The effects of subcontracting/ outsourcing on occupational health and safety: Survey evidence from four australian industries

Abstract

This article discusses the Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) consequences of subcontracting. After briefly discussing the growth of subcontracting, the paper considers available evidence on its effects on OHS and proposes a number of reasons for this. Qualitative and quantitative data gathered during a survey of over 250 self-employed/subcontract and employee workers in four industries were analysed. It was found that job specific hazard and risk exposures were the major determinant of patterns of work-related injury and illness. However employment status (i.e. whether workers were subcontractors or employees) had an important secondary effect. Four key features associated with the subcontracting of work have been identified as crucial influences on the OHS of subcontractors: economic and reward factors, disorganisation, inadequate regulatory controls, and the ability of workers to organise to protect themselves.