Temporal Patterns in Work-Related Fatalities Among Foreign-Born Workers in the US, 1992–2007

Abstract

In the United States, approximately 20% of all workers who died on the job in 2007 were foreign-born. The objective of this study was to describe trends in occupational fatalities among foreign-born workers. An analysis of fatal injuries among foreign-born workers in the US occurring from 1992 through 2007 was conducted using the Bureau of Labor Statistics' Census of Fatal Occupational Injuries. Individual characteristics, employment characteristics, injury events and industry employment were summarized and evaluated for trends. Both the number and proportion of foreign-born workers who died from a traumatic work-related injury increased substantially over the time period studied. The proportion who were men, aged 25-44years, Hispanic, non self-employed, employed by business establishments with 10 or fewer employees, working at private residences and working in Construction and Services consistently increased throughout the time period. While some trends among foreign-born decedents are improving, others are worsening. More comprehensive research efforts are needed to address the occupational injury and safety issues among foreign-born workers, with a focus on Hispanics.