Examining the Relationship Between Workplace Industry and COVID-19 Infection

Abstract

Objectives To control virus spread while keeping the economy open, this study aimed to identify individuals at increased risk of COVID-19 transmission in the workplace using rapid antigen screening data. 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 145,814 participants across 2707 worksites, 6209 screened positive at least once. Workers in natural resources (odds ratio [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 with 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.