Affiliations: Program in Occupational Health and Environmental
Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada | Department of Clinical Epidemiology and Biostatistics,
McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada | School of Rehabilitation Science, McMaster University,
Hamilton, Ontario, Canada | Hand and Upper Limb Center, St. Joseph's Health
Center, London, Ontario, Canada | Contemporary Studies Program and Psychology, Wilfrid
Laurier University, Brantford Campus, Brantford, Ontario, Canada | CanChild Centre for Childhood Disability Research,
McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada | Institute for Work & Health, Toronto, Ontario,
Canada
Note: [] Address for correspondence: Joy C. MacDermid, School of
Rehabilitation Science, 1400 Main Street W., Room 429, McMaster University,
Hamilton, Ontario, Canada, L8S 1C7. Tel.: +1 905 525 9140 ext. 22524; Fax: +1
905 524 0069; E-mail: macderj@mcmaster.ca
Abstract: Workplaces comprise a large component of life partcipation. The
complexity of work organization makes it challenging to understand how the
environment impacts the health of workers and who is responsible for creating a
health workplace. This investigation sought to understand the views of workers
about workplace health. A qualitative approach was used to gain understanding
of workers' experiences of how work organization (WO) impacts their health and
needs to change. Four individual interviews and 7 focus groups with workers
were conducted. Data were thematically analyzed. Findings comprised two common
themes: 1. The need for support and respect in the work place; and 2. The need
for organizational commitment to safe work practices and healthy work
environments. Findings suggest workers want and need to be involved in creating
a healthy workplace. Opportunities to involve workers more in workplace health
are discussed.
Keywords: Work organization, workplace health, social support, qualitative research, worker perspective
