Undoubtedly, work in the construction industry can be dangerous. But while the number of injured workers throughout the United States decreased last year, construction related fatalities in Texas rose more than 25%. Additionally, over 30,000 Texas based construction workers suffered injuries ranging from
broken bones to
amputations in 1999.
While any on the job injury can be physically debilitating, the impact on the family members of the victim can be profound. Traditionally, injured construction workers have been the breadwinners of the family unit. Nowhere is this more evident than within the immigrant families of Texas. Many Texas construction laborers are Mexican and Central American immigrants who came to the United States seeking the American dream. These immigrants are hardworking, yet the language barrier places them at a significant safety disadvantage to their peers, as training is often conducted in English.
When workplace tragedy strikes this vulnerable immigrant population, the complications can be overwhelming. Not only is the family's source of income interrupted, but surviving members are often left to deal with a confusing array of legal issues ranging from workers compensation petitions to problems with the Immigration and Naturalization Service.
Over 1,200 Texas construction workers have lost their lives in job related accidents over the last ten years. In addition, non-fatal job related illnesses and injuries increased by more than 50% over last year's figures. As these statistics indicate, Texas must begin improving safety within the state's construction industry.