iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

Institute for Work & Health @iwhresearch.bsky.social · 14h

Due to scheduled maintenance, our servers will be shut down this weekend. IWH websites will be unavailable as of Friday, October 2, at 4:30p.m. ET. They will be back upon Monday, October 5, at 9:00 a.m. ET.

A figurine of a person working on a circuit board.

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Institute for Work & Health @iwhresearch.bsky.social · 01/10/2026

It's the first day of #HealthyWorkplaceMonth! It's a great time to reflect on how you can incorporate even small healthy activities into your worplace. This year's theme focuses on personalizing your wellness activities to create a sustainable, healthy routine you or your workplace will enjoy.

Text reads: "#HealthyWorkplaceMonth, October is Healthy Workplace Month!"

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Institute for Work & Health @iwhresearch.bsky.social · 22/09/2026

Sept 29: Whether they’re about mental health, remote work or accountability, conversations around workplace support have become more complex. Dr. Monique Gignac will share findings from a study about how perspectives and expectations about disability accommodation have evolved: buff.ly/eFnD3lz

Text reads: "At the next IWH Speaker Series presentation... On mental health, remote work and shared accountability: Complex and evolving perspectives on workplace support and accommodation" Presenter: Dr. Monique Gignac. Date: Tuesday, September 29, 2026, 11 to 12 p.m.

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Institute for Work & Health @iwhresearch.bsky.social · 17/09/2026

IWH president and senior scientist Dr. Peter Smith talks about IWH's knowledge transfer and exchange model, and what workplaces should do in the face of the changing nature of work to keep workers healthy, in this column for Mediaplanet's workplace safety campaign: buff.ly/SuHpyD3

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Turning Workplace Research Into Action

IWH translates research into practical solutions while engaging workers and employers to build healthier and safer workplaces. Learn more at iwh.on.ca.

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Institute for Work & Health @iwhresearch.bsky.social · 15/09/2026

We’re pleased to announce the recipients of our annual S. Leonard Syme Research Training Awards: Congratulations to Kara Polson, Abbey Davis, Arka Roy and Liane Steiner! Learn more about the award and the recipients' research: buff.ly/RNk8nU7 #ResearchAwards #WorkAndHealth #WorkerWellbeing

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Institute for Work & Health @iwhresearch.bsky.social · 10/09/2026

Not all jobs are created equal. Some leave workers vulnerable to stress, economic hardship and poor health. This infographic pulls together IWH research showing how death rates increase as job quality decreases, highlighting the importance of creating more good jobs: buff.ly/zkRIY6e

Infographic, page 1, explaining how job quality affects workers’ health, showing three indicators—hours worked, employment stability, earnings—and five job-quality types (standard, portfolio, intermittent, marginal, precarious) with short descriptions and a pie chart of their shares in Canada.

Infographic, page 2, showing that relative death rates rise as job quality declines: bar charts compare standard, portfolio, intermittent, marginal and precarious employment for women and men, with cause-specific increases in cancer, heart disease, injury, drug poisoning, alcohol and suicide.

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Institute for Work & Health @iwhresearch.bsky.social · 10/09/2026

On September 18, join IWH scientist Dr. Avi Biswas who will give a presentation about physical activity, work stress and cardiovascular disease risk to kick off the Occupational and Environmental Health (OEH) Seminar Series: buff.ly/XjT6lDn

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Occupational and Environmental Health Seminar Series 2026-2027 - Occupational Cancer Research Centre

The Occupational and Environmental Health (OEH) seminar series is supported by the Dalla Lana School of Public Health, Public Health Ontario, the Occupational...

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Institute for Work & Health @iwhresearch.bsky.social · 04/09/2026

How different is returning to work for people with work-related psychological injuries vs. those with work-related musculoskeletal conditions? We asked this question in a study conducted in Australia (where psychological injuries have been compensable for longer than in Canada) 👇 buff.ly/duX4wXV

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Institute for Work & Health @iwhresearch.bsky.social · 31/08/2026

Fewer people are taking on paid or unpaid overtime work, as this @globalnews.ca segment explains. IWH president Dr. Peter Smith shares IWH findings that unpaid overtime is linked to mental health issues, though limited voluntary, paid overtime can have benefits for workers: buff.ly/02VtwtS

globalnews.ca

Overtime declining across Canada | Watch News Videos Online

Watch Overtime declining across Canada Video Online, on GlobalNews.ca

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Institute for Work & Health @iwhresearch.bsky.social · 27/08/2026

Deciding to disclose information about a disability at work is not always a yes or no question. Even if some disclose their condition, nearly half of workers with disabilities still opt to hide some information about their health or limitations at work, according to an IWH study: buff.ly/vV139hW

