The annual cost of work disability is estimated at between $1-2 trillion worldwide and in Canada alone is estimated to be more than $30 billion. Reducing work disability is best achieved by targeting the social, insurance, workplace, and individual barriers to work. Effective and cost-effective strategies to reduce work disability include workplace interventions such as work accommodation and return-to-work coordination.
There are many benefits of having formal policies and procedures for workplace accommodation for hiring and retaining workers with disabilities such as shorter work absences, higher levels of worker engagement, increased productivity, reduced turnover, and increased workforce morale. Therefore, organizations need a way of taking best practices information in the work disability prevention management field and incorporating it into their operations.
This presentation we profile findings from an environmental scan of good practices in the field (e.g., interviews with representatives of exemplary organizations, policymakers, and program providers). Evidence from this scan will be used in conjunction with a peer-reviewed and grey literature syntheses to develop guidelines for good practice in the form of a Canadian Standard for Work Disability Prevention Management Systems.
About the presenters
Dr. Emile Tompa is a senior scientist at the Institute for Work & Health (IWH) and co-director of the Centre for Research on Work Disability Policy. He is a labour and health economist and his current research agenda is focused on the consequences of disability compensation system design features and other labour-market policies and programs for the health of individuals and populations. He also examines workplace interventions directed at improving the health and well-being of workers, specifically the economic evaluation of such interventions
Dr. Amin Yazdani is a research assistant professor in the Department of Kinesiology at the University of Waterloo. He is also an adjunct assistant professor at McMaster University, and a professor in the School of Business and Hospitality at Conestoga College Institute of Technology and Advanced Learning. Amin's research interest is in standardization of ergonomics in design by developing best practices and development of technical standards. Currently he is spearheading and co-leading several important initiatives at the national level, including the development of three different Canadian Standards: Work disability prevention management system; Design and use of paramedic emergency response vehicles and equipment; and carer-inclusive and accommodating organizations.
Registration
Registration is now closed. For assistance, contact Catherine Brookman at catherinebrookman@sympatico.ca.
Disclaimer: The Centre receives funding through a grant provided by the Ontario Ministry of Labour. The views expressed are those of the presenters and do not necessarily reflect those of the Centre nor of the Province.