Workers’ Memorial Day: Latinos face high risk of dying on the job

As the nation observes Workers’ Memorial Day on Monday to remember those who have died or have been injured on the job, some are pointing out that Latinos in the United States face a higher risk of suffering fatal workplace injuries compared to U.S. workers as a whole.

A report by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics shows that 708 Latinos died from workplace injuries 2012, down from 749 in 2011. Of those fatal injuries reported in 2012, a total of 454 involved Latino workers who were born outside of the U.S.

The number of Latinos who’ve died due to work-related injuries peaked at 990 in 2006. The number dropped the following four years and rose again in 2011.

What’s more, a study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention notes that Latinos are more likely than other workers in the U.S. to be killed on the job from falls and dangerous working conditions, such as exposure to harmful chemicals and being struck by equipment.

SEE ALSO: Just before Labor Day, a report shows struggles of Latino workers

In a newsletter sent to supporters on Monday to commemorate Workers’ Memorial Day, the Labor Council for Latin American Advancement (LCLAA) stated:

“Latinos continue to be exposed and forced to work in unsafe conditions because greedy profit driven corporations view our brothers and sisters as cheap disposable labor.”

LCLAA also noted that Latinos face a higher risk of dying on the job because they work in some of the most dangerous industries, including agriculture and construction. LCLAA added this is especially true for undocumented workers, who are often exploited and abused by employers but don’t report anything because they fear retaliation.

For years, LCLAA has been advocating for policies and legislation that will improve workplace safety for Latino workers, including those who are undocumented. It has also been calling for stronger civil and criminal penalties for safety violations and for less anti-union legislation.

In 2011, the group released a report that analyzed how Latinos are faring in the workplace all throughout the U.S. A year later, it released another report that specifically looked at the challenges Latina workers faced in the workplace. Both reports concluded that Latinos continue to be the most vulnerable workers in the U.S. labor force.

SEE ALSO: The LCLAA, the voice of Latinos in the labor force

The AFL-CIO, the nation’s largest federation of unions, also commemorated Workers’ Memorial Day by highlighting the dangers many people face in the workplace. It noted that 150 workers die every day in the U.S. as a result of injury or occupational disease.

“As we keep those who have died in our thoughts and prayers, we should rededicate ourselves to holding companies accountable for putting profits over people, and we must demand stronger safety standards in the workplace,” stated AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka.

More facts about fatal workplace injuries involving Latino workers, according to a 2013 AFL-CIO report:

• The number of fatal workplace injuries involving Latinos peaked at 990 in 2006.
• The states with the highest number of Latino worker fatalities are Texas, California and Florida.
• The construction industry is responsible for the highest number of Latino worker deaths, followed by truck transportation, manufacturing and crop production.