Immigrant Hispanic workers in the United States are facing a concerning trend of occupational deaths, as reported by the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The data reveals that these workers are at a disproportionately higher risk of dying on the job, and the death rate among this demographic is on the rise.
In 2021, foreign-born Hispanic or Latino workers accounted for 8% of the employed workforce in the US. However, shockingly, they represented 14% of the work-related deaths during the same period. This disparity is alarming and highlights the need for increased safety measures and protections for immigrant workers.
A tragic incident that exemplifies this issue is the Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse, where all six construction workers who were found dead or presumed dead were of Hispanic origin. These workers hailed from countries such as Mexico, Guatemala, El Salvador, and Honduras, underscoring the diverse backgrounds of immigrant laborers in the US.
The data further reveals that in 2021, nearly half of foreign-born employees in the US, totaling over 12.5 million individuals, were of Hispanic descent. This demographic includes a mix of legal and undocumented immigrants, refugees, and temporary workers. Over a 10-year period, the working population of Hispanic immigrant workers increased by 17%. However, the concerning statistic is that the rate of occupational deaths among this group surged by 42% during the same timeframe.
These statistics shed light on the challenges and risks faced by immigrant Hispanic workers in the US labor force. It is imperative for employers, policymakers, and regulatory bodies to address these disparities and prioritize the safety and well-being of all workers, regardless of their background or immigration status.
