About 3.3 million white-collar jobs will move offshore in the next 15 years, according to a study by Forrester Research. Lower costs, increased productivity and higher profits are the reasons. Professionals in technology and computer programming fields will face the kinds of layoffs that in the past hit mostly blue-collar workers.

U.S. workers might react to this outsourcing trend in ways that threaten safety and health. Uncertain of job security, workers might put in longer hours, risk fatigue, take shortcuts and not report injuries or job hazards.

Companies must be careful in their outsourcing strategies and monitor for employee disillusionment and fatigue, says Bill Sirois of Circadian Technologies, Inc.