Effects of social, economic, and
labor policies on occupational health disparities.
Am J Ind Med 2014;
57:557-72. [PMID:
23606055 DOI:
10.1002/ajim.22186]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/15/2013] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND
This article introduces some key labor, economic, and social policies that historically and currently impact occupational health disparities in the United States.
METHODS
We conducted a broad review of the peer-reviewed and gray literature on the effects of social, economic, and labor policies on occupational health disparities.
RESULTS
Many populations such as tipped workers, public employees, immigrant workers, and misclassified workers are not protected by current laws and policies, including worker's compensation or Occupational Safety and Health Administration enforcement of standards. Local and state initiatives, such as living wage laws and community benefit agreements, as well as multiagency law enforcement contribute to reducing occupational health disparities.
CONCLUSIONS
There is a need to build coalitions and collaborations to command the resources necessary to identify, and then reduce and eliminate occupational disparities by establishing healthy, safe, and just work for all.
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