How Tariffs Are Reshaping Occupational Health and Safety for the Global Workforce
Tariffs on steel, aluminum, and other imported goods are driving up costs and altering global supply chains—pressuring industries to cut back on safety investments and exposing workers to new occupational hazards.
- By Bernard Fontaine
- Jul 16, 2025
Introduction
The Trump administration's decision to raise tariffs on steel and aluminum imports to 50% has had profound effects on the manufacturing and construction industries (This action was taken under Section 232 of the Trade Expansion act and went into effect on June 4.) While the intention was to bolster domestic production, the immediate consequence has been a surge in input costs. The effects of these global tariffs can be felt across other industries such as agriculture and maritime.
Tariffs—taxes on imported goods—can have both direct and indirect impacts on occupational health and safety (OHS) in the United States and globally. While tariffs are designed to protect domestic industries, overall their consequences can be complex and uneven. Implementing tariffs on global imports can have a much more profound effect on the economy and society at large.
Industry Shifts and Job Composition
Tariffs are intended to stimulate the economy and domestic production in certain industries (e.g., steel, manufacturing), potentially creating more jobs. However, these industries often involve higher-risk work environments, increasing demand for strong OHS protections. Worldwide, reduced demand for exports in affected countries can lead to job losses, increased informal or unregulated work, and deterioration in workplace conditions.
Another concern is the financial cost and timeline to find and acquire land, construct large industrial plants, acquire the necessary machinery, equipment, technology, and supplies, and train a workforce. For most industries to avoid these tariffs, it may take several years, and yet, some parts may not be domestically available as witnessed in the automobile and electronics industry.
Cost Pressures and Safety Investments
Companies facing higher input costs due to tariffs may try to offset expenses by cutting spending in other areas, including OHS training, equipment maintenance, or hiring of health and safety personnel. International suppliers under pressure to reduce prices may lower labor standards, disregard quality inspections, or bypass OHS protocols, heightening risks for their workforce.
Supply Chain Disruption
Tariffs can alter supply chains, pushing companies to find cheaper or less-regulated suppliers. These shifts may introduce new OHS hazards if materials or components are of lower quality or if the origin countries have weaker OHS standards. In lower-income countries, this can exacerbate exploitation in unsafe, informal sectors lacking labor protections.
Economic Stress and Workforce Wellbeing
Industries heavily reliant on imports may downsize the workforce, leading to layoffs, job insecurity, and stress among workers—factors linked to mental health challenges and increased accident risk. In exporting countries, sudden reductions in trade can destabilize industries, cause small-medium enterprises to fold, increase unemployment, and place unnecessary pressure on workers to accept poor conditions to remain employed.
Reshoring and Capacity Challenges
A rapid increase in domestic production capacity to replace imports may strain existing facilities and workers, potentially exceeding safe production limits or overworking staff without adequate safety oversight. The culture within the organization may substantially deteriorate over time. Conversely, export-focused economies may experience underutilized capacity, which can result in wage suppression or a shift to less formal and lower-regulated work environments.
Policy and Regulatory Implications
Shifts in production driven by tariffs can outpace updates to OHS regulations or enforcement capacity, leaving gaps in worker protections. Globally, uneven regulatory responses to economic shifts may create disparities in OHS standards and increase transnational labor inequalities.
Tariffs are an economic policy tool with ripple effects that can influence the OHS of workers both domestically and internationally. Policymakers, global supply chain managers, and employers need to anticipate these effects and build resilience by investing in OHS standards across all levels of production.
A coordinated, ethical approach to global trade can ensure that worker wellbeing is not compromised in the pursuit of economic gain. Let's look more closely at the impact of tariffs on OHS in the construction, manufacturing, agricultural, and maritime industries.
How Tariffs Affect the Occupational Health and Safety of the Global Construction Industry
Tariffs on the selection and use of construction materials and equipment can directly and indirectly influence the OHS of the global construction workforce.
Increased Cost Pressures
Higher costs for materials may lead general and subcontractors to reduce budgets for worker OHS training, personal protective equipment (PPE), exposure assessments and site inspections.
Cost-cutting can increase the likelihood of accidents, illness, and injuries.
