Institute for Work & Health

10/08/2026

As more organizations turn to AI to automate tasks in the workplace, how can we make sure these systems are safe and healthy for workers?

In a new preliminary framework, IWH associate scientific director and scientist Dr. Arif Jetha and IWH practicum student Jared Bierbrier provide considerations along the 7 stages of an AI system's lifecycle, from imagining what AI can do in your organization, to retiring a system that is no longer useful.

For example, when defining an AI system's purpose:

➡️ Balance efficiency with safety. Ensure the system aligns with the pace of human capabilities.
➡️ Assess how the technology might interact with aspects of a job, impact workers or increase injury risk.
➡️ Co-design with workers who would be impacted, and those who are aware of health and safety legislation.

Read the full set of considerations at the link in the comments.

10/01/2026

It's the first day of Healthy Workplace Month!

This month is a great time to reflect on how you can incorporate even small healthy activities into your workday or workplace. This year's theme focuses on personalizing your approach to wellness activities to create a sustainable, healthy routine you or your workplace will enjoy.

Stay tuned as we share research throughout the month that can help make workers and workplaces healthier and safer!

In the meantime, check out the Excellence Canada website for ideas on adding healthy activities into your workplace 👉 https://buff.ly/fKYEvPx

09/28/2026

Calling small business owners in London, Ont.! On Oct. 15, join us at a unique event focused on the business case for workplace safety and the impact of shifting trends.

This free event brings together leaders in business, workplace health and safety, and research. It’s a great chance to network with peers in the London area and explore the latest evidence for building safe and successful businesses.

Space is limited! RSVP to save your spot: https://www.iwh.on.ca/events/2026-oct-15

09/22/2026

The IWH Speaker Series is back! 👇

Whether they’re about mental health, remote work or accountability, conversations around seeking and providing support have become more complex.

On September 29, Dr. Monique Gignac will share findings from a study of HR professionals, disability managers, union representatives, OHS professionals and managers. She will discuss how perspectives on, and expectations about, disability accommodation have evolved.

Register at the link in the comments.

09/17/2026

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:

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

09/15/2026

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!

These awards recognize the late Dr. S. Leonard Syme's contributions to IWH as chair of its Scientific Advisory Committee from 1995 to 2002. They are designed to support early-career researchers at the master's or doctoral level studying work and health issues.

Learn more about the award and the recipients' research at the link in the comments 👇

09/10/2026

Not all jobs are created equal. Some forms of employment are insecure and unrewarding. They leave people vulnerable to stress, economic hardship and poor health.

This infographic pulls together findings from IWH research showing how death rates increase as job quality decreases. That's across different types of causes, from cancer, cardiovascular disease and unintended injuries, to drug poisoning, alcohol and su***de.

The key takeaway? More focus should be put on creating good jobs in Canada.

The link to the infographic is also in the comments. 👇

09/10/2026

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: https://buff.ly/XjT6lDn

This webinar series is hosted by Dalla Lana School of Public Health, Public Health Ontario, the Occupational Cancer Research Centre, the Centre for Research Expertise in Occupational Disease, and the Centre for Occupational Disease Prevention.

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

09/04/2026

How different is returning to work for people with work-related psychological injuries compared to 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). This infographic sums up the key differences 👇

08/27/2026

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 led by Dr. Monique Gignac.

The study also examined who’s more likely to hide information. Read about it at the link in the comments 👇