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Definition of Sweatshops

SWEATSHOP INJURIES & ILLNESSES IN THE U.S. Rachel Rubin, MD, MPH. Definition of Sweatshops.

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Definition of Sweatshops

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  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, 1980-1992 • National Traumatic Fatalities Surveillance System: • 784 deaths • Motor vehicle crashes, machine related, electrocutions and homicides. • 5.1 per 100,000 FTE workers (1980-89) (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 Places 39% Groceries 14% 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 level 21 Injuries from over exertion 17 Striking against objects 10 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

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