Hispanic Construction Workers Research Articles

Analysis of musculoskeletal pains and productivity impacts among hispanic construction workers

This study investigated the top three musculoskeletal pains (MSP) among Hispanic construction workers in Texas and the relationship between sleep hours, age, and MSPs on worker productivity. The study recruited 228 participants from 28 small construction companies and surveyed them on their occupation, age, sleep hours, MSP, and the impact of pain on productivity. The results indicated that Foot pain was the most common among these workers, followed by Back pain and others. Additionally, the study found that the Foot was the most common body part reported with MSP among roofers, drywall installers, laborers, and helpers. The study conducted a three-factor ANOVA test to analyze if there were any significant differences in productivity based on age, number of MSPs, and sleep hours. The study found that MSPs and sleep hours significantly impacted productivity. However, there was no significant effect of age. The results also showed that the number of MSPs significantly impacted productivity, with an increase in MSPs leading to a more severe impact on productivity. Additionally, those who slept less than 6 h per day had a more severe impact on productivity than those who slept more. The study suggests that targeted interventions to improve musculoskeletal health and productivity in this population are needed and highlights the importance of considering Hispanic construction workers' specific needs when implementing safety measures and addressing pain management in the workplace.

DISSEMINATED HISTOPLASMOSIS IN A PATIENT WITH NEWLY DIAGNOSED AIDS

TOPIC: Chest Infections TYPE: Medical Student/Resident Case Reports INTRODUCTION: Disseminated Histoplasmosis (DH) is an AIDS-defining illness caused by the dimorphic fungus Histoplasma capsulatum. Outbreaks have been associated with exposure to bird or bat droppings and amongst construction workers. It remains unclear whether DH represents an acute infection or a reactivation of latent infection. We present a case of DH in a newly diagnosed AIDS patient. CASE PRESENTATION: A 50 year old male Hispanic construction worker presented with a month history of persisting fever, chills, diaphoresis, progressive shortness of breath on exertion, non-bloody diarrhea and 15lbs weight loss. HIV screen was positive (new diagnosis) and his CD4+ cell count was 3 per cubic millimeter with a viral load of over 1 million copies/ml. CXR showed diffuse interstitial infiltrates in both lung fields and CT chest showed numerous punctate miliary pattern pulmonary nodules in the lungs with necrotic appearing lymph nodes in the proximal jejunal mesentery. SARS-CoV2 PCR was negative. BAL culture grew Histoplasma capsulatum, Lung biopsy pathology showed broad based budding yeast and urine histoplasma antigen was positive at greater than 23 ng/ml. He was treated with highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART), IV liposomal amphotericin, and steroid. Empiric anti-TB therapy was stopped with negative quantiferon TB gold, BAL AFB smear and BAL MTB complex PCR. Silver stain for PCP, serum cryptococcal antigen, serum galactomammanan and fungitell assays were all negative. Hospital course was complicated by pneumothorax, septic shock, line related bloodstream infections that resolved with line removal and antimicrobials. Despite appropriate antifungal therapy for 40 days with decrease in his urine histoplasma antigen to 11 ng/ml, and HIV viral load decreasing to 330 copies/ml after 3 weeks of HAART, he remained ventilator dependent, on chest tubes and could not be weaned off sedation. His family made him comfort care only on hospital day 43 and he died peacefully after. DISCUSSION: Histoplasmosis has been recognized as an opportunistic infection in patients with AIDS and typically presents as disseminated disease. DH in conjunction with HIV infection is particularly common among Hispanic persons in the United states. In AIDS patients, DH is associated with a nonspecific clinical presentation—usually unexplained fever and weight loss. Histoplasmosis causes significant morbidity and mortality. Fungal infections deaths in AIDS were estimated at more than 700, 000 deaths (47%) annually. The frequent occurence of histoplasmosis with other opportunistic infections especially tuberculosis requires that tuberculosis be ruled out even if histoplasmosis is diagnosed. CONCLUSIONS: This case highlights the fact that although miliary pattern on CT Chest typically signifies tuberculosis, it can also be seen in histoplasmosis. Also associated morbidity and mortality of DH remains high in AIDS patients not on HAART. REFERENCE #1: Rana A. Hajjeh. Disseminated Histoplasmosis in Persons Infected with Human Immunodeficiency Virus. Clinical Infectious Diseases 1995; 21(Suppl 1):S108 -10. REFERENCE #2: Stuart M. Levitz, and Eugene J. Mark. Case 38-1998 — A 19-Year-Old Man with the Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome and Persistent Fever. N Engl J Med 1998; 339:1835-1843. REFERENCE #3: David W. Denning. Minimizing fungal disease deaths will allow the UNAIDS target of reducing annual AIDS deaths below 500 000 by 2020 to be realized. Philos Trans R Soc Lond B Biol Sci. 2016 Dec 5;371(1709). DISCLOSURES: No relevant relationships by Oluwadamilola Adeyemi, source=Web Response No relevant relationships by Ingrid Gils, source=Web Response No relevant relationships by Drew Ludwig, source=Web Response No relevant relationships by Biana Modilevsky, source=Web Response

