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Occupational Health and Safety Among Brazilian Immigrant Women in the United States: A Cross-Sectional Survey

Author

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  • Ashley Scott

    (Department of Epidemiology, Boston University School of Public Health, 715 Albany St., Boston, MA 20118, USA)

  • Salima F. Taylor

    (Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy, Tufts University, Boston, MA 02111, USA)

  • Jennifer D. Allen

    (Department of Community Health, Tufts University, 574 Boston Avenue, Medford, MA 02155, USA)

Abstract

The Brazilian population in the United States is growing, and many Brazilian workers are employed in settings that may lack occupational health and safety (OHS) protections. In this study, we examined two domains of OHS (measured by the Occupational Health and Safety Vulnerability Survey), namely, Workplace Hazards (potential dangers that may result in injury or illness) and Workplace Vulnerability (inadequate occupational health and safety resources), and described health and demographic characteristics associated with these conditions. Eligible participants were women aged 18 and over, born in Brazil, currently residing in the United States, and employed. A cross-sectional online survey was conducted between July and August 2020. Recruitment occurred through community partnerships and social media. Multivariable models among n = 191 women revealed that greater exposure to Workplace Hazards was associated with employment in private household settings, including childcare and housecleaning ( p < 0.001). The association between Workplace Vulnerability and jobs in private household services approached statistical significance ( p = 0.07). Both Workplace Hazards and Workplace Vulnerability were associated with lower incomes and educational attainment, as well as having public insurance. Our findings suggest the need for stronger OHS protections and policies, particularly among those working in private household services, to ensure safer working conditions for Brazilian immigrant women.

Suggested Citation

  • Ashley Scott & Salima F. Taylor & Jennifer D. Allen, 2025. "Occupational Health and Safety Among Brazilian Immigrant Women in the United States: A Cross-Sectional Survey," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 22(6), pages 1-16, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:22:y:2025:i:6:p:963-:d:1682593
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Leticia Priebe Rocha & Raviv Rose & Annmarie Hoch & Cristiane Soares & Adriana Fernandes & Heloisa Galvão & Jennifer D. Allen, 2021. "The Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on the Brazilian Immigrant Community in the U.S: Results from a Qualitative Study," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(7), pages 1-15, March.
    2. Pia Orrenius & Madeline Zavodny, 2009. "Do immigrants work in riskier jobs?," Demography, Springer;Population Association of America (PAA), vol. 46(3), pages 535-551, August.
    3. Sarah F. Small & Yana van der Meulen Rodgers & Teresa Perry, 2024. "Immigrant Women and the COVID-19 Pandemic: An Intersectional Analysis of Frontline Occupational Crowding in the United States," Forum for Social Economics, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 53(3), pages 281-306, July.
    4. Basak Yanar & Agnieszka Kosny & Peter M. Smith, 2018. "Occupational Health and Safety Vulnerability of Recent Immigrants and Refugees," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 15(9), pages 1-16, September.
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