1 SWEATSHOP INJURIES & ILLNESSES IN THE U.S. Rachel Rubin, MD, MPH

2 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.

3 Main Populations Affected Child laborers Immigrants – documented & undocumented Other minorities and women

4 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

5 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

6 Work-Related Fatalities in 16 and 17 year olds, National Traumatic Fatalities Surveillance System: 784 deaths Motor vehicle crashes, machine related, electrocutions and homicides. 5.1 per 100,000 FTE workers ( ) (6.1 per 100,000 FTE’s for adults) TX-100, CA-81, IL-38, FL-38, PA-36, GA-30

7 Work-Related Injuries and Illnesses in Youth < 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 Places39% Groceries14% Nursing and personal care facilities 6% Department stores 5%

8 Work-Related Injuries and Illnesses in Youth < 18y/o, 1993 Survey of Occupational Injuries and Illnesses. BLS survey of 250,000 private firms: Type of Injury% Falls at same level21 Injuries from over exertion17 Striking against objects10 Contact with hot objects 9 Struck by falling objects 7 Struck by a slipping hand-held object 6

9 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.

10 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