Occupational disease among minority workers: a common and preventable public health problem

1. Minority workers are overrepresented in the most hazardous jobs and, as a result, are at high risk of developing occupational diseases. 2. Due to various social and economic factors, minority workers with occupational diseases are less likely than white workers to come to health care attention and be correctly diagnosed as having an occupational disease. 3. Occupational health clinics and providers need to discuss options for treatment clearly with the client and, when appropriate, be persistent in negotiating with employers to reduce or eliminate harmful exposures, while remaining sensitive to the very real threat of job loss.