Abstract
BackgroundPlanning occupational health and wellness services and support directed toward low-wage, essential workers in the COVID-19 pandemic has posed a number of challenges across work settings. This article explores the concerns and needs of low-wage essential workers as understood by experts in the field.MethodsLeading experts in the areas of occupational health and safety, risk management, insurance, and professional education/training were identified and invited to participate in a Round Table discussion. Questions posed to experts were based on literature that addressed COVID-19, essential workers, low-wage workers, infection transmission, education/training, and social justice.FindingsExperts agreed that special considerations must be in place to address the concerns and needs of the low-wage essential worker. These special considerations should address not only the worker’s occupational experience but their family and home environment, fears and anxieties, and the economic impact of the COVID-19 restrictions and requirements.Conclusion/Application to practiceThe occupational health professional is a key resource to employers charged with addressing the concerns and needs of low-wage, essential workers during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Highlights
Planning occupational health and wellness services and support directed toward low-wage, essential workers in the COVID-19 pandemic has posed a number of challenges across work settings
This may be true of low-wage workers, who are described as living on an hourly rate that does not meet a living wage, and essential workers, who categorically are described by the 2013 Essential Services Act as employees who perform work involving the safety of human life and the protection of property
What are some of the real-life or unforeseeable challenges pertaining to injury/illness, and social or safety risks among essential low-wage workers?
Summary
Planning occupational health and wellness services and support directed toward low-wage, essential workers in the COVID-19 pandemic has posed a number of challenges across work settings. Questions posed to experts were based on literature that addressed COVID-19, essential workers, low-wage workers, infection transmission, education/training, and social justice. Findings: Experts agreed that special considerations must be in place to address the concerns and needs of the low-wage essential worker. These special considerations should address the worker’s occupational experience but their family and home environment, fears and anxieties, and the economic impact of the COVID-19 restrictions and requirements. Conclusion/Application to practice: The occupational health professional is a key resource to employers charged with addressing the concerns and needs of low-wage, essential workers during the COVID-19 pandemic. Many lower income households reported US$492 or less in liquid assets (Garfield et al, 2020)
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