The working environment of the working poor: an analysis based on workers' compensation claims, census data and known...

Analysis of 1980 U.S. Census data reveals that a sizeable percentage of adult females employed full-time (working more than 2080 hours in 1979) worked in female-dominated service, sales and factory occupations and had family incomes which placed them in poverty or impoverishment status. Workers' compensation data on women in these occupations, drawn from the 27-state Supplemental Data System, show that they filed approximately 250,000 claims for compensation in 1980. Analysis of the claims by nature of injury and body part affected is consistent with the published medical literature. Injury to the back is the leading complaint filed and large numbers of hand and wrist injuries are also reported. Compensation data, however, are usually reflective of acute conditions, especially traumatic injury, not of chronic illnesses and injuries. Additional data are therefore drawn from the medical and scientific literature. This review shows the presence of cancer-causing agents, infectious agents, reproductive toxins, safety hazards and social stressors in these occupations. Recommendations for future programs and needs are presented.