Workers' compensation benefits
Workers' compensation is a form of insurance providing wage replacement and medical benefits to workers injured in the course of their employment. Eligibility for, and awarding of, benefits to injured workers are determined by workers’ compensation boards, which are funded through employer premiums. IWH research focuses on trends in workers’ compensation benefits, their adequacy and equity, and their effects on workers.
Featured
At Work article
IWH study finds 7 in 10 injured workers still experience pain more than a year after injury
A high proportion of injured workers in Ontario experience persistent pain for well over a year after their work-related injury. According to an IWH study of workers' compensation lost-time claimants, 70 per cent of workers experience pain 18 months after their work injury.
Published: September 30, 2022
At Work article
What research can do: IWH input contributes to enhancement of WSIB’s Health and Safety Index
When the WSIB reviewed its Health and Safety Index, IWH researchers provided advice on index methodology. An impact case study summarizes how enhancements to the index incorporated that advice.
Published: May 26, 2022
Impact case study
WSIB turns to IWH for its expertise in logic models
Institute scientists work with WSIB to provide ongoing evaluation of three important programs.
Published: September 2010
Impact case study
Auditor general report leads to hearings on WSIB unfunded liability
Report cites IWH research as important in identifying the need for change in WSIB's service delivery model.
Published: March 2010
Issue Briefing
Workers' compensation in California and Canada
This Issue Briefing provides a case study that compares the costs of the workers’ compensation scheme in the state of California with the cost of provincial workers’ compensation schemes in Canada. In California's system, compensation benefits are mainly provided through private insurers, while in Canada they are provided mostly through a single public agency in each province.
Published: February 2010
Issue Briefing
Workers' compensation and the business cycle
A worldwide recession has begun in the wake of the Fall 2008 meltdown of financial markets. What is the likely impact of the recession on workers’ compensation costs? Are work-related injuries likely to be more severe? What can we anticipate about claim frequency and severity when recovery occurs and economic growth resumes? This Issue Briefing explores findings from past research on workers’ compensation and the business cycle from IWH and other sources.
Published: March 2009
At Work article
At Work article
Disability income security programs are poorly coordinated
Canadian workers with disabilities face a patchwork of income security benefit programs – and many working-age disabled Canadians receive no income security benefits at all, according to a study by Institute for Work & Health researchers. Income security benefits provide financial support to those w
Published: August 2008
At Work article
At Work article
Scientist-worker alliance to study work injury
A unique research alliance of injured workers and scientists has received a prestigious $1 million funding award from a federal research program. The Institute for Work & Health is involved as a partner.
Published: August 2006