Study Finds Minorities at an Increased Risk for Serious Work Injuries

Anyone from any industry can experience a work injury, but the risk tends to be higher for certain industries (i.e. construction, manufacturing, etc.). Interestingly enough, these high-risk industries also employ more minority workers than other industries. Add these two issues together and it is easy to understand the results of a recent study - one in which it was found that minority workers have the greatest risk of a serious work injury.

Researchers from the USC Schaeffer Center for Health Policy and Economics and the Keck School of Medicine of USC recently examined data on work injuries throughout the United States. It was mined from the U.S. Census Bureau’s American Community Survey from 2006 to 2013, which included 11.6 million respondents, and the Survey of Income and Program Participation by the Bureau of Labor Statistics for 1996, 2001, 2004, and 2008, which included 198,000 respondents.

Overall, immigrant male Latino workers were found to have the highest risk of work injury (13.7 per 1,000 workers). Black male workers had the next highest rate of incidence (more than 12 per 1,000 workers), which was then followed by U.S. born Latino men (slightly less than 12 per 1,000 workers). White male workers had an injury rate of 11.8 per 1,000. Asian men had the lowest injury rate (nearly 10 per 1,000). All other ethnicities had an injury rate of about 11 per 1,000 workers.

Historically, minorities have endured some of the worst working conditions. To learn that they continue to face an increased risk of injury - sometimes due to a lack of safety and regulation - is devastating and indicates that poor working conditions and a disregard for worker safety is still very much an issue in America. Thankfully, the study does provide evidence that may be able to help improve the working conditions. Further, it may offer knowledge and understanding to those who have suffered an injury on the job and plan to pursue a claim; it may help them recognize that negligence may have been a factor.

At Corsiglia, McMahon & Allard, LLP, we fight for the rights and best interests of our clients. Diligent and experienced, we can examine your case to determine what compensation you may be owed for your injury. We will represent you, every step of the way, and will always pursue the most favorable outcome possible. Learn more by scheduling a consultation with our San Jose work injury lawyers. Call (408) 289-1417.

• Minorities, Latino immigrants face the greatest risk of workplace injuries