The global expansion of precarious employment, work disorganization, and consequences for occupational health: A review of recent research

In this review of a range of studies on the health and safety effects of pr ecarious employment in industrialized societies published since 1984, the a uthors examine the overall findings and methodological issues and identify areas in need of further research. Of the 93 published journal articles and monographs/book chapters reviewed, 76 studies found precarious employment was associated with a deterioration in occupational health and safety (OHS) in terms of injury rates, disease risk, hazard exposures, or worker (and m anager) knowledge of OHS and regulatory responsibilities. Of the more than 25 studies each on outsourcing and organizational restructuring/downsizing, well over 90 percent find a negative association with OHS. The evidence is fairly persuasive for temporary workers, with 14 of 24 studies finding a n egative association with OHS. The evidence is less strong for small busines s, and a handful of studies on part-time workers found no clear association with negative OHS outcomes (in some cases the reverse). Further research i s needed to more clearly link health effects to particular business practic es and neoliberal policies and to explore the regulatory implications of th e growth of precarious employment. The authors suggest some ways to concept ualize the association between precarious employment and occupational healt h.