CAW/McMaster Work-Related Health and Safety Risks Study
| Principal investigator(s): | Wayne Lewchuk
(McMaster University),
David Robertson
(Canadian Auto Workers) |
| Co-investigator(s): | Ted Haines (McMaster University, Occupational Health Clinics for Ontario Workers);
Donald Cole (McMaster University);
Mickey Kerr, Terry Sullivan (Institute for Work and Health);
Paul Landsbergis (Cornell University);
Peter Schnall (University of California) |
| Sponsoring Institution: | McMaster University |
Objective
The study had three main objectives:
- profile of work organization characteristics in the automobile industry
- profile of employee health status
- exploration of the links between work organization and health outcomes.
Method
A work organization health status survey was developed and distributed to over 1,000 autoworkers. Blood pressure readings were taken on the shop floor. A smaller sample of workers were asked to wear an ambulatory monitor for 24 hours.
Results
- The characteristics of work vary across job categories. Assembly line workers reported the least control and the highest work loads on most indicators
- Health outcomes also vary across job categories. Assembly line workers reported the poorest health status on most indicators
- The age health status was U-shaped. Initially health status deteriorated. Around age 40-45 it began to improve.
- A number of our work organization indicators were correlated with a number of our health outcomes.
- The incidence of hypertension in auto plants was high relative to that found in the Canadian population.
Conclusions
- More attention needs to be given to work organization in order to improve health outcomes
- The observation of a U-shaped health outcomes profile suggests that the regulation of the workplace, and in particular the rights associated with seniority, may play an important role in buffering workers against the worst effects of poorly organized workplaces.
For more information:
lewchuk@mcmaster.ca
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