Immigrant Labor, Work Organization, and Workplace Safety

Thomas Bauer

Abstract

Using standard as well as recently developed univariate and bivariate count data models, this paper analyzes the determinants of workplace accidents for a firm data set for Germany. Given the tight system of public workplace safety regulation, introduced partly as early as in 1869, and the important role of foreign labor in manufacturing, the focus is on the impact of work organization and interdependence between native and foreign workers. The main finding of the paper are a basic difference between less severe and severe accidents, the importance of work organization, and a hierarchical relationship between natives and foreigners without any indication of intra-labour force rent-seeking in workplace safety.

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