Layers of Vulnerability in Occupational Health and Saftey for Migrant Workers: Case Studies from Canada and the United Kingdom

Abstract

In many high-income countries, like Canada and the United Kingdom, there has recently been a significant increase in the number of migrant workers entering and participating in their labour markets. This article is concerned with the implications of this phenomenon for protective labour laws and, in particular, for occupational health and safety regulation. We identify a framework for assessing the OHS vulnerabilities of migrant workers, using a layered approach which assists in identifying the risk factors. Using this layer of vulnerability framework, we compare the situation of at-risk migrant workers in Canada and the United Kingdom.

Keywords: Immigration, employment, vulnerability, Canada, UK, migrant workers, occupational health and safety

JEL Classification: K30, K31, K33