COVID-19 deaths by occupation, Massachusetts, March 1-July 31, 2020

Background: Exposure to COVID-19 is more likely among certain occupations compared with others. This descriptive study seeks to explore occupational differences in mortality due to COVID-19 among workers in Massachusetts. Methods: Death certificates of those who died from COVID-19 in Massachusetts between March 1 and July 31, 2020 were collected. Occupational information was coded and age-adjusted mortality rates were calculated according to occupation. Results: There were 555 deaths among MA residents of age 16-64, with usable occupation information, resulting in an age-adjusted mortality rate of 16.4 per 100,000 workers. Workers in 11 occupational groups including healthcare support and transportation and material moving had mortality rates higher than that for workers overall. Hispanic and Black workers had age-adjusted mortality rates more than four times higher than that for White workers overall and also had higher rates than Whites within high-risk occupation groups. Conclusion: Efforts should be made to protect workers in high-risk occupations identified in this report from COVID-19 exposure.

Automated summary

The study found that certain occupational groups in Massachusetts have higher mortality rates due to COVID-19, including healthcare support and transportation workers. Hispanic and Black workers have mortality rates more than four times higher than White workers overall, and they also have higher rates within high-risk occupation groups.