SWEATSHOP INJURIES

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SWEATSHOP INJURIES ILLNESSES IN THE
U.S.



Rachel Rubin, MD, MPH
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Definition of Sweatshops

• Characterized by the systematic violation of one
  or more fundamental workers rights including
• The prohibition of child labor.
• The prohibition of forced or compulsory labor.
• No discrimination in employment.
• Right to a safe and healthy work environment.
• Freedom of association and the right to organize
  and to bargain collectively.
• Adhering to hours and wage regulations.

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Main Populations Affected

• Child laborers
• Immigrants documented undocumented
• Other minorities and women

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Main Industries Affected

• Garment industry
• Agriculture including seasonal and migrant
  workers, landscaping
• Small manufacturing plants
• Service industry including retail sales and
  restaurants
• Meatpacking
• High tech industry

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Medical Problems Seen in These Industries

• Garment Cumulative trauma disorders (CTD), cuts
  and lacerations, burns
• Agriculture Sprains and strains, falls,
  fractures, amputations, crush injuries,
  pesticides
• Manufacturing Sprains and strains, CTD, overuse
  injuries, amputations, crush injuries, chemical
  and heavy metal exposures (asthma, neurologic,
  hepatic)
• Service Sprains and strains, falls, overuse
  injuries, burns, homicide

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Work-Related Fatalities in 16 and 17 year olds,
1980-1992

• National Traumatic Fatalities Surveillance
  System
• 784 deaths
• Motor vehicle crashes, machine related,
  electrocutions and homicides.
• 5.1 per 100,000 FTE workers (1980-89)
• (6.1 per 100,000 FTEs for adults)
• TX-100, CA-81, IL-38, FL-38, PA-36, GA-30

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Work-Related Injuries and Illnesses in Youth lt
18y/o, 1993

• Survey of Occupational Injuries and Illnesses.
  BLS survey of 250,000 private firms
• 21,620 illnesses and injuries with lost work
  days.
• Median lost days 3
• Workplace
  
• Eating and Drinking Places 39
• Groceries 14
• Nursing and personal care facilities 6
• Department stores 5

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Work-Related Injuries and Illnesses in Youth lt
18y/o, 1993

• Survey of Occupational Injuries and Illnesses.
  BLS survey of 250,000 private firms
• Type of Injury
• Falls at same level 21
• Injuries from over exertion 17
• Striking against objects 10
• Contact with hot objects 9
• Struck by falling objects 7
• Struck by a slipping hand-held object 6

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Reasons for Poor Documentation of Injury/Illness
in Sweatshops

• Illnesses and injuries have not been studied in
  these industries.
• Many of these workplaces are underground.
• Undocumented or underage workers will not file
  complaints regarding health and safety
  violations.
• Employers under report illness/injuries to avoid
  attention and sanctions.

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Cook County Hospital Occupational Medicine Clinic
Experience

• Small smelters Lead poisoning in adults
• Manufacturing and Service CTD, overuse injuries
• Electroplating asthma, respiratory and skin
  irritation, burns
• Various Occupational asthma, chemical
  irritation and intoxication