Non-standard employment and mortality in Belgian workers: a census-based investigation

Balogh, R. , Gadeyne, S. and Vanroelen, C. (2021) Non-standard employment and mortality in Belgian workers: a census-based investigation. Scandinavian Journal of Work, Environment and Health, 47(2), pp. 108-116. (doi: 10.5271/sjweh.3931) (PMID:33146399) (PMCID:PMC8114567)

Abstract

Objectives: Evidence is growing that non-standard employment is associated with adverse health. However, little is known about the relationship between different non-standard employment arrangements and subsequent all-cause and cause-specific mortality. Using population-wide data, the present study investigated this link. Methods: Data was derived from the 2001 Belgian census and a 13-year-long follow-up. The analyses comprised 1 454 033 healthy and disability-free employees aged 30–59 years at baseline. Cox regressions were fitted to analyze the mortality risks of those in non-standard employment forms (temporary agency, seasonal, fixed-term, causal work and employment program) compared to permanent employees. Results: Several groups of workers in non-standard employment arrangements in 2001 exhibited a higher mortality risk relative to permanent employees during the follow-up after adjusting for socio-economic and work-related factors. This was especially the case among men. The relative mortality disadvantage was particularly elevated for male temporary agency workers. External causes of death played an important role in this association. Conclusions: A mortality gradient between the core and outer periphery of the Belgian labor market has been observed. This study also shows that the excess risk of death, previously attributed to non-permanent employment as a whole, hides inequalities between specific forms of non-standard work (eg, temporary agency, seasonal, fixed-term employment).

• Item Type: Articles
• Additional Information: This work was supported by the Research Foundation of Flanders [grant number FWOAL787]. RB is recipient of a EUTOPIA co-tutelle doctoral scholarship [grant number OZRIFTM2].
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Balogh, Ms Rebeka
• Authors: Balogh, R., Gadeyne, S., and Vanroelen, C.
• College/School: College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Health & Wellbeing > Mental Health and Wellbeing
• Journal Name: Scandinavian Journal of Work, Environment and Health
• Publisher: Nordic Association of Occupational Safety and Health
• ISSN: 0355-3140
• ISSN (Online): 1795-990X
• Published Online: 04 November 2020
• Copyright Holders: Copyright: © 2020 Nordic Association of Occupational Safety and Health
• First Published: First published in Scandinavian Journal of Work, Environment and Health 47(2):108-116
• Publisher Policy: Reproduced under a Creative Commons license