Work: A Social Determinant of Health Worth Capturing

Abstract

Work is a recognized social determinant of health. This became most apparent during the COVID-19 pandemic. Workers, particularly those in certain industries and occupations, were at risk due to interaction with the public and close proximity to co-workers. The purpose of this study was to assess how states collected work and employment data on COVID-19 cases, characterizing the need for systematic collection of case-based specific work and employment data, including industry and occupation, of COVID-19 cases. A survey was distributed among state occupational health contacts and epidemiologists in all 50 states to assess current practices in state public health surveillance systems. Twenty-seven states collected some kind of work and employment information from COVID-19 cases. Most states (93%) collected industry and/or occupation information. More than half used text-only fields, a predefined reference or dropdown list, or both. Use of work and employment data included identifying high risk populations, prioritizing vaccination efforts, and assisting with reopening plans. Reported barriers to collecting industry and occupation data were lack of staffing, technology issues, and funding. Scientific understanding of work-related COVID-19 risk requires the systematic, case-based collection of specific work and employment data, including industry and occupation. While this alone does not necessarily indicate a clear workplace exposure, collection of these data elements can help to determine and further prevent workplace outbreaks, thereby ensuring the viability of the nation’s critical infrastructure.

Advancing health equity in the aftermath of COVID-19: Confronting intensifying racial disparities

“…Linked with education, employment is another key social determinant of health that affects income, access to health insurance, exposure to occupational hazards, and opportunities for social mobility. 21 Racial and ethnic minorities are more likely to work in low-wage or essential sectors, such as healthcare, food service, transportation, and agriculture, which often have limited benefits, low job security, and elevated risk of exposure of transmissible diseases such as COVID-19. During the pandemic, for example, Hispanic Americans were disproportionately represented in frontline (58.3%) and blue-collar (51.4%) industries, compared with their White counterparts (38.7% and 41.2%, respectively).…”

Employment in the 21st Century: Pre- and Post-COVID-19 Changes

“…According to Armenti et al [84], data referring to COVID-19 cases in employment can be used to identify vulnerable social groups, enhance vaccination procedures, and organize reopening plans. After rehabilitation, the frequency of post-COVID symptoms decreased, apart from physical tiredness, with an important enhancement in the outcomes of psychical efficiency and neuropsychological health [8].…”

Occupation and Industry Data Quality Among Select Notifiable Conditions in Washington State

“…The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the importance of work data and also the challenges of collecting and translating the data to standardized codes usable for analysis 9,10. While jurisdictions successfully identified outbreaks at various worksites, including meatpacking and correctional facilities,11,12 little timely information was available on the distribution of cases or risk of infection across the workforce.…”

“…The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the importance of work data and also the challenges of collecting and translating the data to standardized codes usable for analysis. 9,10 While jurisdictions successfully identified outbreaks at various worksites, including meatpacking and correctional facilities, 11,12 little timely information was available on the distribution of cases or risk of infection across the workforce. Public officials, health care administrators, and others raised questions throughout the pandemic that often went unanswered: What was the risk of contracting COVID-19 among workers in long-term care facilities, grocery stores, or package delivery services?…”