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Recessions are Bad for Workplace Safety

Author

Listed:
  • Boone, J.

    (Tilburg University, School of Economics and Management)

  • van Ours, J.C.

    (Tilburg University, School of Economics and Management)

  • Wuellrich, J.P.
  • Zweimuller, J.

Abstract

Workplace accidents are an important economic phenomenon. Yet, the pro-cyclical fluctuations in workplace accidents are not well understood. They could be related to fluctuations in effort and working hours, but workplace accidents may also be affected by reporting behavior. Our paper uses unique data on workplace accidents from an Austrian matched worker-firm dataset to study in detail how economic incentives affect workplace accidents. We find that workers who reported an accident in a particular period of time are more likely to be fired later on. And, we find support for the idea that recessions influence the reporting of moderate workplace accidents: if workers think the probability of dismissals at the firm level is high, they are less likely to report a moderate workplace accident.
(This abstract was borrowed from another version of this item.)

Suggested Citation

  • Boone, J. & van Ours, J.C. & Wuellrich, J.P. & Zweimuller, J., 2011. "Recessions are Bad for Workplace Safety," Other publications TiSEM 1bf5fed1-3b24-444f-b89d-7, Tilburg University, School of Economics and Management.
    • Handle: RePEc:tiu:tiutis:1bf5fed1-3b24-444f-b89d-729434abc4bf
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Christopher J. Ruhm, 2001. "Economic Expansions Are Unhealthy: Evidence from Microdata," NBER Working Papers 8447, National Bureau of Economic Research, Inc.
    2. Christopher J. Ruhm, 2000. "Are Recessions Good for Your Health?," The Quarterly Journal of Economics, President and Fellows of Harvard College, vol. 115(2), pages 617-650.
    3. Boone, Jan & van Ours, Jan C. & Wuellrich, Jean-Philippe & Zweimüller, Josef, 2011. "Recessions are bad for workplace safety," Journal of Health Economics, Elsevier, vol. 30(4), pages 764-773, July.
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    More about this item

    JEL classification:

    • I10 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Health - - - General
    • J60 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Mobility, Unemployment, Vacancies, and Immigrant Workers - - - General
    • J81 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Labor Standards - - - Working Conditions

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