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Labor Unions and Occupational Safety: Event-Study Analysis Using Union Elections

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Abstract

This study examines the dynamic relationship between union elections and occupational safety among manufacturing establishments. Data on union elections come from the National Labor Relations Board, and data on workplace inspections and accident case rates come from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration. The results indicate that union elections improved occupational safety. First, workplace inspections trended upwards before the election, then decreased immediately after the election, due almost entirely to employee complaints. Second, accident case rates were relatively stable before the election, then trended downwards after the election, due to accidents involving days away from work, job restrictions, and job transfers. These effects are evident regardless of the election outcome. Based on the value of statistical injury, the improvement in occupational safety is equivalent to an increase in the hourly wage between $0.47 and $2.62.

Suggested Citation

  • Ling Li & Shawn Rohlin & Perry Singleton, 2017. "Labor Unions and Occupational Safety: Event-Study Analysis Using Union Elections," Center for Policy Research Working Papers 205, Center for Policy Research, Maxwell School, Syracuse University.
    • Handle: RePEc:max:cprwps:205
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    File URL: https://surface.syr.edu/cpr/237/
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Alison D. Morantz, 2013. "Coal Mine Safety: Do Unions Make a Difference?," ILR Review, Cornell University, ILR School, vol. 66(1), pages 88-116, January.
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    3. Alejandro Donado, 2015. "Why Do Unionized Workers Have More Nonfatal Occupational Injuries?," ILR Review, Cornell University, ILR School, vol. 68(1), pages 153-183, January.
    4. Viscusi, W Kip, 2003. "Racial Differences in Labor Market Values of a Statistical Life," Journal of Risk and Uncertainty, Springer, vol. 27(3), pages 239-256, December.
    5. John DiNardo & David S. Lee, 2004. "Economic Impacts of Unionization on Private Sector Employers: 1984-2001," NBER Working Papers 10598, National Bureau of Economic Research, Inc.
    6. David G. Blanchflower & Alex Bryson, 2004. "What Effect Do Unions Have on Wages Now and Would Freeman and Medoff Be Surprised?," Journal of Labor Research, Transaction Publishers, vol. 25(3), pages 383-414, July.
    7. Ling Li & Perry Singleton, 2019. "The Effect of Workplace Inspections on Worker Safety," ILR Review, Cornell University, ILR School, vol. 72(3), pages 718-748, May.
    8. John DiNardo & David S. Lee, 2004. "Economic Impacts of New Unionization on Private Sector Employers: 1984–2001," The Quarterly Journal of Economics, President and Fellows of Harvard College, vol. 119(4), pages 1383-1441.
    9. Fairris, David, 1995. "From Exit to Voice in Shopfloor Governance: The Case of Company Unions," Business History Review, Cambridge University Press, vol. 69(4), pages 494-529, January.
    10. Stephen M. Hills, 1985. "The Attitudes of Union and Nonunion Male Workers toward Union Representation," ILR Review, Cornell University, ILR School, vol. 38(2), pages 179-194, January.
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    Cited by:

    1. Rania Gihleb & Osea Giuntella & Jian Qi Tan, 2024. "The impact of right‐to‐work laws on long hours and work schedules," Journal of Policy Analysis and Management, John Wiley & Sons, Ltd., vol. 43(3), pages 696-713, June.

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Unions; Occupational Safety; OSHA;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • J28 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demand and Supply of Labor - - - Safety; Job Satisfaction; Related Public Policy
    • J51 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Labor-Management Relations, Trade Unions, and Collective Bargaining - - - Trade Unions: Objectives, Structure, and Effects
    • J81 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Labor Standards - - - Working Conditions

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