While the younger worker seemed to be more at risk, the findings were the same regardless of the status of the worker.

BBC: Stress seems to produce biochemical changes

The status of a worker as an independent contractor or an employee is important for federal income and employment taxes (think IRS and Social Security Administration).

FORBES: 'Tis The Season For Unemployment (Benefits)

If you believe that you have been misclassified as an independent contractor, you can report it to the IRS using a form SS-8, Determination of Worker Status for Purposes of Federal Employment Taxes and Income Tax Withholding (downloads as a pdf).

FORBES: Ask the taxgirl: Getting Paid Under the Table

The White House describes it as in between amnesty and a guest worker program, which gives workers legal status for a set period of time.

CNN: Major Garrett: Amnesty could win Hispanic vote

Even if the employer has a written agreement calling for the worker not to be an employee and agreeing to independent contractor status, the agency can rule for the worker, recharacterizing the relationship as that of employer-employee.

FORBES: 'Tis The Season For Unemployment (Benefits)