In America, we believe in hard work, personal responsibility, and looking out for one another. Whether you’re swinging a hammer, laying drywall, or running a crew, safety is not just a rule—it’s a moral obligation. Every worker deserves to go home safe, no matter where they’re from or what language they speak.
A Troubling Trend
A recent report from the Center for Construction Research and Training revealed a serious concern: fatalities among Hispanic construction workers more than doubled from 2011 to 2022. That’s a 107% increase—far higher than the 16.5% rise among non-Hispanic workers during the same period.
In 2022 alone, Hispanic workers accounted for:
· 34.5% of nonfatal injuries involving days away from work
· 47.3% of nonfatal injuries requiring job transfer or restriction
These numbers aren’t just statistics—they represent fathers, mothers, sons, and daughters who were hurt or killed while trying to earn an honest living.
What’s Causing the Gap?
The report points to several key issues:
· Language barriers that prevent workers from understanding safety instructions
· Lack of training materials in Spanish or other native languages
· Fear of retaliation for speaking up about unsafe conditions
· Weak enforcement of safety standards on some jobsites
These challenges don’t just affect Hispanic workers—they affect the integrity of the entire industry.
We Can—and Must—Do Better
Safety should never depend on your background or your ability to speak English. Every worker deserves clear instructions, proper training, and the freedom to speak up without fear.
Here’s what we can do:
· Provide bilingual safety training and materials
· Encourage open communication on the jobsite
· Hold supervisors accountable for enforcing safety standards
· Treat every worker with dignity and respect
Leadership and Responsibility
Owners, foremen, and supervisors set the tone. If we want safer jobsites, we need leaders who take safety seriously and treat every worker fairly. That means doing the right thing—even when no one’s watching.
A Call to Action
America was built by hardworking people from all walks of life. We honor that legacy by protecting those who build our homes, roads, and communities. Safety isn’t about politics—it’s about doing what’s right.
Let’s make sure every worker, regardless of language or background, has the tools and training they need to stay safe. Because at the end of the day, nothing is more important than making it home.
