Differences in Exposure to Occupational Health Risks in Spanish and Foreign-Born Workers in Spain (Itsal Project)

Migrant workers usually show higher rates of work-related health problems than natives. However, little information is available
about their exposure to occupational risks. We describe self-reported working exposure in Spanish and foreign-born workers.
A cross-sectional survey was conducted as part of the ITSAL Project. Data on sociodemographic and self-reported occupational
exposure in 1,841 foreign-born and 509 Spanish workers were collected through face-to-face interviews. Prevalence and adjusted
odds ratios-aOR- (by age, education, type of contract) were calculated. Foreign-born men in non-services sectors and those
in manual occupations perceived exposure to occupational risks with lower prevalence than Spanish workers. Foreign-born women
reported higher prevalence of exposure than Spanish female workers. By occupation, foreign-born female workers were more likely
than Spanish workers to report working many hours/day (aOR2.68; 95 % CI 1.06–6.78) and exposure to extreme temperatures (aOR2.19;
95 % CI 1.10–4.38). Some groups of migrant workers may need increased protection regarding some occupational exposures.