Satisfying the Need for Diversity Training for Hispanic Construction Workers and Their Supervisors at US Construction Workplaces: A Case Study

AbstractThe representation of the Hispanic construction workforce has substantially increased over the last 15 years, and it continues to increase. Because of this, the Hispanic construction workfo...

Exploring fundamental causes of safety challenges faced by Hispanic construction workers in the US using photovoice

The US construction industry has long been responsible for a high injury and fatality rate. Within this dangerous industry, Hispanic workers are 45% more likely to be injured or killed than their non-Hispanic counterparts. Previous researchers have examined reasons for these disproportionate injury rates but past literature is spurious, fragmented, and incomplete. To address these limitations an in-depth study was launched to explore the perceived challenges that impact the safety of Hispanic construction workers. The primary data collection method was Photovoice, a photograph-based interview process that allows each participant to be the generator of their own data. The results of Photovoice interviews with 17 Hispanic workers in Colorado indicate that, compared with non-Hispanic workers, Hispanic workers perceive that they are: (1) susceptible to an internal pressure to complete work quickly and neglect safety based on their experiences in their home country; (2) assigned more dangerous tasks because of racism and discrimination; (3) more willing to accept dangerous work for fear of losing their jobs and ability to support extended family; (4) less likely to provide feedback to their supervisors and co-workers for fear of negative personal reactions; (5) more likely to be distracted by family issues while at work because of their strong and broad family ties; (6) more likely to ignore criticism because of machismo; (7) more likely to underreport injuries for fear of losing their jobs; and (8) less likely to ask for safety assistance when it is needed because of pride.

Results of a community-based survey of construction safety climate for Hispanic workers.

Hispanic construction workers experience high rates of occupational injury, likely influenced by individual, organizational, and social factors. To characterize the safety climate of Hispanic construction workers using worker, contractor, and supervisor perceptions of the workplace. We developed a 40-item interviewer-assisted survey with six safety climate dimensions and administered it in Spanish and English to construction workers, contractors, and supervisors. A safety climate model, comparing responses and assessing contributing factors was created based on survey responses. While contractors and construction supervisors' (n = 128) scores were higher, all respondents shared a negative perception of safety climate. Construction workers had statistically significantly lower safety climate scores compared to supervisors and contractors (30·6 vs 46·5%, P<0·05). Safety climate scores were not associated with English language ability or years lived in the United States. We found that Hispanic construction workers in this study experienced a poor safety climate. The Hispanic construction safety climate model we propose can serve as a framework to guide organizational safety interventions and evaluate safety climate improvements.

Hispanic construction workers and assertiveness training

Hispanic (Latino) construction workers experience disparities in occupational death and injury rates in the United States. The cultural value of respect for those in authority may hinder these workers from requesting safe working conditions from supervisors. To evaluate whether Hispanic construction workers in Las Vegas, Nevada found assertiveness training more useful than non-Hispanic trainees and whether or not they practiced this behavior at work after the training. An assertiveness training simulation was part of fall prevention classes offered to area construction workers. Eight weeks after the training, participants were interviewed by telephone about class topics they found most useful and whether or not they had made any subsequent behavior changes at work. More than half of the 760 fall prevention trainees completed telephone interviews. A smaller proportion of Hispanic trainees found assertiveness training to be useful (11%) than non-Hispanics (28%) (p⩽ 0.001). Only 2% of both groups identified practicing assertiveness at work. A large proportion of Hispanic trainees valued other knowledge more highly. They may weigh job security as more important than speaking up about safety issues, which might threaten their employment. Interventions to improve safety should focus instead on improving work safety climate and engineering controls.

