The statistics don’t lie. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the fatal injury rate for Hispanic workers is higher than the national average for all U.S. workers. Preliminary data shows that workplace injuries to Hispanics increased by 7% in 2013, compared to 2012, and Hispanics accounted for 18% of all fatal work injuries in 2013. As the percentage of Hispanic worker continues to increase in the American workforce we need to make sure that this at risk population is protected.
New immigrant populations are initially fairly insular. Add to that the barrier of a different language, and trust and communication are hard things to establish. SCATS developed their Spanish language training program to emphasize and focus on these underserved communities. This April will mark the 11th Annual Nevada Hispanic Safety Month. With two full time Spanish speaking instructors SCATS has made a significant commitment to this program and these communities. Special outreach events such as additional training classes, consular visits, Empleo activities, media interviews, and government proclamations draw much needed attention to the issue.
Safety should be a focus every day not just during a specific month. And it shouldn’t matter what your ethnicity is either. According to Dr. Michaels Assistant Secretary of Labor, “If you work in the United States, you have the right to come home safe and healthy from your job at the end of every shift. At OSHA, our job is to help make sure that employers protect every worker from being hurt, sickened or killed on the job.”
The Safety Consultation and Training Section (SCATS) helps Nevada employers and employees create and maintain a safe and healthy workplace. SCATS is part of the Nevada Department of Business and Industry, Division of Industrial Relations.
SCATS offers classes on a variety of subjects in both English and Spanish on a regular basis. You can register for classes on our website at www.4safenv.state.nv.us.
For more information or for a schedule of training courses offered at no charge by SCATS, call toll free 1.877.4SAFENV [1-(877)-472-3368], or visit, www.4safenv.state.nv.us.