Legal solutions for the problems of special populations at risk

Some populations of workers face competitive disadvantages in the labor market and increased risks at work. This paper discusses three areas of law that are relevant to the occupational health concerns of these subgroups of workers. First, laws against discrimination in employment on the basis of race, sex, age, and disability are described. Second, laws that provide universal protection for all workers, including regulatory laws (e.g., OSHA) and social insurance programs (e.g., workers' compensation) are evaluated in terms of the extent to which they provide effective protection for vulnerable populations. Third, the nature of legal protections for people at specific increased risk for disease is assessed. Appendices provide specific summaries of relevant laws.