Use of existing datasets to explore occupational risks from SARS-CoV-2

We have conducted a series of analyses that have identified a number of occupational sectors and specific occupations with increased risks of SARS-CoV-2 infection and/or death relating to COVID-19.

These analyses also showed that relative differences in risk between occupations have varied at different time periods of the pandemic.

In the current phase of PROTECT, our aim is to conduct further analyses examining changes in the relative risks for particular sectors and occupations over time with a particular focus on the Omicron variant. We are utilising datasets such as the ONS Coronavirus infection survey, ONS mortality data, the Virus Watch cohort and cohorts within the Longitudinal Linkage Collaboration (LLC). We aim to put together our results alongside other evidence (such as mitigations and behaviours) in order to strengthen conclusions and suggest reasons for observed variation.

Project leads

• Andrew Hayward, University College London
• Neil Pearce, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine
• Sarah Rhodes, The University of Manchester

Project team

• Sarah Beale, University College London
• Mark Cherrie, Institute of Occupational Medicine
• Matt Gittins, The University of Manchester
• Fiona Holland, The University of Manchester
• Melissa Matz, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine
• Will Mueller, Institute of Occupational Medicine
• Vahe Nafilyan, ONS
• Jack Wilkinson, The University of Manchester