Quality and Compliance Risks
Sourcing materials from alternative suppliers to avoid tariffs may result in lower-quality or non-compliant products.
Use of substandard materials can compromise structural integrity and create hazards for workers during construction.
In 2015, an investigation revealed that some imported flooring sold by major U.S. retailers contained formaldehyde vapor levels that exceeded regulatory limits.
While rebuilding after a hurricane, some imported drywall has emitted sulfur compounds, corroded metal fixtures and causing respiratory issues for residents.
Imported automotive parts with poor quality control contributed to accidents, including faulty airbags and brake systems.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, imported masks and gloves sometimes failed NIOSH and OSHA standards, putting healthcare workers at risk.
Workforce Strain and Overwork
Efforts to control costs and maintain profit margins may lead to longer working hours or compressed schedules.
Fatigue and rushed work are key factors in construction site accidents.
Informal and Unregulated Labor
In countries exporting construction materials, reduced demand due to tariffs can push workers into informal sectors with little or no safety oversight.
Informal employment lacks protective equipment, training, and legal enforcement of safety standards.
Delayed Projects and Safety Oversight
Budget overruns and uncertainty from tariffs can delay projects, disrupting planned safety measures and oversight cycles.
Stop-start construction schedules can increase risks if safety protocols are not properly re-implemented.
Regional Disparities in Safety Standards
Shifts in supply chains avoiding tariffs may concentrate production with weaker OHS rules.
Workers may face greater exposure to hazards without adequate protections.
Tariffs affect the global construction industry's OHS by raising costs, altering supply chains, and creating pressures that can undermine worker safety. Addressing these risks requires coordinated policy, responsible procurement practices, and investment in robust OHS systems worldwide.
So, how do global tariffs affect the OHS of the manufacturing industry? Tariffs on raw materials, components, and finished goods can significantly impact OHS in the global manufacturing sector:
Increased Input Costs
Tariffs raise costs for imported materials and components, pressuring manufacturers to reduce spending on worker safety programs, protective equipment, and training.
Cost-Cutting Measures
To maintain profit margins, companies may cut corners on machine maintenance, facility upgrades, or safety inspections, increasing the risk of workplace accidents.
Supply Chain Shifts
Tariffs can prompt manufacturers to source materials from alternative suppliers with weaker safety and labor standards.
These shifts can introduce hazardous materials or components of inconsistent quality, creating new risks on production lines.
Relocation and Offshoring Risks
Manufacturers may move production to lower-middle income countries with lower tariffs but also less stringent OHS regulations.
Workers in these regions may face unsafe OHS conditions due to weaker enforcement and limited resources.
Labor Market Pressure and Informality
Tariff-driven economic stress can increase informal employment, where workers lack legal protections, OHS training, and access to both engineering and administrative controls and protective equipment.
Production Rush and Overwork
Efforts to offset higher costs or meet new supply timelines can lead to longer work shifts and rushed production schedules.
Fatigue and time pressure are well-known contributors to workplace mishaps and injuries.
Tariffs can have far-reaching impacts on OHS and global manufacturing workforce. By increasing costs and disrupting supply chains, they create demands that can undermine OHS standards both within facilities and across international supply networks. Addressing these economic challenges requires responsible sourcing practices, strong labor protections, and international cooperation to uphold worker health and safety worldwide.
What about tariffs that affect OHS within the agricultural industry? Tariffs on agricultural products, inputs, and machinery can significantly affect OHS for agricultural workers worldwide:
Increased Input Costs
Tariffs on imported fertilizers, seeds, pesticides, and equipment raise production costs.
Farmers may reduce spending on safety gear, training, and proper chemical handling.
Agricultural workers may use more toxic pesticides during the growing season.
Informal and Low-Regulation Employment
Tariff-related market disruptions can push migrant workers into informal or seasonal jobs with minimal OHS oversight and protection.
Informal and seasonal work lacks access to PPE, sanitation, training, and medical support.
Supply Chain Shifts and Quality Risks
Sourcing cheaper alternatives to avoid tariffs can introduce lower-quality or counterfeit inputs, increasing exposure to toxic chemicals or the use of unsafe machinery.
Overwork and Labor Exploitation
Efforts to offset higher costs or navigate lost markets may lead to longer working hours, child labor, or forced labor in vulnerable regions.
