Sick and tired of being sick and tired: scientific evidence, methods, and research implications for racial and ethnic disparities in occupational health

Abstract

The extent of racial/ethnic disparities in occupational health have not been well studied. The author reviews the evidence about workers of color and occupational injuries and disease. Patterns of employment in the U.S. workforce according to education, gender, and race/ethnicity are discussed, and how these patterns might cause disproportionate exposure leading to disproportionate disease and injury. Methodological issues are explored that have hampered research about occupational health disparities, and future research needs are identified.