Racial Inequality and the Probability of Occupation-Related Injury or Illness

Public policies aimed at reducing occupational injury and illness are uncoordinated--and often at odds--with those aimed at reducing racial inequality in employment. Several dimensions of discrimination and job quality are examined empirically; the average black worker is at a 37 to 52 percent greater health risk than is the average white worker. Health policy and industrial relations policy must be coordinated if equality is to be achieved.