Latinos face disproportionate risk of construction accidents

New York workplaces may lead to a variety of injuries, illnesses or other health problems. For some people, sitting too long in a desk or chair that does not quite fit can cause muscle or back pain. For others, air quality or noise may be a concern. Continuous stress and long hours can also contribute to health problems. Construction workers face some of the greatest workplace risks, however, and may find themselves in need of a personal injury lawyer if they suffer injury while on the job. A recent report from The Center for Popular Democracy indicates that Latinos and other immigrant workers face a greater risk of dying from accidents on a construction site than other workers. In order to write the report, researchers used data on construction site falls from OSHA investigations conducted between 2003 and 2011. The findings of the report showed that in New York State, New York City, Queens and Brooklyn, more than fifty percent of falls or fall-related fatalities were Latinos or immigrants, sometimes reaching as high as eighty-seven percent. A worksite injury almost always results in trauma and financial hardship. These effects can be intensified for construction workers, who face a greater risk of being injured and are more likely to suffer severe, potentially debilitating injuries. Construction accidents, such as a fall from heights, can result in injuries that create permanent disability or require long-term care. This means that a construction worker’s ability to earn a living may be negatively affected for the rest of his or her life. Workers’ compensation exists to protect employees from financial ruin caused by a worksite injury, but it may not be sufficient to cover the actual costs of medical treatment and care or loss of income for a prolonged or permanent period. When compensation offered is not enough, or when an employer’s negligence caused the accident, an injured construction worker may find it necessary to file a lawsuit to obtain the compensation needed. Source: The Huffington Post, “Latinos Make Up Majority Of Fatal Falls At New York Construction Sites,” Oct. 25, 2013