Admin
Key Takeaways:
- Hispanic construction workers face disproportionate risks on the job.
- The unique circumstances of this demographic call for an individualized approach to safety protocols.
- Visual aids, language resources, and targeted training are valuable tools to better protect the safety and health of Hispanic construction workers.
The Disproportionate Impact on Hispanic Construction Workers
Construction work is one of the most perilous industries, accounting for 21% of all U.S. workplace fatalities in 2020. Alarming as that statistic may be, the risk burden is not distributed equally among all demographics. Notably, recent years have seen a concerning escalation in injury and fatality rates among Hispanic construction workers.
According to a 2020 report from the Center for Construction Research and Training (CPWR), the fatality rate for Hispanic construction workers was 41.6% higher than that of non-Hispanic workers, with the injury rate trailing close behind at 14.5% higher. These numbers starkly contrast with 2011, when Hispanic workers reported a lower injury rate than their non-Hispanic counterparts. The same report revealed a worrying upward trend, where the fatality rate for Hispanic workers soared by 46.5% from 2018 to 2020.
However, these figures might only be the tip of the iceberg. The CPWR report further revealed that the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Survey of Occupational Injuries and Illnesses, from which its data is sourced, tends to underreport nonfatal injuries among Hispanic construction workers.
Understanding the Unique Risks and Challenges
The crux of the matter lies in understanding the unique challenges that Hispanic construction workers face. To do so, we must delve into the array of factors contributing to these elevated risk levels.
Age, immigration status, disparities in knowledge and skills, and language barriers all play a part in shaping the experience of Hispanic construction workers. The diverse nature of this workforce, representing various backgrounds and experiences, necessitates a tailored approach to safety protocols. Simply addressing language barriers is not sufficient – a comprehensive solution requires addressing all potential risk factors.
For instance, younger workers might be more adept at utilizing mobile apps for safety training, while older workers may prefer traditional communication methods. It’s crucial to recognize these differences and adapt training methodologies accordingly.
Overcoming Language Barriers Through Visual Aids
One key tool in our arsenal to enhance safety for Hispanic construction workers is visual aids. Regardless of age or language proficiency, visual materials like pictograms can effectively communicate crucial safety information. In fact, visual aids are touted as an effective mechanism to circumvent language barriers, simplifying the comprehension of the presented material with minimal translation effort.
Harnessing Available Resources for Improved Safety
Luckily, for safety professionals striving to safeguard their Hispanic workforce, there are numerous free resources available. Many nonprofit organizations are dedicated to creating training materials tailored for the Hispanic workforce. Collaborating with these organizations can help construction companies develop a more proactive and focused approach to worker safety.
For instance, CPWR provides an array of Spanish language resources, including hazard alert cards, toolbox talks, infographics, and videos. These resources are aimed at educating Spanish-speaking team members about various aspects of construction safety.
Additionally, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) offers a Spanish translation of its Construction eTool. This resource familiarizes safety professionals and workers with common hazards in construction work, such as falls, struck-by incidents, electrocution, and trenching and excavation.
Looking Forward
The growing challenges faced by Hispanic construction workers call for concerted efforts to foster safer working environments. This requires a thorough understanding of the unique circumstances of this demographic and tailored strategies to mitigate risks.
Visual aids, Spanish language resources, and targeted training can go a long way in enhancing the safety and health of Hispanic construction workers. However, further research is needed to uncover additional strategies that might aid in combating the upward trend in injury and fatality rates among this significant segment of the U.S. construction industry.
Ultimately, our aim should be to ensure that every construction worker, irrespective of their ethnicity or background, can work under the best possible safety conditions. Our construction industry’s diversity is a strength, and it is our duty to ensure it is nurtured and protected.
