Abstract
The use of migrant workers in the industrial sector, especially sectors that require low-cost labor, such as manufacturing, marine and construction industries, is a worldwide phenomenon in most developed countries. As a country’s economic development depends on such sectors, the workers’ productivity performance in these sectors are also monitored closely. Most studies tend to argue that low productivity is mainly due to the transient, unskilled pool of migrant workers. However, this paper would like to highlight that the work environment, both physical and social also have an impact on the health of these migrant workers, which in turn would directly affect the productivity. Studies have reported that low wages, long working hours, compulsory overtime work, poor living conditions, and no assurance of continued employment once their existing work permits expire, are the most serious problems that migrant workers face during their working stints in foreign lands. This paper reviews how the various job-related parameters such as work overload, shift work, long working hours, pace of work, overtime work, and workplace physical factors such as lighting, noise levels, ventilation, thermal conditions, along with workplace social factors such as supportive supervisors, sympathetic colleagues, and clear job explanations can have an effect on the migrant workers’ health, thereby impacting productivity.
Presenters
Kavitha PalaniappanAcademic Director / Senior Lecturer, Environmental and Occupational Health and Safety, The University of Newcastle, Australia, Singapore campus, Central Singapore, Singapore
Details
Presentation Type
Theme
2020 Special Focus—Advancing Health and Equity: Best Practices in an International Perspective
KEYWORDS
Migrant Workers, Productivity, Work Overload, Shiftwork, Social Factors
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