Women make up nearly half of labour force participants, yet much of what we know about the relationship between working conditions and health is based on measures developed on men and frameworks tested in male-dominated workplaces. Little is known about why work-related risk factors for disease or injury may differ for men and women. This research program will generate new research across three areas where there are significant gaps in knowledge concerning the work and health experiences of men and women: (1) The psycho-social work environment, including job control, psychological demands and social support, and the development of hypertension and diabetes among men and women; (2) Gender and sex differences in work-related risk factors for occupational injury and disease; (3) Individual, workplace and health-care provider factors leading to differences in the return-to-work outcomes after work-related injury among men and women.
• To create a more nuanced understanding of how sex/gender shape injury risk, the relationship between the work environment and chronic illnesses, and time off work after a work-related injury.
• To help shape the development of gender- and sex-sensitive policies and practices to improve the health of all working Canadians.
The research program outlined in this proposal is supported by a well-developed capacity building and training program and a knowledge transfer and exchange program. The program of research will lead to both an increase in the momentum and capacity in gender, work and health research, and to the development of gender- and sex-sensitive policies to improve the health or working Canadians. This research project already has in place an independent advisory committee, which includes members from the Ontario Public Employees Union, the Ontario Ministry of Labour, the Office of the Worker Advisor, and Public Health Ontario. The advisory committee will meet at the outset of the program and at least annually thereafter.