The largest cohort study ever conducted in Northwestern Ontario is officially underway, and EPID@Work is looking for businesses in the region to join this important health research.
In September of 2023, EPID@Work (Enhancing the Prevention of Injury and Disability at Work) Research Institute at Lakehead University launched the Northwestern Ontario Workplace & Worker Health Study (NOWWHS), which examines mental and physical health in workplaces throughout our region.
Funded by the Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development, EPID hopes this study will capture the unique experiences of workers and industries in Northwestern Ontario.
“This study presents all workers and workplaces with an opportunity to have their voice heard and to positively affect change within their communities,” says Dr. Vicki Kristman, Director of EPID@Work.
From Manitouwadge in the East to the Manitoba border in the West, and from the US border in the South to Hudson Bay in the North, EPID wants to hear from communities and workplaces large and small.
While workers and employers from every sector are invited to participate, EPID researchers have a number of areas of interest, including older workers, injured workers, Indigenous workers, immigrant workers, mining workers, paramedics, nurses, supervisors and individuals working from home.
“We hope that this study will not only quantify and validate the experiences of workers throughout our region, but will prompt workplaces to implement interventions that will ultimately improve the health of our workers and workplaces,” explains Dr. Kristman.
However, with a goal of 6,000 participants, EPID is looking for many more workplaces and workers to join this research project. Individual workers who participate have the chance to win $500, with $30,000 in total incentives to be given away.
Workplaces who participate have the opportunity to receive sector and individual workplace reports (if they have more than 20 employees participate), which will highlight specific areas of strength and concern in regard to their employees’ health. EPID is equipped with a research van and a dedicated NOWWHS research team, so they are able to travel to your workplace or community to deliver the survey and maximize involvement from your workers.
Ultimately, the NOWWHS cohort study could have a big impact on the mental and physical health of workplaces and workers in our region. With a large sample size and a long-term goal, EPID is hopeful that this study will become a powerful tool for change.
Getting involved in EPID’s cohort study is easy. Just visit www.workinghealth.ca to learn more, sign up your workplace or volunteer as an individual. You can also email workinghealth@lakeheadu.ca with any questions.