More than training: Community‐based participatory research to reduce injuries among hispanic construction workers

Workplace mortality and severe injury are disproportionately distributed among foreign born and Hispanic construction workers. Worker Centers (WCs) provide services and advocacy for low-wage workers and a way for investigators to reach them. The goal of this project is to prevent occupational injuries by increasing awareness of hazards and self-efficacy among foreign born, Hispanic construction workers and by expanding the agenda of WCs to include occupational health and safety (H&S). Investigators partnered with eight WCs in seven cities to train worker leaders to deliver a modified OSHA 10-hr curriculum to their peers. Thirty-two worker leaders trained 446 workers over 3 years. There was a demonstrated improvement in knowledge, hazard identification, self-efficacy, and sustainable H&S activities. This study provides evidence for successful implementation of a training intervention for low wage, low literacy Hispanic construction workers using a community-based participatory research approach.

A qualitative investigation of Hispanic construction worker perspectives on factors impacting worksite safety and risk

BackgroundHispanic workers have higher rates of injury and death on construction worksites than workers of other ethnicities. Language barriers and cultural differences have been hypothesized as reasons behind the disparate rates.MethodsWe conducted two series of focus groups with union and non-union Hispanic construction workers to ask them about their perceptions of the causes for the unequal rates. Spanish transcripts were translated and coded in QSR NVivo software for common themes.ResultsWorkers reported a difficult work environment characterized by supervisor pressure, competition for jobs and intimidation with regard to raising safety concerns. Language barriers or cultural factors were not strongly represented as causative factors behind the rates.ConclusionThe results of this study have informed the development of an intervention trial that seeks to prevent falls and silica dust exposure by training contractors employing Hispanic construction workers in the elements of safety leadership, including building respect for their Hispanic workers and facilitating their participation in a safety program.

Integration-communications training for improving productivity and conflict resolution strategies among culture and language diverse construction sites

This article quantifies the effect of communication and conflict on the performance of construction crews with Hispanic workers. Sixty-nine Hispanic and US construction workers completed a test measuring the frequency, type, and resolution of conflict. Conflict theory is used to explain how multicultural construction crews are impacted in terms of workers’ productivity, safety, and quality of work. The results show that greater friction on the jobsite produces negative effects on various aspects of construction work. Language barriers were identified as the most frequent reason for conflict. Communications training was tested using an integration approach in which Hispanic labourers and US workers learned from each other. Such training substantially increased construction language knowledge and alleviated many conflicts on the jobsite.

Localizing and Designing Computer-Based Safety Training Solutions for Hispanic Construction Workers

Despite the construction industry's generally positive reaction to the use of information and communication technologies (ICTs) in many of its functions, some of the profession's key players reside in a digital divide and do not benefit from advances in technology. Hispanic construction workers, an at-risk population with high rates of workplace accidents, are affected by that divide because they rarely take advantage of available ICTs at work. One application of ICTs that can help Hispanic/Latino workers is computer-based training (CBT) for occupational safety. However, the design of CBT materials for Spanish-speaking workers needs to go beyond basic localization of existing products in English. A radical localization approach that uses participatory design sessions with construction workers and their supervisors is proposed in this paper. This case study reports that Latino workers reacted positively and retained knowledge from CBT materials, including videos with elements of humor and without graphic representations of accidents, modeled after the genre of a television situation comedy.

SELF-REPORTED JOINT AND BACK PAIN AMONG HISPANIC CONSTRUCTION WORKERS: A PILOT WORKPLACE MUSCULOSKELETAL ASSESSMENT

Construction workers are frequently exposed to awkward work postures and physical demands that can lead to work-related musculoskeletal disorders. There has been limited development of assessment and outreach strategies targeting this highly mobile workforce in general and especially among Hispanic construction workers. We report the prevalence of joint pain from a convenience sample of Hispanic construction workers. A workplace musculoskeletal disorder assessment was undertaken coinciding with construction-site lunch truck visits among 54 workers employed at two large South Florida construction sites. A 45-item questionnaire preloaded onto handheld devices was utilized to record field data. Forty-seven percent of Hispanic workers reported joint pain 30 days prior to interview date, of whom 87% indicated these joint problems interfered with work activities. Over 63% reported experiencing low back pain that lasted at least a whole day during the past 3 months. Right and left knees were the most frequently reported painful joints (both 34%). Musculoskeletal disorders as evident by joint pain, appears to be prevalent among Hispanic construction workers. Workplace ergonomic prevention strategies that reduce musculoskeletal disorders using innovative recruitment and engagement methods (such as during lunch truck construction-site visits) may improve opportunities to reduce joint pain and damage.

