In an epidemiological study the working conditions and the data of temporary disablement were compared for German (n = 435) and migrant workers (n = 109). The average duration of temporary disablement per year proved to be longer for migrant (24.0 days) than for German workers (15.8 days). Essentially, this difference results from longer periods of illness diagnosed as infectious diseases, diseases of the gastrointestinal system, accidents, diseases of the spine, nervous system and the urogenital system. It has to be considered that migrant workers are exposed to more adverse working conditions, whereas the German workers more often perform qualified tasks. Controlling for nationality, the analysis showed that more demanding and more qualified tasks generally correspond with shorter duration of temporary disablement, while strains such as group piece-wages or hand-arm-vibrations tend to be combined with longer duration of temporary disablement. Analyzing different categories separately, only the diagnosis accident proved to be influenced by differences in work strain. With regard to the other relevant groups of diagnosis, it is presumed that other influences originating from factors besides work might be responsible for the higher morbidity of migrant workers.

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controlled study disability morbidity workload work environment iron and steel industry migrant worker german federal republic accident Article human adult