In a recent study from the University of Minnesota, researchers uncovered that workers in critical occupations, including healthcare and food service, were more likely to die during the first two years of the COVID-19 pandemic. The study, published in the American Journal of Public Health, focused on the “excess mortality rate” of Minnesota workers in these critical roles.
Occupations and Vulnerabilities:
The study took a unique approach by identifying vulnerable populations based on occupations. It used the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency’s definition of “critical occupations,” encompassing healthcare, agriculture, food processing, and food service, among others.
Higher Death Rates Among Workers of Color:
Results indicated that the death rate among workers of color in critical occupations was particularly high. The excess mortality rate for critical workers in Minnesota was 3 deaths per 10,000 people in 2020 and 4.5 deaths in 2021. However, critical workers of color experienced rates of 4.6 in 2020 and 5.6 in 2021.
Occupational Disparities:
Transportation and logistics workers of color faced a significant disparity in 2021, with an excess mortality rate of 11.6 deaths per 10,000 workers, while their white counterparts had a rate of 0.7 deaths per 10,000 workers.
Broader Impact of the Pandemic:
The study examined all causes of deaths, not just COVID-related, to understand the broader impact of the pandemic on mortality. Overloaded hospitals and indirect factors affected healthcare accessibility, contributing to the increased excess mortality rate.
Industry-Specific Findings:
Surprisingly, the study revealed that some critical jobs were more deadly than others. Food processing and production had a higher excess mortality rate than healthcare and agricultural jobs. Food processing, including meatpacking and bakery work, had the highest overall rate at 9.2 deaths per 10,000 workers in 2020.
Policy Implications:
The findings suggest that certain industries, like healthcare, did a better job protecting their workers from COVID-19 through vaccination and personal protective equipment. This has policy implications for future pandemics, emphasizing the importance of industry-specific interventions and learnings.
Looking Ahead:
The study highlights the need for place-based interventions, reaching individuals where they work. Understanding occupational vulnerabilities allows public health policymakers to tailor services to specific sectors, ensuring better protection for workers.
As the world grapples with the aftermath of the pandemic, this study sheds light on the unequal impact on critical workers, especially those of color, emphasizing the importance of targeted interventions for future public health crises.