An image of a person's silhouette, with overlayed text that reads "Nearly half of workers with disabilities hide impact of health condition at work: IWH study"

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Reposted by Institute for Work & Health

VRAIE-IDEA @vraie-idea.ca · 25/08/2026

We're thrilled to welcome Anne Kresta and returning MC Peter Field as our Day One hosts for the IDEA 4DY Symposium! Together, they'll help kick off conversations on building proactive workplace systems that support inclusive work. Stay tuned! 📢

Promotional graphic for “Symposium 2026: Inclusion is the Future of Work.” The image features two master of ceremonies speakers with their names and titles: Anne Kresta, President and Executive Director of Level It Up, and Peter Field, Research Associate at IDEA and IDEA-STEM. Event details indicate October 26 to 27, 2026, in a hybrid format at the Campbell Conference Facility, University of Toronto. Logos for VRAIE IDEA and For Diverse Youth appear at the top, with partner organization logos along the bottom. Decorative silhouettes of people with diverse mobility and accessibility needs are shown in the background.

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Institute for Work & Health @iwhresearch.bsky.social · 19/08/2026

Sometimes, an IWH scientist’s impacts go beyond just the #WorkAndHealth field. That is the case for Dr. Dorcas Beaton, whose expertise spread to the field of clinical health outcomes. Her career focused on measuring upper extremity #MSDs, and the influential DASH Outcome Measure: buff.ly/HNRgyWR

Text reads: "IWH impact case study. Dorcas Beaton: How a passion for MSD outcome measures made a difference in the world of work and beyond."

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Institute for Work & Health @iwhresearch.bsky.social · 14/08/2026

Newcomer workers in Canada face elevated injury risks. Dr. Basak Yanar shared strategies for employers to help keep newcomer workers safe on the job in this column for Canadian Immigrant 👇 buff.ly/OJq1IEA

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Starting a job in Canada? Know your workplace safety rights

n this column, Institute for Work & Health scientist Basak Yanar shares practical strategies employers can use — and offers newcomers insight into t

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Institute for Work & Health @iwhresearch.bsky.social · 13/08/2026

New IWH research is on its way 👇 Two of the new projects underway at IWH include: -one that will explore new ways to prevent workplace fatalities and critical incidents in Ontario, and -one that will address suicide and substance use in construction. Read about them: buff.ly/F9HR7Fb

A image of a file drawer with labels that read "Grants", "Funding" and "Projects".

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Institute for Work & Health @iwhresearch.bsky.social · 06/08/2026

Good jobs don't just matter for parents, they also matter for their children. In an IWH Speaker Series presentation by Dr. Faraz Shahidi, he shared study findings that children whose parents had low quality jobs were more likely to have poor mental health and lower grades. Watch: buff.ly/gcG0To4

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Institute for Work & Health @iwhresearch.bsky.social · 04/08/2026

First responder organizations looking to put #PTSI programs in place for workers, we have a resource to help you! Based on an IWH study led by Dr. Dwayne Van Eerd, this free resource has key steps and strategies to consider when putting these programs in place: buff.ly/qpodG1t #PTSD #MentalHealth

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Institute for Work & Health @iwhresearch.bsky.social · 29/07/2026

During the pandemic, workers who contracted COVID-19 from work had better #ReturnToWork rates 18 months later than those with other #WorkInjuries or illnesses. Most traditional return-to-work factors, however, did not explain the difference in rates, according to an IWH study: buff.ly/e6wagFQ

A health-care worker with a mask carries a bag and looks at her phone as she walks to work.

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Institute for Work & Health @iwhresearch.bsky.social · 22/07/2026

This ODPRN report finds that opioid toxicity deaths are highest among workers in construction and natural resources. 👇 These findings follow similar trends as previous work by IWH Scientist Dr. Nancy Carnide, contributing author to this report, on opioid-related hospitalizations and ER visits.

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Institute for Work & Health @iwhresearch.bsky.social · 16/07/2026

Our annual list of 5 Things We Think You Should Know is out! This bite-sized collection outlines five IWH findings from the last year that we think can make a difference to workplace injury and disability prevention programs. Read the highlights: buff.ly/RC7j4T8

Text reads: "5 things we think you should know: research findings from the past year. 1. Lower injury rates found when workers’ physical and psychological safety are addressed"

Text reads: 2. Mental health challenges cost employers over $100 billion a year

Text reads: 3. IWH study identifies seven future scenarios that could affect OHS

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Institute for Work & Health @iwhresearch.bsky.social · 09/07/2026

A new podcast just launched from@vraie-idea.ca ! The first episode of the IDEA | 4DY Podcast is called "Rethinking workplace design: From access to system transformation." Hear how organizations can reduce barriers, build inclusive cultures, & design workplaces that enable diverse talent to thrive.

