Examining the Relationship Between Workplace Industry and COVID-19 Infection

Abstract

Objective To control virus spread while keeping the economy open, identifying individuals at increased risk of COVID-19 transmission in the workplace is paramount. Methods Among adult participants in a large Canadian rapid antigen screening program (January 2021-March 2022), we examined screening, personal, and workplace characteristics and conducted logistic regressions, adjusted for COVID-19 wave, screening frequency and location, role, age group, and geography. Results Among N = 145,814 participants across 2,707 worksites, 6,209 screened positive at least once. Workers in natural resources (OR = 2.1[1.73-2.55]), utilities (OR = 1.67[1.38-2.03]), construction (OR = 1.35[1.06-1.71]), and transportation/warehousing (OR = 1.32[1.12-1.56]) had increased odds of screening positive; workers in education/health (OR = 0.62[0.52-0.73]), leisure/hospitality (OR = 0.71[0.56-0.90]), and finance (OR = 0.84[0.71-0.99]) had lesser odds of screening positive, compared to professional/business services. Conclusions Certain industries involving in-person work in close quarters are associated with elevated COVID-19 transmission. Continued reliance on rapid screening in these sectors is warranted.