ABOUT MIGRANT WORKER HEALTH CARE
What are the main health risks among migrant workers?
Main health risks include: Occupational exposures/hazards e.g. poor ventilation systems in greenhouses, heavy lifting, repetitive and awkward postures, agrochemicals, unsafe farm equipment, soil, insects, plants, weather extremes, and confined spaces, unsafe transportation (e.g. farm vehicles, bicycles) some have poor living and housing conditions stressful separations from families, cultural dislocation and a lack of social support in Canada.
Photo: Physicians for Human Rights (CC BY NC SA 3.0)
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
From 2006 to 2010 the Norfolk General Hospital (Simcoe, Ontario) received 888 migrant worker visits, 177 per year on average. The type of ER cases by diagnosis/system is summarized below:
Diagnosis/System |
Number Of Visits |
% |
| Injury/trauma | 218 | 28.3 |
| GI | 106 | 13.8 |
| MSK | 81 | 10.5 |
| Resp | 66 | 8.6 |
| Skin | 66 | 8.6 |
| Urinary | 61 | 7.9 |
| Eye | 39 | 5.1 |
| Neurological | 26 | 3.4 |
| Cardiac | 16 | 2.1 |
| Psychological | 7 | 0.9 |
| Cancer | 2 | 0.3 |
| Other | 77 | 10.0 |
In addition, research and clinical observations have also noted sexual and reproductive health (sexually transmitted infections, unwanted pregnancies), and mental and emotional health (depression, anxiety, addictions) as common concerns among workers.
Employers in the SAWP are responsible for arranging for workers' OHIP coverage. In practice, a significant number of migrant workers do not receive their OHIP cards, or are delayed in receiving them. After registering, it takes 3-5 weeks for workers to receive their OHIP cards, but they should have been given a Transaction Record which can be used to confirm coverage until the card arrives. If the worker does not have one, you can ask him to sign a Health Number Release form to confirm registration. See OHIP contact numbers on contacts page for more information.
Healthcare providers cannot refuse patients emergency health services, but they can ask them to pay for the service. If the patient cannot afford it, providers may consider referring them to a CHC or other centre which does not require OHIP payment. If a worker needs healthcare for a work-related injury, providers should bill WSIB directly for the cost of healthcare services. Workers should not be charged for services that the WSIB will pay for directly.
Migrant workers often lack access to family doctors. They are most likely to go to walk-in clinics and emergency departments when they have health problems. Many also visit pharmacies.
Most have some form of supplemental prescription medication coverage, although this varies by program and country. See our comparative coverage table for an overview of coverage by country, or contact the consulate of the country in question (see contacts page).
What are the Barriers to Healthcare Access and Considerations for Overcoming Them?
Vulnerability and Confidentiality
For much of their time in Canada migrant workers are dependent on their employers to help them navigate the healthcare system. However, these same individuals may try to persuade workers or healthcare providers not to file WSIB claims or EI sickness benefits, and can fire and thereby cause a worker to be repatriated for any sufficient reason (including illness and injuries). Workers may also be concerned about revealing health issues to their employers for fear that it could compromise current or future work opportunities. It is especially important that services are made available which consider these vulnerabilities and that allow migrant workers a safe, confidential space for service provision. Accordingly, healthcare providers should not allow employers to be present as translators or intermediaries unless a worker explicitly requests that they fill this role.
Awareness / Advertising
There are distinctive challenges to informing workers about services. Many migrants are outside the reach of such typical methods of communication and promotions as local media or independent mailings. To be effective, promotional efforts should target the areas which workers frequent or partner with organizations with well established channels of accessible communication for the workers. If providers hold special clinics for migrant workers, these should be advertised through existing migrant worker support groups or specialized outreach efforts.
Language and Literacy
Many migrant workers do not speak English and those who do often have limited literacy. It is essential that all services provided to migrant workers be offered in the language that workers understand using basic messaging that does not necessitate advanced literacy. Providers should consider utilizing professional translation services, language guides, or community support groups to facilitate communication.
Hours / Timing
Migrant workers often work long hours, sometimes six or seven days a week. It is important to determine in advance the limited hours which migrant workers have available, and offer services to them within these timeframes. This may involve service provision on evenings and/or weekends. Typically Friday evenings and Sunday afternoons are ideal times for migrant workers.
Affordability / Cost
Generally the migrant workers' primary motivation to work in Canada is to earn money needed to support their families; therefore services which necessitate a cost may be prohibitive. Wherever possible, services should be offered free of charge.
Location / Transportation
Most migrant workers are employed in rural areas and have limited transportation options. It is essential to find a location that is accessible to them (i.e. within biking distance) and/or to provide free or low-cost transportation options.
Links / Collaboration
Forming collaborative partnerships with migrant support groups is a useful way to bridge the gaps that otherwise exist between service providers and migrant workers. Such groups can often assist with services such as translation, outreach, promotions and transportation.
Adaptability / Flexibility
Migrant workers have very little control over their work schedules, and sometimes their schedules change without notice. Furthermore, many workers do not have regular access to a telephone. They can also be transferred or repatriated to their home country at any time, sometimes with only a day's notice. It is therefore essential to have back-up plans for follow-up communication and to be adaptable to workers' varying needs, schedules and circumstances. It is important, for example, to ask workers if they have a cell phone or a friend/advocate with a phone, as well as their contact information in their countries of origin.