Promo image for the IDEA | 4DY podcast highlighting the speakers and title, as described in the post text.

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Institute for Work & Health @iwhresearch.bsky.social · 08/07/2026

How are different governments and agencies preventing and managing work-related #MentalHealth injuries? And what can we learn from their approaches? An IWH research team compiled key implications for #PolicyMakers based on approaches used across Canada & Australia: buff.ly/3gIDrGr #HealthPolicy

Text reads: "System-level approaches to preventing and managing work-related psychological injuries. Work-related psychological injuries are increasing. Governments and agencies are investing in prevention and management strategies, but they lack evidence on what works best. Comparing existing approaches across Canada and Australia, Institute for Work & Health researchers identified six key implications for policy and programs." An arrow indicates a second page.

Slide titled "1. Strengthen organizational-level prevention" listing two actions: shift policy and programming toward work design and management practices; and support employer capacity and readiness through practical tools, advisory services, and sector-specific approaches.

Slide titled: "2: Improve access to early and appropriate care:" Expand timely access to broader mental health supports (e.g., social workers, counselors), particularly during claim adjudication. Widen provider networks to reduce bottlenecks in care.

Slide titled: "3. Enhance claims management for psychological injuries:" Invest in specialized teams and trauma‑informed approaches; provide supports during claim adjudication (to workers and family members when appropriate); and streamline adjudication processes where possible.

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Institute for Work & Health @iwhresearch.bsky.social · 02/07/2026

The IWH Speaker Series is taking a summer break, but not to worry! You can always catch up on our past presentations on YouTube: buff.ly/9wahYRH The 2025/26 season's topics ranged from the work experiences of workers with mental heath conditions, to how new businesses get their start with OHS. 👇

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IWH Research

The Institute for Work & Health is a not-for-profit research organization that explores occupational health and safety and return-to-work issues. Toronto, ON • http://www.iwh.on.ca

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Institute for Work & Health @iwhresearch.bsky.social · 26/06/2026

Watch Dr. Peter Smith sum up the key takeaways from his recent presentation on how different jurisdictions are preventing/managing work-related #PsychologicalInjuries: buff.ly/G6TGzaS Read about key policy considerations for addressing these injuries in the workplace: buff.ly/hMjHE8b #MentalHealth

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Institute for Work & Health @iwhresearch.bsky.social · 24/06/2026

How are different jurisdictions preventing and managing work-related #PsychologicalInjuries? In a recent presentation, Dr. Peter Smith shared study findings about approaches in use across Canada and Australia, along with lessons learned: buff.ly/AGTBwCD #MentalHealth

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Institute for Work & Health @iwhresearch.bsky.social · 23/06/2026

We're #hiring a Scientific Director! The Scientific Director balances the twin goals of stewarding the scientific excellence of IWH through innovative, investigator-driven research, and aligning this research with the mission-driven goals of IWH. Apply now: buff.ly/MjJFu1e

Text reads: "We are hiring! Scientific Director. Apply by: August 24, 2026"

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Institute for Work & Health @iwhresearch.bsky.social · 16/06/2026

As the labour market in Canada shifts towards #PrecariousWork, a growing share of Canadians have to rely on casual, insecure and low-wage jobs to make ends meet. How does their #JobQuality affect their children’s #MentalHealth and development? Hear what the research says on June 23: buff.ly/IoKcys6

Text reads: "At the next IWH Speaker Series presentation... Parental employment quality and the mental health of children. Presenter: Faraz Shahidi. Date: Tuesday, June 23, 11 a.m. to 12 p.m."

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Institute for Work & Health @iwhresearch.bsky.social · 10/06/2026

A study by IWH F. Mustard postdoc researcher Dr. Cherise Regier found that the impact of #RightToDisconnect legislation in Europe depends on the labour rights landscape. That includes the strength of trade unions, employment standards, regulatory enforcement and worker involvement: buff.ly/1PWVcN8

Hands typing on a keyboard are shown. Text reads: "Impact of right-to-disconnect legislation depends on underlying labour rights landscape."

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Institute for Work & Health @iwhresearch.bsky.social · 04/06/2026

What matters when Canadians decide to drive, walk, bike or take #PublicTransit to work? An IWH-PHAC study found workers were more likely to #commute actively if the neighbourhoods near their work and home have the infrastructure to support it—like #BikePaths, greenery, or transit: buff.ly/FedLdrX

An overhead view of a city is shown. Text reads: "Neighbourhood infrastructure such as bike paths, bus routes shape workers' active commuting patterns."

