Occupations by Proximity and Indoor/Outdoor Work: Relevance to COVID-19 in All Workers and Black/Hispanic Workers

Abstract

Introduction: This paper describes the occupations in the U.S. that involve close contact with others and whether the work is outdoors or indoors (risk factors for COVID-19), including the distribution of Black and Hispanic workers over these occupations.

Methods: U.S. data released from 2014 to 2019 on employment, proximity to others at work, outdoor or indoor work, and Black and Hispanic worker percentages for occupations were used. Occupations were assigned to 6 categories defined as a low, medium, or high physical closeness (proximity) at work and outdoor or indoor work. A total of 3 of the 6 categories represent a higher risk for exposure to SARS-CoV-2: medium-proximity indoor, high-proximity outdoor, and high-proximity indoor exposure.

Results: A high proportion of U.S. workers may be at higher risk for exposure to SARS-CoV-2 because their occupations involve either high proximity to others indoors and outdoors (25.2%, 36.5 million workers) or medium-proximity indoors (48%, 69.6 million workers). There is a differential distribution of proximity and outdoor/indoor work by occupation, which disproportionately affects Black and Hispanic workers in some occupations.

Conclusions: Implementation of COVID-19 preventive measures in work settings should be based on occupation-specific risk factors, including the extent of proximity to others and whether the work is conducted outdoors or indoors. It is important that communication messages are tailored to the languages and preferred media of the workforce.

Figure 1

Employment numbers for the 3 categories of medium- and high-proximity indoor work and high-proximity outdoor work for the 22 major SOC occupations. Note: A total of 11 management; 13 business and financial operations; 15 computer and mathematical; 17 architecture and engineering; 19 life, physical, and social science; 21 community and social service; 23 legal; 25 education, training, and library; 27 arts, design, entertainment, sports, and media; 29 healthcare practitioners and technical; 31 healthcare support; 33 protective services; 35 food preparation and serving related; 37 building and grounds cleaning and maintenance; 39 personal care and service; 41 sales and related; 43 office and administrative support; 45 farming, fishing, and forestry; 47 construction and extraction; 49 installation, maintenance, and repair; 51 production; and 53 transportation and material moving. SOC, Standard Occupational Classification.