Race, racial discrimination, and the risk of work-related illness, injury, or assault: findings from a national study.

Abstract

This study examines whether workplace racial harassment or discrimination mediates the relationship between race or ethnicity and work-related illness, injury, or assault across time. A national random digit dial phone survey was conducted at two points in time (W1: 2003-2004; W2: 2004-2005) among a sample of Black, Hispanic and non-Hispanic white workers. As part of the survey, respondents indicated their experiences with racial harassment or discrimination, and occupational illness, injury, or assault in the past 12 months. Hispanic respondents were more likely than whites to experience work-related illness, injury or assault, and these associations were mediated by experiences of racial harassment or discrimination. Interventions to reduce workplace harassment and discrimination may help decrease risk for work-related illness, injury, or assault among Hispanic workers.