Title
Sociocultural Contexts and Worker Safety and Health: Findings of a Study with Chinese Immigrant Restaurant Workers
Publication Date
2-1-2009
Document Type
Article
Abstract
More immigrants are seeking employment in restaurants. Drawing data from an ethnographic study, this article discusses what and how sociocultural contexts shape the safety and health of immigrant restaurant workers. Eighteen Chinese immigrants from China, Hong Kong, and Taiwan participated in the study. Data generation methods included a questionnaire, individual and focus group interviews, and participant observations. Ethnographic analysis revealed that immigration mechanisms, demands of English proficiency for employment, and existence of networks and ethnic communities shaped the participants' employment choices. Working hours and schedules, interpersonal relationships at work, job design and training, occupational safety and health training, and national events and economy further influenced the participants' occupational experiences and well-being. Issues were noted with job security, mental health, family relationships, and risks for occupational injuries and illnesses. Implications for occupational health nursing research and practice to reduce immigrant workers' vulnerability to poor safety and health outcomes conclude this article.
Publication Title
American Association of Occupational Health Nurses Journal
Volume
57
Issue
2
First Page
51
Last Page
58
DOI
10.3928/08910162-20090201-07
Publisher Policy
no pre-print, post-print with 12-month embargo, no publisher's pdf
Recommended Citation
Tsai, Jenny and Bruck, Annie M., "Sociocultural Contexts and Worker Safety and Health: Findings of a Study with Chinese Immigrant Restaurant Workers" (2009). Nursing & Healthcare Leadership Publications. 2.
https://digitalcommons.tacoma.uw.edu/nursing_pub/2