Presentation: Dual epidemics of COVID-19 infection and workplace violence in New York City mass transit workers: Implications for policy and practice

Dr. Robyn Gershon (Principal Investigator, Transit Worker Study) is presenting our recent publication at APHA’s 2023 Annual Meeting and Expo. Join us to learn more about our findings!

Occupational Health and Safety 8:30 AM – 10:00 AM
Session: Round Table 3: The Cost of Being an Essential Worker
Program: Occupational Health and Safety

Authors

Robyn Gershon, MHS, DrPH, New York, NY
Devan Hawkins, MCPHS University
Michael Cziner, MPH, NYU School of Global Public Health
Jonathan Rosen, MS CIH FAIHA, National Clearinghouse for Worker S&H Training
Alexis Merdjanoff, PhD, NYU School of Global Public Health
David Vlahov, PhD, Yale School of Nursing

Abstract

Background: New York City (NYC) transit workers had high rates of infection, illness and mortality during the COVID-19 pandemic compared to the NYC population. Throughout the pandemic, high profile violent incidents have been reported. To determine if NYC transit experienced an increase in workplace violence concurrent with the COVID -19 pandemic and to characterize the incidents, an analysis of workplace violence was conducted.

Methods: Using data from SH900 logs provided by Transport Workers Union, Local 100, we characterized violent incidents reported by NYC transit workers (January 2018 -December, 2021) by occupation and division and analyzed for rates and trends.

Results: In a sample of roughly 35K transit workers (predominantly middle-aged male members of minority groups), the rate ratio (RR) of violent assaults was significantly higher in the peri-pandemic period compared to the pre-pandemic period (RR=3.00 vs. RR=2.67 per 100,000 worker/yrs). Bus drivers were significantly more likely to report a violent physical assault during peri-pandemic period (RR =1.29) than subway workers (conductors and operators) (RR= 1.15), and both groups were significantly more likely to experience violent assaults in the peri-pandemic period compared to the pre-pandemic period. The trend revealed higher rates month over month in the peri-pandemic period, except early on during “NYC Pause” (3/2020 —6/2020)- when NYC was essentially shut down, and ridership was extremely low and transit workers were on reduced hours.

Conclusions: NYC transit workers had high risk of exposure and infection as well as high rates of assault during the peri-pandemic period. These dual epidemics of infection and assault put NYC transit workers at high risk of other adverse outcomes, such as depression, anxiety, and PTSD. Our group is working closely with our union partners to develop workplace policies, toolkits and strategies to reduce risk of adverse outcomes now and for future pandemic events.