Using routinely collected data for research allows us to investigate important occupational health-related questions in a cost-effective and timely manner. We are proud to act as leaders in providing WorkSafeBC data expertise and guidance to the research community and to Population Data BC.
The current focus of the Partnership’s data development work is in bridging the new and old WorkSafeBC data systems. Our data analysts are currently designing and building a new research database that will become part of the Population Data BC holdings. The Partnership is developing documentation, validating new variables, developing a database model, and conducting detailed development, testing and implementation of coding for creation of new derived variables.
The Partnership is also actively investigating the use of new data from WorkSafeBC’s Claims Management System. The detailed return to work and cost data have the potential to improve the quality of current research and to guide development of new research questions.
Information about the WorkSafeBC data available through Population Data BC is here.
Related publications
Characteristics of work-related fatal and hospitalised injuries not captured in workers’ compensation data
Journal article
Koehoorn M, Tamburic L, Xu F, Alamgir H, Demers P, McLeod C.
Occupational and Environmental Medicine. 2015; 72(6): 413-20.
Comparison of data sources for the surveillance of work injury
Journal article
Mustard C, Chambers A, McLeod C, Bielecky A, Smith P. Occupational and Environmental Medicine. 2012;69(5):317-24.
Research opportunities using administrative databases and existing surveys for new knowledge in occupational health and safety in Canada, Quebec, Ontario and British Columbia
Journal article
Smith P, Stock S, McLeod C, Koehoorn M, Marchand A, Mustard C. Canadian Journal of Public Health, 2009;101(Suppl.1):S46-52.
Research Summary [PDF: 130 KB]
