Workplace deaths increase for Latinos and Blacks

Jul 15, 2013

Workplace Injuries
Latinos have the highest rate of occupational fatalities in the United States and it's been that way for 15 years, according to a recent report. Hispanics make up 15 percent of the labor market, but accounted for more than 20 percent of the fatalities, another report showed. The rate of deaths of Latino workers increased 3 percent in 2011 over the previous year.

Overall, more than 4,600 workers were killed on the job in 2011 down from nearly 4,700 fatalities in 2010. Most deaths occurred in construction, transportation and warehouse jobs, according to an analysis by the National Council for Occupational Safety and Health (COSH).

The number of workplace deaths among Latinos rose to 729 in 2011 from 707 in 2010. It was the first increase since 2006. About 500 of those deaths were of foreign-born workers, largely from Mexico.

Deaths in construction dropped for the fifth consecutive year to 721 deaths. The number is down nearly 42 percent since 2006.

Warehouse and transportation deaths have increased to 733 deaths, overtaking construction.

Women and low-wage jobs

Women are more likely to work in low-wage jobs and are at a high risk for work-related injuries, illness and death.

Hispanic women accounted for 11 percent of occupational fatalities from 2005-2009, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. More than half were foreign born.

The rate of fatalities for Hispanic men has declined 29 percent since 2006, however, it has remained the same for Hispanic women.

Source: Published originally on ABC News/Univision as Workplace Deaths Increase for Latinos and Blacksby Albert Sabaté, April 30, 2013.