Unsafe Conditions Elderly, Non-Native Latino Construction Workers

Background Information on Construction in General Most fatal on-the-job and occupational injuries Falls are leading cause of fatality in the industry

Why Focus Specifically on Elderly, Non-Native Latinos? Disproportionate Representation Cultural and Social Factors (especially working hours)

Risk Management OSHA: Part 1926 in the Fall Protection Standard Subpart M SAFR - The St. Louis Audit of Fall Risks

Why should we care? Why do I care? Discussions with my brother Interview with Construction Worker “John”

Position Statements All construction companies doing work within the United States should focus on developing peer safety leaders, or “safety liaisons,” to assist their elderly, non-native Latino workers because such groups thus far have been unable to recognize safety and health hazards at the workplace and/or communicate concerns with coworkers and supervisors, leading to a lack of efficiency and productivity and an increase in the number of work-related deaths. All construction companies doing work within the United States should guarantee construction workers, especially those that are elderly and of Latino descent, the right to paid rest breaks of at least 10 minutes for every four hours worked because the demonstrated health impacts have so far indicated an unreasonable social and economic burden for this particular population.

Evidence, and Barriers Evidence: English-speaking worker’s rights and safety groups Unfair contracts Barriers Language and Literacy Employer retaliation Masculinity narratives (pride in accepting danger) Need for work

Takeaway Points/Recommendations “Safety Liaisons” Bilingual Signs for Rest Requirement

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