Contingent workers and health and safety

This paper investigates the association between opportunities to take part in work-environment dialogue and peripheral labour market position, which was operationalised in terms of short-term employment. A stratified representative sample from Statistics Sweden's Labour Market Survey - with 50 per cent of persons on short-term, and 50 per cent on a long-term contracts - is analysed (n=1,564). More contingent workers than permanent employees report a lack of work environment knowledge. They perceive themselves to be disfavoured with regard to the education/training required to do their job. Further, they regard their form of employment as making it more difficult to raise criticism and to get their viewpoints heard. Women show a greater risk of not being involved in work environment issues. The findings are discussed in relation to legislation and further research.