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Institute for Work & Health @iwhresearch.bsky.social · 02/06/2026

Each year, IWH Connects brings together health and safety leaders to learn about IWH research, and share gaps that they see in their work that would benefit from research. It aims to equip stakeholders with #WorkAndHealth research insights, and help guide IWH research. buff.ly/ewh6v9n

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IWH Connects 2026

IWH Connects is an IWH network established in 2024 to facilitate knowledge exchange and the use of IWH research findings across cross-cutting, high priority issues in work and health. The network is…

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Institute for Work & Health @iwhresearch.bsky.social · 26/05/2026

This HRD Canada article highlights the need to integrate safety data into #HR strategy, pointing to the financial benefits as a key factor when making the case to senior leadership. IWH President & Senior Scientist Dr. Peter Smith contributes research-based insights: buff.ly/h1WTq29 #WorkAndHealth

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Why safety data is now a strategic imperative for HR leaders

Workplace safety data is moving from the OHS silo into the boardroom – and CHROs need to lead that shift, say experts

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Institute for Work & Health @iwhresearch.bsky.social · 21/05/2026

We recently hosted our third annual IWH Connects meeting! The day brought together a network of #HealthAndSafety leaders to discuss three areas of IWH research, with the goal to help stakeholders use and share this research, and inform future IWH work in these areas. Read more: buff.ly/qwyCgw3

Panel members listen to an audience question at the IWH Connects meeting.

Dr. Lynda Robson presents her work at the IWH Connects meeting.

Dr. Nancy Carnide answers questions from the audience at the IWH Connects meeting.

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Institute for Work & Health @iwhresearch.bsky.social · 19/05/2026

How are different jurisdictions preventing and managing work-related #PsychologicalInjuries? On May 26, join Dr. Peter Smith who will share study findings about approaches across Canada and Australia, and other IWH research on psychosocial work factors and return-to-work challenges: buff.ly/sNe7tdG

Text reads: "At the next IWH Speaker Series presentation...Preventing and managing work-related psychological injuries in Canada and Australia. Presenter: Peter Smith. Date: Tuesday, May 26, 11 a.m. to 12 p.m."

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Institute for Work & Health @iwhresearch.bsky.social · 14/05/2026

To understand how #NewBusinesses start managing #HealthAndSafety, an IWH study team surveyed owners of new Ontario businesses about their experiences. In this presentation, she highlights factors associated with starting #OHS management, and implications for research and policy: buff.ly/Yegwap7

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Institute for Work & Health @iwhresearch.bsky.social · 13/05/2026

Workers in #SmallBusinesses have higher rates of #WorkInjuries than those in larger businesses. Having #HealthAndSafety practices in place early on could help prevent incidents, but few programs or policies exist to help #NewBusinesses with #OHS, according to an IWH study: buff.ly/qwLn3lN

Text reads: "IWH study reveals gaps in health and safety knowledge about new businesses." A landscaper using a weed-trimming tool is pictured.

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Institute for Work & Health @iwhresearch.bsky.social · 11/05/2026

Applications are now open for IWH’s Cameron Mustard Early Career Accelerator Award! This award is designed to support an #EarlyCareer researcher in the field of #WorkAndHealth. Apply by June 19 👉️ buff.ly/xgXlann #ResearchAward #Research 🧪

Text reads: "Cameron Mustard Early Career Accelerator Award. Now accepting applications!"

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Institute for Work & Health @iwhresearch.bsky.social · 05/05/2026

This week is #SafetyAndHealthWeek! It's a great time to raise awareness of the importance of preventing injuries and illnesses in the workplace. Check out the Safety and Health Week website for events and resources to spread awareness of the week: buff.ly/hnTvn15

A poster advertising Safety and Health Week 2026, from May 4-9.

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Institute for Work & Health @iwhresearch.bsky.social · 04/05/2026

#Census2026 is underway! Thanks to the Census, we've been able to explore: 💡the active commuting patterns of Canadian workers 💡the risks of suicide and substance use in construction 💡the health outcomes of Canadians who work in different types of low or high quality jobs Thank you for taking part!

