Research Updates

This page lists all research updates available on Return to Work Matters.

Research is chosen for review based on quality of the evidence and its practical value in return to work.

Requests to undertake reviews of research on particular subjects are welcome.

Click the ‘Topics’ button below to drill down into all articles and research updates on your topic of interest.

Spark joy to stay safe at work

contributorLauren Finestone

Leaders’ behaviours can influence employees — and also prevent workplace injuries — through...

Work demands and resources linked to mental health absences

contributorRTWMatters team

Work that offers few learning opportunities, low co-worker and supervisor support, high...

Will IT cause chronic health problems?

contributorGabrielle Lis

Sedentary work and screen time leisure sound warning bells for the future health of the growing...

Older workers face worse consequences for hard, physical work

contributorRTWMatters team

The negative health consequences of high physical work demands depend on age, with workers aged...

What hurts worse, trauma or workplace insensitivity?

contributorGabrielle Lis

For ambulance workers, mental health issues result not just from exposure to traumatic events,...

What types of work cause osteoarthritis?

contributorGabrielle Lis

Osteoarthritis is a top-ten cause of disability worldwide. With an ageing workforce, employers...

Mean streets take toll on taxi drivers

contributorGabrielle Lis

High levels of mental exertion depression are rife amongst taxi drivers, but greater workplace...

Knee osteoarthritis, age and heavy lifting

contributorGabrielle Lis

Does working as an airport baggage handler for twenty years increase the risk of knee...

High demands + low control = depression, anxiety

contributorRTWMatters team

New evidence strengthens link between job strain and common mental health disorders, with...

Research Short: Professional drivers and chronic back pain

contributorSean Gleeson

A Finnish study raises questions about previous associations between professional car driving...

Back pain and work: Personal factors

contributorFrederieke Schaafsma

A range of studies assess personal factors and how they influence work-related back pain

Back pain and work: Psychosocial factors. The evidence.

contributorFrederieke Schaafsma

A range of studies explore whether psychosocial factors contribute to the development of back pain

Back pain and work: Physical factors - Physical work. The evidence.

contributorFrederieke Schaafsma

What does the research tell us about physical work and the impact on back pain?