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 (O HS). This article reviews available evidence on the impact of particular la bour market and work arrangements on the incidence of occupational injury a nd disease, the reporting and treatment of OHS problems and regulatory regi mes. The evidence is fragmentary and far more research is needed. Neverthel ess, available evidence indicates that labour market restructuring is havin g a significant (adverse) but often hidden impact on OHS. In many cases, th ese effects are compounded by competition, labour market and health care po licies introduced since the 1980s. If confirmed, the findings indicate that a significant reassessment of OHS regulatory regimes is needed.