Number of on-the-job deaths among Hispanic workers steadily increasing

The number of workplace deaths may be down across the country, but this trend does not follow for members of one group: Hispanic workers.  An examination of federal statistics by USA Today reveals that since 1992 the number of Hispanic workers who have been killed on-the-job is up 76 percent.

Data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics shows that overall worker deaths decreased from 6,217 in 1992 to 5,657 in 2007.  Hispanic worker deaths, on the other hand, increased from 533 to 937 during the same timeframe.

The rise in numbers can be partially attributed to an increase in the number of Hispanics in the American workforce.  Additional statistics show that Hispanics accounted for 10.4 percent of the workforce in 1998, increasing to 14 percent in 2007.

However officials like the U.S. Labor Secretary are concerned that factors like the language barrier and the fact that many Hispanics work low-wage jobs are contributing unfairly to workplace injuries and fatalities.

Illegal immigrants hired by U.S. firms are in an especially high-risk group.  Without the proper legal documentation, illegal workers are reluctant to do the things that help keep other groups safe: join a union, report unsafe workplace conditions, or protest when asked to do something they perceive as too risky.  In addition, illegal workers or their families usually do not receive workers’ compensation when injured or killed.

Experts believe that many workplace accidents can be avoided with proper training and safety precautions, things that every worker deserves.

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