Summary:
Hispanic and Latino foreign-born construction workers in the United States experience higher rates of serious injuries and fatalities in the workplace than their native-born peers. Previous research has pointed to specific vulnerabilities among this population, including birthplace, age of the worker, language barriers, and education level, but little to no research has examined addressable risk factors, such as occupational risk perceptions, among this population. The purpose of this quantitative study was to determine the relationship between birthplace, number of years working in the United States, and occupational risk perceptions while controlling for age of the worker, language barriers, and education level. A modified conceptual model that links specific demographic factors to occupational risk perceptions served as the framework for the study. A convenience sample of construction workers in central Florida provided demographic information and self-reported risk perceptions in this cross-sectional study. Multiple linear regression analyses were used to examine potential relationships between birthplace and risk perceptions as well as number of years working in the United States and risk perceptions. The results of these analyses indicated a statistically significant difference in risk perceptions between foreign-born and native-born construction workers, but time spent working in the United States did not affect these risk perceptions. The implications for positive social change include the identification of risk factors that are addressable through improved training and better communication. Addressing these factors may help reduce injuries and fatalities among Hispanic and Latino foreign-born construction workers in central Florida.
Why it matters:
Hispanic and Latino foreign-born construction workers are one of the most vulnerable populations to occupational injuries and fatalities in the United States (US)
- 20% of all workplace fatalities occur in construction
- Foreign-born workers experience higher rates of serious injuries and fatalities (SIFs) than native-born workers
- The disparities among foreign-born construction workers are evident as a global public health issue
- In the US, the construction industry accounts for 35% of all Hispanic and Latino worker fatalities, and 74% of these fatalities occur among foreign-born workers
- Occupational fatalities among this population continue to increase year over year, and foreign-born workers are 15% more likely to experience a fatal injury than native-born workers
- Central Florida is home to a significantly larger percentage of foreign-born workers than the rest of the US
- Few US studies have explored the potential causes of these disparate vulnerabilities
- Little to no research has been conducted in Central Florida
What the findings mean for practice:
-
Occupational risk perceptions among construction workers can be improved through effective training practices
-
Both age and birthplace have a relationship with occupational risk perceptions
-
Workplace safety training should be targeted toward and tailored to more vulnerable audiences
-
While education level and language barriers did not appear to influence risk perceptions in this study, those factors should still be considered when designing effective workplace safety training
-
-
Previous research among foreign-born construction workers in the US has primarily focused on the relationships between demographic factors and workplace injury and fatality outcomes
-
These vulnerabilities are not easily, and sometimes not ethically, changeable to prevent adverse outcomes
-
This study fills a gap by examining the relationships between demographic vulnerabilities and risk perceptions, which are both addressable through appropriate intervention and directly linked to workplace injury and fatality outcomes
-
Future research should continue to examine the addressable leading indicators of workplace injuries and fatalities to enable positive social change for vulnerable populations
-
Dr. Matt Law serves as Manager, Safety Strategy for W.W. Grainger, Inc., developing comprehensive environmental health, safety, and business solutions with internal and external partners to mitigate risk to people, property, and the environment. He is a Certified Safety Professional, a Registered Environmental Health Specialist, and holds a Doctor of Public Health degree from Walden University. Matt also serves as a United States Navy Reserve Environmental Health Officer and currently serves as Vice Chair of the Alliance for Central Florida Safety. He has also contributed works to the Professional Safety Journal on communication and mentorship, selling safety, and emergency risk communication.