Essays in applied labor economics

Abstract

This thesis sheds empirical light on three research questions which belong to the realm of applied labor economics: What is the effect of early retirement on retirees’ mortality? How does an employment quota affect firms’ demand for disabled workers? And why are fluctuations in workplace accidents pro-cyclical? Chapter 2 shows that, for some groups of workers, early retirement increases the probability of premature death. Moreover, the driving force seems to be changes in health-related behavior, such as excessive alcohol consumption and smoking. The results in chapter 3 suggest that an employment quota is favorable to firms’ demand for disabled workers. In addition, chapter 4 finds that a rise in the tax, to which firms that do not comply with the employment quota are subject, also boosts this demand. Chapter 5 provides evidence that the pro-cyclicality of workplace accidents is governed by workers’ reporting behavior.