on sickness absence

Previous studies have suggested that temporary employment and job tenure are associated with work-related health risk exposures and the ability to take a sickness absence, but these studies have not considered the nature of the employment contract in a longitudinal framework. This study investigates the impact of temporary employment on work-related and all-cause sickness absences of one week or more with a focus on how these outcomes are moderated by factors related to social protection (job tenure, union membership and firm size).
Published: May 2010
Research Highlights
Research Highlights

Temp workers have similar work-related sick days as permanent workers

Temporary work does not appear to increase the rate of work-related injury or illness absences lasting a week or longer. What's more, those with multiple temporary jobs had fewer absence spells.
Published: January 2008
At Work article
At Work article

Institute scientists define and track precarious employment in Canada

Dr. Emile Tompa talks about how precarious employment can affect workers' health and well-being
Published: February 2006