Recipients
Catherine Varner, Mount Sinai Hospital (Toronto)
“Challenging the dogma: light exercise for the management of acute mild traumatic injury”
$211,976 over two years
Dr. Catherine Varner, Clinician Scientist, Department of Emergency Medicine, Mount Sinai Hospital
Project summary
This study will clinically evaluate the impact of light exercise on acute mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) patients. It will determine whether adults discharged from the emergency department with acute mTBI are less likely to develop post-concussion syndrome (PCS) if they are encouraged to do light exercise than are those who are directed not to exercise until they are free of mTBI symptoms. A randomized control trial will be conducted in the emergency departments of Mount Sinai, Hamilton General, and Juravinski hospitals. The study will ascertain the proportion of injured patients with PCS after 30 days based on the validated Rivermead Post-Concussion Symptoms Questionnaire.
Ellen MacEachen, University of Waterloo (Waterloo)
“Return to work and mental health: tapping experience and strategies of return-to-work coordinators”
$234,149.08 over two years
Dr. Ellen MacEachen, Associate Professor, School of Public Health and Health Systems
Faculty of Applied Health Sciences, University of Waterloo
Project summary
This project will tap the knowledge of Canadian return-to-work coordinators to ascertain the best strategies for managing return to work among people who have common mental health disorders associated with work-related physical injury. It will produce a practical return-to-work strategy guide for disability professionals supporting clients who have common mental health disorders. The study will also produce a detailed literature review of international coordinator practice and strategies relating to common mental health impairments.
Stephanie Premji, McMaster University (Hamilton)
“Strategies for the Successful Return-to-Work of Linguistic Minorities”
$110,872.23 over two years
Dr. Stephanie Premji, Assistant Professor, Labour Studies and Health, Aging & Society
McMaster University
Project summary
This project will identify and address the problems that complicate the recovery and return to work of injured people who belong to linguistic minorities. It will use an integrated approach that touches upon the entire work reintegration process and that recognizes the crucial roles of workplace insurance, health care providers, workplace parties and worker representatives in it. The study will consider the impact of individual, social and institutional factors that can influence return to work. It will yield data and knowledge on barriers to and facilitators of return to work for larger populations, including people who belong to linguistic minorities, e.g. recent immigrants, workers in particular sectors/occupations, and precariously employed workers. Outcomes include a short and accessible practical guide that will show barriers to and helpful practices for the return to work of injured people of linguistic minorities.
Emile Tompa, Institute for Work & Health (Toronto)
“Tracking Long-term Outcomes of Injured Workers in Ontario to Better Target Supports”
$296,469.90 over two years
Dr. Emile Tompa, Senior Scientist, Institute for Work & Health
Project summary
This project will track and analyze short- and long-term outcomes of Ontario workplace insurance claimants from the Ontario Loss of Earnings Program. To investigate how outcomes have evolved, the study will compare those of claimants who had accidents in 1998-2006 with those of claimants who had accidents in 2007-2012. The project will focus on claimants with permanent impairments. It has significant potential to improve outcomes by identifying characteristics correlated with labour-market earnings recovery.
WorkSafeBC Partnership Grants
Zoe Hilton, Waypoint Centre for Mental Health Care (Penetanguishene)
“PTSD and help-seeking among psychiatric workers: workplace factors and barriers to support”
$42,771 – WorkSafeBC Partnership Grant: WSIB contributes 33% ($14,257) over one year
Zoe Hilton, Senior Research Scientist, Waypoint Research Institute, Penetanguishene
Associate Professor of Psychiatry, University of Toronto
Project summary
This research will investigate violence exposure and the workplace characteristics associated with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) at three psychiatric hospital sites across Ontario. Violence prevention training and work experience may help prepare psychiatric workers to handle violence and may mitigate adverse reactions when they are exposed to violence. The research will identify the characteristics of violence and other workplace factors that increase the risk of PTSD. It will also help identify whether workers perceive that they need to seek help, the barriers to accessing these support services, and which support services they perceive to be helpful.
Ruth Wright, The Conference Board of Canada (Ottawa)
“Proactive Strategies for Managing Workplace Harassment and / or Bullying
$49,812 – WorkSafeBC Partnership Grant: WSIB contributes 50% ($24,906) over one year
Ruth Wright, Director, Human Resources and Inclusive Talent Management Research, The Conference Board of Canada
Project summary
This study will identify best practices for managing workplace harassment and/or bullying and develop practical tools to help organizations and managers understand the nature and impact of bullying. The study also seeks to raise awareness of the extent and cost of workplace bullying and profile organizations with proactive, strategic approaches.