Social injustice in the workplace is demonstrated by health disparities and by disproportionate representation of workers of color in the most hazardous jobs. It is also demonstrated by the lack of workplace democracy. It reflects injustice in other spheres of society. This chapter describes social injustice regarding occupational health and safety in both historical and present-day contexts. It also describes other issues, such as the impact of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), a theoretical framework for health inequities, income disparities in the United States, unemployment and job insecurity, and issues related to gender, race, ethnicity, and class. It then describes social injustice issues related to prison labor, child labor, and immigrant workers. The chapter addresses what needs to be done, including educating workers and communities, addressing structural racism and preventing discrimination, promoting workplace democracy, improving surveillance and research, and reforming OSHA and workers’ compensation. A text box addresses economic globalization: austerity, income inequality, and corporate control.
Occupational Health and Safety Effects on Productivity in a Garment Factory Using Structural Equation Modeling
