Department of Labor and OSHA schedule conference on Latino Worker Safety and Health

In 2006, fatal work injuries involving Latino workers increased, reaching 990, the highest ever recorded for Latino workers. The fatality rate for civilian foreign-born Hispanic workers in 2006 was 6.0, or 50 percent higher than the rate of all workers. In 2008, some progress was seen- there was a decline in fatal work injuries among Hispanic or Latino workers- primarily involved foreign-born Hispanic or Latino workers. Fatalities among foreign-born Hispanic or Latino workers were lower by 24 percent (from 634 in 2007 to 480 in 2008), but among native-born Hispanics, the decline was only 3 percent. The good news is that Department of Labor and OSHA recognize that these statistics exist.

The Department of Labor and OSHA will be hosting a National Action Summit for Latino Worker Health and Safety, April 14-15 at the Hilton Americas Hotel in Houston. The event is also being co-sponsored by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health.

The conference will bring together workers and representatives from employer associations, labor unions, the faith community, community organizations, the medical community, safety and health professionals, educators, government officials, Consulates, the entertainment community and other non-traditional partners.

Construction will be the primary industry targeted. Latino immigrant workers comprise almost one quarter of the construction industry workforce and suffer the highest rate of construction-related deaths. The conference will also target other high-risk industries that employ large numbers of Latino workers.

"Far too many Latino workers have needlessly lost their lives just trying to earn a living and it must stop," said Assistant Secretary of Labor for OSHA David Michaels. "At the summit, we will shine a spotlight on the hazards and challenges faced by this vulnerable sector of the nation's workforce so that we can begin crafting new, badly needed strategies to prevent thousands of injuries and deaths every year."

The conference will also showcase innovative partnerships, demonstrate successful education and training strategies, and develop effective enforcement and communication strategies. Those interested in attending can register online at www.osha.gov beginning Wednesday, January 13.

Sources:
www.osha.gov
www.bls.gov