The implications of labour market restructuring in industrialized societies for occupational health and safety

Over the past 20 years the labour markets of industrialized countries have undergone a series of profound changes. These changes have been associated with significant changes in work processes but until recently no attention was given to the consequences of this for occupational health and safety (OHS). This article reviews available evidence on the impact of particular labour market and work arrangements on the incidence of occupational injury and disease, the reporting and treatment of OHS problems and regulatory regimes. The evidence is fragmentary and far more research is needed. Nevertheless, available evidence indicates that labour market restructuring is having a significant (adverse) but often hidden impact on OHS. In many cases, these effects are compounded by competition, labour market and health care policies introduced since the 1980s. If confirmed, the findings indicate that a significant reassessment of OHS regulatory regimes is needed. (Economic and Industrial Democracy / FUB)