Construction safety research in the United States: targeting the Hispanic workforce

Abstract

While it is known that Hispanics have a continuous growing participation in the construction workforce and that their fatal and non-fatal occupational injuries are higher than any other ethnic group, very little construction safety and health research has been conducted in the United States. Research that focuses on safety and health of Hispanic workers employed in the construction industry might prove beneficial in reducing injuries and promoting safe and decent workplaces for all.The purpose of this article was twofold. First, to propose a research agenda where topics such as surveillance, intervention research on high risk occupations, intervention effectiveness evaluation, design and development of effective and appropriate safety training and educational materials, and the socioeconomic impact of injuries and illnesses, are investigated among the Hispanic construction workforce. Second, to present relevant aspects inherent to this particular population that need to be incorporated into the design and development stages of any safety and health research initiative. They include the occupational, social, economic, and cultural background of Hispanic workers; use of a participatory approach, proper selection and use of translation methods; and conducting collaborative research. Certain limitations and challenges related to the availability of resources for conducting safety and health research on Hispanic workers are further discussed.

Occupational Health and Safety Services for Immigrant Workers in Japanese Workplaces

“…Kameda et al reported that the implementation rate of health and safety education for Japanese temporary workers was approximately 60% 11) , and another previous study reported that the implementation rates of health and safety education were from 55% to 85% in SMEs 12,13) . The rates of safety training for immigrant workers in USA were approximately 30% to 70% [3][4][5] , similar to our results. We considered that these services were conducted for immigrant workers without a margin for comparing with Japanese and American workers.…”

Use of employer administrative databases to identify systematic causes of injury in aluminum manufacturing

“…Prior research supports higher injury rates for Hispanic and Latino employees, especially in construction and agriculture [McCurdy et al, 2003;Brunette, 2004;Brunette, 2005]. We are currently expanding our collection of data on race and ethnicity and studies of differences by sociodemographic factors are planned.…”

Immigrant populations, work and health—a systematic literature review

“…Pun and her colleagues (41) described an educational intervention to address musculoskeletal concerns with Mandarin-speaking garment workers. They, as well as other authors, pointed out that language is only one of the issues involved (41,42). Safety training and personal protective equipment, though a vital part of workplace health and safety, ultimately focus on the individual worker, rather than addressing and limiting the root causes of exposures and injuries.…”