ABSTRACT
Over the past two decades, a leading business practice has been often-repeated rounds
of downsizing and restructuring (also referred to as reorganization, re-engineering, and
a host of other euphemistic terms) by large private and public sector employers. Frequently
associated with other practices such as outsourcing, privatization, and the increased
use of temporary workers, downsizing/restructuring has increased the level of job
insecurity among workers and led to changes in work processes (including work
intensification and multi-tasking) and management behavior. How have downsizing/
restructuring and increased job insecurity affected the occupational health, safety, and
well-being of workers, and what measures have employers, unions, and governments taken
to address any adverse effects? The authors reviewed international studies of the
occupational health and safety (OHS) effects of downsizing/restructuring and increased
job insecurity undertaken over the past 20 years. After imposing quality filters, they
obtained 86 studies. Analysis revealed that 73 (85%) of the studies found poorer OHS
outcomes (using a range of measures). Studies were examined to see whether they provided
clues as to the reasons for negative outcomes.
