Work precarity and vulnerability
“Precarious” is a word often used to describe work that is characterized by low pay, low job security and little protection. “Vulnerable” is a word often used in the health and safety world to describe those who are at an increased risk of work injury or disease. At the Institute for Work & Health (IWH), an evidence-based framework has been developed that defines OHS vulnerability as being exposed to hazards without having adequate protection. This page pulls together research on OHS vulnerability and work precarity.
Featured
Research Highlights
Death rates are higher for workers in precarious and lower quality jobs
Death rates are higher for workers in lower-quality jobs. That’s according to an IWH study that explored whether job quality was linked to rates of death.
Published: November 12, 2025
At Work article
At Work article
Economic crisis taking toll on worker health, IWH research suggests
Work insecurity and unemployment can have a negative effect on the physical and mental health of workers. This is according to new research and analysis from the Institute for Work & Health.
Published: October 2009
Issue Briefing
Unemployment and mental health
Researchers have been looking at how unemployment affects mental health since the Great Depression of the 1930s, if not earlier. This body of research has shown that becoming unemployed has a negative impact on mental health. Also, people with mental health problems are more likely than others to become unemployed. This Issue Briefing summarizes the key research behind these findings and explores the implications for policy-makers and health and safety service providers.
Published: August 2009
At Work article
At Work article
Young worker injury – it’s the job that matters
In terms of injury risk, the type of job or workplace matters more than the nature of the young workers themselves.
Published: April 2006
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