This is the Department of Labor blog post authored by Diana Cortez, Area Director for OSHA in Tarrytown, New York.  Diana states that according to the Bureau of Labor Satistics, the fatal injury rate for Hispanic workers is higher than the national average for all U.S. workers, and Hispanics accounted for 18% of all fatal work injuries in 2013.  During this Hispanic Heritage month, Diana is renewing her commitment to improving safety for the Hispanic community.  Diana asserts that if your workplace is unsafe, you have every right to contact OSHA.  You can call 1-800-321-6742.  It's confidential.  You can also have a representative—such as your consulate, church or community group—contact OSHA on your behalf.  OSHA is here to help. 

I started working for the Occupational Safety and Health Administration in 1980. During inspections, employers would look at me and say “What do you know? You’re just a kid!” But I knew right from the first day that I was making a difference, and I loved my job. Every site visit was a chance to help workers regain their most fundamental right: the right to a safe and healthy workplace. 

A lot has changed since then, including the makeup of our labor force. Hispanics are now 16% of the American workforce.  These are mothers, fathers, sisters, brothers, spouses, and children, who too often put their life on the line for a day’s wage. And they’re at greater risk of injury and death than other workers.

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.

How do we change these trends? How do we reach this vulnerable population? We use specialized outreach and training to get the word out.

In my own region of New York, we’ve built great relationships with the Latino community over the years. I’ve stood on corners and talked to day laborers as they jumped in trucks heading to their next jobs. I’ve spoken to young factory workers at night and on weekends, the only time they could afford to be off the clock. All too often, these workers did not know that they had the right to safe and healthy working conditions.

For over 10 years, OSHA has also partnered with faith-based programs, community organizations, and unions across the country to train workers. We have teamed up with consulates to ensure that workers new to the American workforce know their rights.

I believe these are the relationships that save lives. They can educate and empower our most vulnerable workers, but I also believe there is so much more left to do.

So, during this Hispanic Heritage month, I am renewing my commitment and I hope you will too. ! Porque todos tenemos derechos! Let’s change the statistics and improve safety for the Hispanic community. Let your families, friends and co-workers know that all workers in the United States have the right to a safe workplace. If your workplace is unsafe, you have every right to contact OSHA.  You can call 1-800 321-6742. It’s confidential. You can also have a representative—such as your consulate, church or community group—contact OSHA on your behalf. We are here to help.

Diana Cortez is the area director for OSHA in Tarrytown, New York.