Work‐related injuries among Hispanic construction workers—Evidence from the Medical Expenditure Panel Survey

Although a large number of Hispanic workers have entered the construction industry, few studies have estimated non-fatal work-related injuries for Hispanic construction workers at a national level. This study examines work-related injury conditions among Hispanic construction workers and assesses disparities between Hispanic and white, non-Hispanic workers. Pooled data were analyzed from a large national population survey, the Medical Expenditure Panel Survey (MEPS), between 1996 and 2002. More than 7,000 construction workers were identified from the MEPS data including 1,833 Hispanic workers and 4,533 white, non-Hispanic workers. Univariate and multivariate analyses were conducted using SAS-callable SUDAAN. Hispanic workers differ from white, non-Hispanic workers in demographic and socioeconomic status. After controlling for major risk factors, Hispanic construction workers were more likely than their white, non-Hispanic counterparts to suffer non-fatal work-related injury conditions (OR = 1.28, 95% CI: 1.00-1.64). This study provides important evidence concerning Hispanic workers' safety on construction sites. Enhanced safety and health programs for Hispanic construction workers and improved occupational injury data systems are recommended.

Fatal falls among Hispanic construction workers

This study evaluated occupational deaths resulting from fall injuries among Hispanic construction workers using data from the Census of Fatal Occupational Injuries and the Current Population Survey. The demographics and characteristics of fatal falls among Hispanic workers were examined and compared with that of their white, non-Hispanic counterparts. The results show that fatal injuries among Hispanic construction workers were more likely to be caused by a fall than their white, non-Hispanic counterparts (OR = 1.48, 95% CI: 1.05–2.10) after controlling for possible confounders. The rate of fatal falls for foreign-born Hispanic construction workers was 5.5 per 100,000 FTE, which is significantly higher than 4.1 per 100,000 FTE for Hispanic workers who were born in the U.S. (OR = 1.36, 95% CI: 1.08–1.67). The disparities in fatal injuries from falls were found in age groups, job tenure, occupations, and types of construction projects. This study also found that about every two of three fatal falls in construction occurred in establishments with 10 or fewer employees. More prevention, intervention, and training measures must be applied to Hispanic workers, especially those who are new immigrants. OSHA enforcements should target small construction establishments in order to lower overall fatality rates, costs, and unnecessary losses of life.

Medical Costs and Sources of Payment for Work-Related Injuries Among Hispanic Construction Workers

To assess medical costs of occupational injuries and sources of payment among Hispanic and non-Hispanic construction workers. More than 7000 construction workers, including 1833 Hispanic workers were examined using the Medical Expenditure Panel Survey, 1996 to 2002. Univariate and multivariate analyses were conducted using SUDAAN. Annually, work-related injuries in construction cost $1.36 billion (2002 dollars), with 46% paid by workers' compensation. Compared with non-Hispanic workers, Hispanic workers were 53% more likely to have medical conditions resulting from work-related injuries, but 48% less likely to receive payment for medical costs from workers' compensation (P < 0.05). This study suggests an urgent need to reform the current workers' compensation system to reduce the burden shifted to injured workers and society. Such reforms should include easier access and more assistance for Hispanic and other immigrant workers.

