Working Paper: CEPR ID: DP1876
Authors: Thomas Bauer; Andreas Million; Ralph Ratte; Klaus F. Zimmermann
Abstract: Using standard as well as recently developed univariate and bivariate count data models, this paper analyses the determinants of workplace accidents using 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 labour in manufacturing, the focus is on the impact of work organization and interdependence between native and foreign workers. The empirical results indicate that there are no significant differences between natives and foreign workers regarding technological determinants of workplace accidents. The employment of guest workers has a strong positive effect on the job safety of natives, however. The estimates imply that a 1% increase in the employment of guest workers is associated with a 1.7% decrease of less severe accidents and a 1.3% decrease of severe accidents of natives. The empirical results also indicate that foreigners' representation in the work council is an important factor for increasing workplace safety for guest workers.
Keywords: workplace accidents; industrial organization; labour relations; immigration; count data models
JEL Codes: C25; C35; J28; L60
Edges that are evidenced by causal inference methods are in orange, and the rest are in light blue.
| Cause | Effect |
|---|---|
| employment of guest workers (J68) | decrease in less severe accidents among native workers (J28) |
| employment of guest workers (J68) | decrease in severe accidents among native workers (J28) |
| representation of foreign workers in work council (J53) | decrease in accidents among guest workers (J28) |
| employment of guest workers (J68) | movement of native workers into more secure positions (J68) |
| production technology and work organization (L23) | workplace accidents for both groups (J28) |