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Institute for Work & Health @iwhresearch.bsky.social · 04/05/2026

New job alert! We're looking for an Operations Coordinator and a Communications Coordinator for 4YD, a great project headed by IDEA and the UofT's CIRHR. Be part of the effort to remove employment barriers for youth in construction and manufacturing! #

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Institute for Work & Health @iwhresearch.bsky.social · 29/04/2026

Canada’s mental health crisis costs the economy $180 billion annually, according to a new CSA Group report co-authored IWH's Dr. Kathleen Dobson. A large portion of that estimate—$110 billion—is borne by employers. #mentalhealthmatters #mentalwellness

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Institute for Work & Health @iwhresearch.bsky.social · 28/04/2026

Today is Day of Mourning, where we take time to remember those who lost their lives or experienced injuries or illnesses due to workplace incidents.

Text reads: "Day of Mourning, April 28". A picture of a burning candle is featured.

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Institute for Work & Health @iwhresearch.bsky.social · 22/04/2026

What work and health challenges may arise by 2040? A study team outlined a wide range of plausible futures and their potential implications in their report, and includes key questions for #OHS professionals, policy-makers and researchers: buff.ly/4vnYUbi #FutureOfWork #OccupationalHealthAndSafety

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Institute for Work & Health @iwhresearch.bsky.social · 17/04/2026

There's only a week left to apply for the Syme Research Training Awards! 👇 Learn more and apply by Friday, April 24 here: www.iwh.on.ca/opportunitie...

iwh.on.ca

2026-2027 Syme Research Training Awards in Work and Health

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Institute for Work & Health @iwhresearch.bsky.social · 14/04/2026

Our next IWH Speakers Series is only a week away! Register here: www.iwh.on.ca/events/speak...

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Institute for Work & Health @iwhresearch.bsky.social · 10/04/2026

Some employers use visuals to relay safety info to workers with limited language skills. But not all safety symbols are universally understood. Be sure to explain what visuals mean and check that workers understand. Read about how to keep workers safe in language-diverse workplaces buff.ly/wiNPbKM

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Institute for Work & Health @iwhresearch.bsky.social · 09/04/2026

Join our Board of Directors! 👇 We are seeking applications from skilled leaders interested in sitting as members of the IWH Board of Directors. Board members play a vital role in championing IWH's mission and work, and contributing to its strategic directions. Apply by April 30: buff.ly/Hq23PsB

Text reads: "Call for applications: Board of Directors"

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Institute for Work & Health @iwhresearch.bsky.social · 07/04/2026

What can employers do to help #ImmigrantWorkers with limited language proficiency to stay safe on the job? Read more about this and other strategies in a free, online resource called: "Immigrant workers and language diversity at work: What can employers do to keep workers safe?" at: buff.ly/VX45SQV

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Institute for Work & Health @iwhresearch.bsky.social · 02/04/2026

A new IWH study looked at how sociodemographic factors measured by the Canadian census were linked with drug #overdose deaths. The researchers found that deaths were highest among those with the lowest income, and those who were not working or #unemployed. Read about the study: buff.ly/JEIrqt3 🧪

Text reads: "Fatal drug overdoses more common among lower-income and unemployed Canadians: IWH study." An arrow indicates to click through to the next image.

Text reads: "Compared to those with the highest income, overdose deaths among those with the lowest income were 7 times higher for women and five times higher for men."

A bar graph shows overdose rates for men and women along 5 groups of income from lowest to highest. It depicts the rate of overdose deaths, by income, per 100,000 people over a year. The bars are highest for the lowest income group, and decline on a gradient to the highest income group.

Text reads: "Compared to those working full-time hours, overdose deaths among those wo were unemployed were 6 times higher for women and four times higher for men."

A bar graph shows overdose rates for men and women along 5 groups of employment: not in the labor force, unemployed, part-time, full-time, and long hours (over 48 per week). It depicts the rate of overdose deaths, by income, per 100,000 people over a year. The bars are highest for those not in the labor force, and decline on a gradient to the those with full-time hours.

Text reads: "Compared to those working full-time hours, overdose deaths among those wo were out of the labor force were 10 times higher for women and six times higher for men."

A bar graph shows overdose rates for men and women along 5 groups of employment: not in the labor force, unemployed, part-time, full-time, and long hours (over 48 per week). It depicts the rate of overdose deaths, by income, per 100,000 people over a year. The bars are highest for those not in the labor force, and decline on a gradient to the those with full-time hours.

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Institute for Work & Health @iwhresearch.bsky.social · 31/03/2026

On April 21, Dr. Lynda Robson will share findings from a study on how new businesses in Ontario get their start in workplace health and safety. She will highlight important themes and discuss implications for research and policy. Register: buff.ly/foXnlm4 #NewBusiness #SmallBusiness #OHS

Text reads: "At the next IWH Speaker Series presentation... How new businesses get their start in workplace health and safety: implications for research and policy. Presenter: Lynda Robson. Date: Tuesday, April 21, 11 a.m. to 12 p.m."

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