Trauma in Hispanic Farm Workers in Eastern North Carolina

Context: In spite of the attention directed at the problem of occupational injuries within the farm environment and at the general health status of migrant farm workers in the United States, there have been no studies focusing on the risk for traumatic injury in general for this disadvantaged group. Purpose: Trauma affecting Eastern North Carolina Hispanic farm workers was quantified and certain risk factors were found. Methods: Through chart review and retrieval of trauma registry information, patient occupational history, injury patterns, treatment variables as well as outcome and hospital charges were determined and compared with data for Hispanic construction workers and other service area males. Findings: Two hundred fifty-six Hispanic farm workers were admitted to the trauma center from July1992 to June 2002, which is comparable to the risk (0.1%) of being admitted to the trauma center for an age-matched service area male. Only 5% of injuries occurred during farm work, 21% were penetrating injuries, and in 66% ofcases (compared to 51% for other age-matched males) alcohol was involved. Conclusion: Most trauma affecting Hispanic farm workers in Eastern North Carolina is not directly occupational and happens in conjunction with recreational activity, where alcohol is an important risk factor. The human and financial cost resulting from such injuries is of such magnitude that it deserves consideration by everybody who is involved in shaping policies in agriculture, immigration and rural public health.

Differences in Occupational Injuries, Illnesses, and Fatalities among Hispanic and Non-Hispanic Construction Workers

The U.S. Census Bureau estimates that one in four persons in the United States will be of Hispanic origin by 2050, up from one in eight in 2002. Driven by immigration, this dramatic growth in the Hispanic population will present unique challenges in the workplace. In construction, the increase in the Hispanic population has enabled the industry to meet its workforce demands. Unfortunately, this has occurred with costs in the health and safety of Hispanic construction workers. Using data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics' current population survey, current employment survey, survey of occupational injuries and illnesses, and census of fatal occupational injuries, this study examines relative differences in injuries, illnesses, and fatalities between Hispanic and non-Hispanic construction workers by occupation. The findings show that differences in injuries, illnesses, and fatalities exist between Hispanic and non-Hispanic construction workers, although not always unfavorably toward Hispanics, and the difference does vary by occupation. The implication of the increasing size of the Hispanic construction workforce with respect to construction safety and health training needs is discussed.

Development of Educational and Training Materials on Safety and Health

The number of Hispanics in the construction work force continues to grow and their fatal and nonfatal occupational injuries are higher than those in any other ethnic group in the United States. Focusing on safety and health for this group may reduce injuries and promote safe workplaces. However, involving hard-to-reach workers is a difficult process because of language and cultural differences within ethnic groups. This article presents findings on effective design, development, and dissemination of safety and health educational materials targeted to Hispanic construction workers. How to utilize a linguistically and culturally sensitive approach is described. The author stresses the need for collaboration among researchers, unions, community development organizations, and advocacy groups in this effort.

Hispanic and Non-Hispanic Wage Differentials: Implications for United States Construction Industry

The shortage of skilled construction workers is considered to be one of the greatest challenges facing the United States construction industry. To meet workforce demands, the industry is increasingly relying on Hispanic construction workers. The result has been a strong increase in Hispanic construction workers, especially in the Western and Southern United States where Hispanics already comprise 31 and 24% of the total construction workforce, respectively. Using data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistic’s Current Population Survey (CPS), this study examines relative differences in hourly wages between Hispanic and non-Hispanic construction workers. The finding suggests that Hispanic workers earn less than their non-Hispanic counterparts controlling for experience, occupation, schooling, and geographical location. The implication of the increasing size of the Hispanic construction workforce with respect to industry real wages and education needs is discussed, along with the workforce’s ability to adopt...

Fatal Occupational Injuries among Hispanic Construction Workers of Texas, 1997 to 1999

Hispanic construction workers, particularly those born outside of the United States, are a growing segment of the Texas workforce and are increasingly the victims of on-the-job fatalities. This study examines occupational fatality characteristics among Hispanic construction workers utilizing records collected by the Texas Workers' Compensation Commission for the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Census of Occupational Fatal Injuries program. Of the 370 fatalities recorded from 1997 to 1999, 179 cases (46.5%) involved Hispanic workers — 109 of who were born in a foreign country. The fatality rate for Hispanic construction workers was 23.5 per 100,000 workers compared to 21.2 for non-Hispanic workers. Many fatally injured Hispanic construction workers shared similar characteristics including: low skill level, young age and foreign birthplace. Hispanic workers employed as construction laborers, helpers, and roofers had the highest number of fatalities. Businesses with fewer than 10 workers employed forty-two % of all Hispanic decedents, and businesses with more than 100 employees comprised twenty % of fatalities. The leading causes of Hispanic fatalities were: transportation incidents, falls, and exposure to harmful substances.