Get the Facts

Q:  What are national statistics for work-related fatalities among multicultural workers?

A: A total of 5,702 fatal work injuries were recorded in the United States in 2005,
down about 1 percent from the revised total of 5,764 fatal work injuries recorded
in 2004.

• Fatal work injuries among Hispanic workers increased by 2 percent in 2005 to a new series high, though the fatality rate for Hispanic workers was lower.
• The number of fatal work injuries among Hispanic or Latino workers reached a series high for the fatality census (917 fatal work injuries), but due to increased employment, the fatality rate for this population was down in 2005.  Fatalities involving foreign-born Hispanic workers were also higher in 2005, rising to a series high of 625 fatal work injuries, up from 596 in 2004.  Fatalities among black or African American workers rose to 577 fatal work injuries in 2005 from 546 in 2004.  Fatalities involving Asians and Native Hawaiians or Pacific Islanders declined from 180 in 2004 to 162 in 2005. 
• Fatalities among agricultural workers were up 23 percent from 145 in 2004 to 178 in 2005.
• While the number of fatal work injuries in private construction continued to be the most of any industry sector, the number of fatalities was 4 percent lower in 2005 than 2004.

SOURCE: Census of Fatal Occupational Injuries Summary, 2005 (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics) http://www.bls.gov/iif/oshcfoi1.htm         

Q:  What are local statistics for work-related fatalities among multicultural workers?

A:   In 2005, there were 54 occupational fatalities in Utah. Of those, 11 were Hispanic workers – or 20 percent. Since Hispanics comprise nearly 11 percent of Utah’s population, there is a disproportionate number of deaths among this population group – one of the major reasons the Coalition for Multicultural Workers’ Safety and Health is working to help businesses better protect their diverse employees.

SOURCES: U.S. Census Bureau and U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics http://www.bls.gov/iif/oshwc/cfoi/tgs/2003/iiffi49.htm

Q:  What are the major contributors to work-related fatalities, injuries and illnesses among multicultural workers in Utah?

A:  Anecdotal evidence suggests that language barriers, insufficient safety training, and cultural differences are major contributors to work-related injuries, illnesses and fatalities among Utah’s multicultural workers. In 2007, the Utah Labor Commission will be releasing a much anticipated research-based analysis to help identify the actual factors involved and lead the way to the development of better solutions. Visit www.laborcommission.utah.gov for updates on research results.

LINKS:

Utah Labor Commission
www.laborcommission.utah.gov

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
http://www.bls.gov/iif