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The Emerging Workforce of International University Student Workers: Injury Experience in an Australian University

Author

Listed:
  • Yahya Thamrin

    (Department of Occupational Safety and Health, Faculty of Public Health, Hasanuddin University, Makassar 90245, Indonesia
    School of Public Health, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Adelaide, Adelaide 5005, Australia)

  • Dino Pisaniello

    (School of Public Health, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Adelaide, Adelaide 5005, Australia)

  • Cally Guerin

    (Faculty of Arts, University of Adelaide, Adelaide 5005, Australia)

  • Paul Rothmore

    (School of Public Health, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Adelaide, Adelaide 5005, Australia)

Abstract

International university students are a growing section of the workforce and are thought to be at greater risk of injury. Qualitative studies have highlighted vulnerabilities, but there is a shortage of quantitative research exploring the injury experience and associated risk factors of this emerging issue. In this study, a total of 466 university student workers across a range of study programs in a single Australian university completed an online survey, with questions relating to their background, working experience, training and injury experience. Risk factors for injury were explored in a multivariate statistical model. More than half had not received any safety training before they started work, and 10% reported having had a work injury. About half of these injuries occurred after training. Statistically significant risk factors for injury included working more than 20 h per week (adjusted odds ratio 2.20 (95% CI 1.03–4.71) and lack of confidence in discussing safety issues (AOR 2.17; 95% CI 1.13–4.16). The findings suggest the need for a more engaging and effective approach to safety education and a limit on working hours. This situation is a moral challenge for universities, in that they are effectively sponsoring young workers in the community. It is recommended that longitudinal studies of international student workers be conducted.

Suggested Citation

  • Yahya Thamrin & Dino Pisaniello & Cally Guerin & Paul Rothmore, 2018. "The Emerging Workforce of International University Student Workers: Injury Experience in an Australian University," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 15(3), pages 1-9, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:15:y:2018:i:3:p:456-:d:134941
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. McDonald, P. & Bailey, J. & Oliver, Damian & Pini, B., 2007. "Compounding Vulnerability? Young Workers' Employment Concerns and the Anticipated Impact of the WorkChoices Act," Australian Bulletin of Labour, National Institute of Labour Studies, vol. 33(1), pages 60-88.
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    Cited by:

    1. Yahya Thamrin & Dino Pisaniello & Cally Guerin & Paul Rothmore, 2019. "Correlates of Work-Study Conflict among International Students in Australia: A Multivariate Analysis," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 16(15), pages 1-11, July.
    2. Kapo Wong & Alan Hoi Shou Chan, 2018. "Emerging Issues in Occupational Safety and Health," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 15(12), pages 1-4, December.

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