This report sets out an evidence-based review on work-related health and safety issues relating to black and
minority ethnic groups. Data included available statistical materials and a systematic review of published research
and practice-based reports.
UK South Asians are generally under-represented within the most hazardous occupational groups. They have
lower accident rates overall, while Black Caribbean workers rates are similar to the general population;
Bangladeshi and Chinese workers report lowest workplace injury rates
UK South Asian people exhibit higher levels of limiting long-term illness (LLI) and self reported poor health than the
general population while Black Africans and Chinese report lower levels. Ethnic minority workers with LLI are more
likely than whites to withdraw from the workforce, or to experience lower wage rates.
Some of these findings conflict with evidence of differentials from USA, Europe and Australasia, but there is a
dearth of effective primary research or reliable monitoring data from UK sources.
There remains a need to improve monitoring and data collection relating to black and ethnic minority populations
and migrant workers. Suggestions are made relating to workshops on occupational health promotion programmes
for ethnic minorities, and ethnic minority health and safety 'Beacon' sites
