Are Hispanic Workers Disproportionately Affected by Workplace Injuries and Death?
According to a recent article in USA Today, (7/20/09) they are. And, for those following the WCK Blog, you will note 26 articles on the topic of workplace safety covering the very industries the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics cites as the “most dangerous industries with the highest death rates among Hispanics.”
Industries with Highest Hispanic
Fatalities in 2007
Statistics (dry as they are) also show while Hispanic deaths increased in 2007, fatalities in ALL other United States job categories decreased.
That’s a 76% increase in deaths for Hispanic workers.
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Why Is This Happening?
- Language barrier
- Lack of training
- Increase in numbers of Hispanic workers
- Exploitation by employers
- Undocumented status – H’m!
- Non-union status
What Can Be Done About It?
None of these reasons is an excuse and easily remedied.
WHAT? Are you saying employers need to provide Spanish-language materials and safety training understandable to our Hispanic workers?
Not only are employers supposed to but they really must – because once again, we are looking at the bottom line – fewer injuries, fewer deaths and lower costs.
And, if employers don’t step up, then the government will with new laws and regulations targeted at the Hispanic worker to make employers provide a safer work environment and better safety training.
HOW can an employer comply?
You might start by providing a simple brochure in Spanish outlining your company’s workplace safety policies. And, from there move on to other materials for training and communication. (workersxzcompxzkit)
WOW! That’s a lot of work. Two sets of documents – English and Spanish.
Yes, it is. However, check out the link below for these forms in forms in Spanish.
- Employee Brochure
- Supervisor’s Guide
- Transitional Assignment Form
- Wallet Card – What to do when you are injured at work.
In fact, all materials found at http://www.ReduceYourWorkersComp.com can be provided in Spanish.
Author: Robert Elliott, J.D.
Data Extracted from: USA Today, July 20, 2009, Article by Rick Jervi, “Hispanic Workers Deaths Up 76%.
WC Calculator: www.reduceyourworkerscomp.com/calculator.php
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