Canada's workplaces are evolving rapidly, bringing new opportunities—and new challenges—for occupational health and safety (OHS). Recent research from the Institute for Work & Health (IWH) highlights several trends that are shaping the future of worker health, psychological safety, and injury prevention.
Here are five key insights that employers, policymakers, and OHS professionals should keep on their radar.
1. Physical and Psychological Safety Go Hand in Hand
Worker safety extends beyond preventing physical injuries. Research shows that employees exposed to poor physical and psychosocial working conditions face significantly greater risks of both mental health injuries and physical injuries compared to workers in healthy, supportive environments. Protecting workers requires an integrated approach that addresses both physical hazards and psychological well-being.
2. Mental Health Is Also a Business Issue
Mental health challenges continue to have a profound impact on Canadian workplaces. They are estimated to cost Canada's economy approximately $180 billion annually, with employers absorbing more than $100 billion through disability claims, benefits, absenteeism, presenteeism, accommodations, insurance costs, and lost productivity. Investing in psychologically healthy workplaces is not only the right thing to do—it also supports stronger organizational performance and workforce resilience.
3. The Future of Work Will Transform Occupational Health and Safety
The workplace of 2040 is expected to look very different from today's. IWH researchers have identified several emerging trends that could reshape OHS, including the increasing use of artificial intelligence, climate-related workplace risks, demographic shifts, declining trust in institutions, greater social isolation, global instability, and more precarious forms of employment. Organizations that begin planning for these changes today will be better positioned to protect workers tomorrow.
4. Job Quality Matters for Worker Health
Research continues to demonstrate the important relationship between job quality and long-term health outcomes. Workers in precarious or lower-quality employment face substantially higher risks of premature death, including from workplace injuries and chronic diseases. Creating stable, healthy, and supportive work environments benefits not only workers but also employers through improved retention, engagement, and overall organizational performance.
5. Artificial Intelligence Is Creating New Opportunities—and New Responsibilities
Artificial intelligence is beginning to play a larger role in occupational health and safety, although adoption remains in its early stages. Organizations already using AI report optimism about its potential to improve workplace safety, reduce injuries, and enhance OHS decision-making. At the same time, employers recognize the importance of carefully managing emerging risks related to privacy, ethics, transparency, and worker trust as these technologies continue to evolve.
Looking Ahead
The future of occupational health and safety will require organizations to think beyond traditional hazard prevention. Addressing psychological health, embracing innovation responsibly, preparing for emerging workplace risks, and investing in healthier work environments will be critical to building resilient workplaces across Canada.
By acting on evidence-informed research today, employers and OHS professionals can create safer, healthier, and more sustainable workplaces for the workforce of tomorrow.
Reference: Adapted from the Institute for Work & Health's "5 Things We Think You Should Know 2026."
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