For people who are employed in a variety of fields, the workplace can be a dangerous place. Whether you work in an office, on a construction site or in any other environment, there may be a multitude of hazards that you have to keep an eye out for. In Miami, Florida, the workplace can be especially dangerous for immigrant workers, some of whom find themselves working in dangerous occupations. While immigrants have all sorts of stressors to work through, such as paperwork and immigration-related challenges, they may also face an especially high risk of fatal work accidents.
According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, those who work in the U.S. as immigrants face a disproportionate risk of sustaining an injury or passing away in an on-the-job accident. Sadly, the workplace can be an unpredictable and unsafe place. Every year, an average of 50,000 people pass away as a result of occupational disease, while an estimated eight to 12 million sustain an injury or illness because of their job.
For immigrants, it is imperative to identify potential risks and report any conditions that are not safe immediately. With proper training and by paying close attention at all times, immigrant workers may be able to reduce the likelihood of a workplace incident. Furthermore, immigrant workers who are injured should review their rights and know that they are likely covered by OSHA without regard to their immigration status. After all, moving forward after an accident can be incredibly challenging for all workers who are hurt on the job.