Fatigue and exploitation increase the risk of accidents and chronic health problems.
Disruption of Export Markets
Tariffs can reduce demand for agricultural exports, leading to layoffs and economic instability in rural communities.
Job insecurity and poverty are linked to higher rates of unsafe working conditions as workers accept riskier jobs to survive.
Reduced Investment in Safety and Sustainability
Uncertainty and squeezed profit margins may discourage farmers and agribusinesses from investing in safer equipment, modern facilities, or sustainable practices.
In the agricultural sector, tariffs have escalated input costs, leading to financial strain on farmers. This economic pressure may result in reduced investment in worker safety and health initiatives, potentially compromising the well-being of agricultural laborers. Global tariffs can encourage farmers to use of older, cheaper, and more hazardous pesticides as farmers try to manage rising costs and limited access to safer alternatives. Examples include:
Paraquat - Highly toxic herbicide banned or restricted in many countries. Linked to severe respiratory damage and Parkinson's disease risk among farmworkers.
Monocrotophos - Extremely hazardous organophosphate insecticide banned in many regions. Causes neurological damage and respiratory failure. Highly toxic in small doses.
Endosulfan - Persistent organic pollutant banned under the Stockholm Convention. Causes endocrine disruption, reproductive harm, and neurotoxicity.
Carbofuran - Extremely toxic to humans and wildlife. Linked to neurological effects, respiratory distress, and fatalities from exposure.
Chlorpyrifos - Phased out in many countries due to developmental neurotoxicity in children. Still used in some markets with weaker regulation.
Finally. how are tariffs affecting OHS in the global maritime industry? Tariffs on traded goods can indirectly impact OHS for maritime workers around the world:
Reduced Trade Volumes and Economic Pressure
Higher tariffs discourage international trade, reducing cargo volumes.
Shipping companies facing lower revenues may cut costs by reducing crew sizes, limiting training, or deferring maintenance—all of which increase accident risks.
Pressure to Cut Safety Spending
Financial strain may lead operators to spend less on safety equipment, vessel upkeep, and compliance with international safety standards.
Older or poorly maintained ships can pose significant hazards to crew members.
Some OHS hazards include: fatigue, poorly maintained equipment, handling hazardous cargo, falls from heights, confined spaces, and mental health strains
Shifts in Shipping Routes
Tariffs may redirect trade flows, requiring ships to use longer or riskier routes.
New routes can involve unfamiliar ports with variable safety infrastructure and procedures.
Labor Conditions and Job Security
Port and shipping job reductions due to lower trade volumes can increase insecurity and stress among workers.
Job losses can push workers into informal or less-regulated maritime sectors with weaker OHS protections.
Increased Workload and Fatigue
Cost-cutting can lead to reduced staffing and longer work hours for remaining crew.
Fatigue is a contributor to maritime mishaps including collisions and injuries onboard.
Regulatory Compliance Risks
Economic pressures may encourage operators to bypass or weaken adherence to international safety conventions like SOLAS (Safety of Life at Sea) and the Maritime Labour Convention.
Tariffs can indirectly undermine OHS in the global maritime industry by reducing trade volumes, increasing financial pressures, and encouraging practices that compromise OHS. A balanced trade policy and sustained investment in maritime standards are essential to protect workers.
Conclusion
This additional cost burden has pressured companies to reduce implementation and spending on OHS measures, including equipment maintenance and worker training. Consequently, workers face heightened risks due to compromised protocols, complying with regulatory requirements, providing training and education and PPE, conducting initial and periodic exposure risk assessments, and providing medical surveillance to at-risk workers.
Beyond the direct financial impacts, the uncertainty surrounding global tariff policies has introduced psychological stress among workers. Concerns about job security and economic stability can distract workers in high-risk environments, such as mining and oil and gas sectors, leading to decreased focus and an increased likelihood of accidents.
While the Trump administration's tariff policies aim to strengthen domestic industries, they have inadvertently compromised OHS standards. The increased costs and potential shortages of essential health and safety equipment, coupled with financial pressures on employers, have created a culture where OHS may be deprioritized. It is imperative for policymakers to consider these unintended consequences and seek a balance that protects both the economic interests and the well-being of the American workforce.