Differences in Occupational Injuries, Illnesses, and Fatalities among Hispanic and Non-Hispanic Construction Workers
Publication: Journal of Construction Engineering and Management
Volume 131, Issue 9
Abstract
The U.S. Census Bureau estimates that one in four persons in the United States will be of Hispanic origin by 2050, up from one in eight in 2002. Driven by immigration, this dramatic growth in the Hispanic population will present unique challenges in the workplace. In construction, the increase in the Hispanic population has enabled the industry to meet its workforce demands. Unfortunately, this has occurred with costs in the health and safety of Hispanic construction workers. Using data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics’ current population survey, current employment survey, survey of occupational injuries and illnesses, and census of fatal occupational injuries, this study examines relative differences in injuries, illnesses, and fatalities between Hispanic and non-Hispanic construction workers by occupation. The findings show that differences in injuries, illnesses, and fatalities exist between Hispanic and non-Hispanic construction workers, although not always unfavorably toward Hispanics, and the difference does vary by occupation. The implication of the increasing size of the Hispanic construction workforce with respect to construction safety and health training needs is discussed.
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Information & Authors
Information
Published In
Journal of Construction Engineering and Management
Volume 131 • Issue 9 • September 2005
Pages: 1021 - 1028
Copyright
© 2005 ASCE.
History
Received: Sep 9, 2004
Accepted: Jan 12, 2005
Published online: Sep 1, 2005
Published in print: Sep 2005
Authors
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