A USA Today  report released states the number of Hispanic workers who die on the job has risen, even as the overall number of workplace deaths has declined.  They report Hispanic worker deaths increased from 533 in 1992 to 937 in 2007 - a 76 percent jump.  In that same period, total fatalities in all jobs nationwide fell from 6,217 to 5,657, according to data.  The 2007 tally, the latest available from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, followed a record 990 Hispanic deaths in 2006. 

Consider this story about a construction company in Texas who was fined $133,000 for the death of an employee, who happened to be Hispanic.

In an effort to help Hispanic employees work safer, which will result in employers reducing their exposure to litigation, increased workers' compensation premiums, and other expenses relating to workplace accidents, the ABC has contracted with Summit Risk Management to bring you the "Hispanic Work Safe" program.

Select employers can take advantage of this program at no cost through a grant provided by the Utah Labor Commission and the Workplace Safety Account.  The program provides individual company training, a review of your company safety program, a mock OSHA inspection, training of your competent person for OSHA compliance, and tools to help manage your safety program---all at no cost to your company.  You can review this Power Point to see more details on the program.

We will be selecting 25 Utah based employers to participate in this program.   Complete the application if you are interested in participating in this no cost program.

ATTENTION GENERAL CONTACTORS:As you know, you are potentially liable for workplace accidents that your subcontractors employees are involved in, under the OSHA Multi-Employer Citation.  If you know of some of your subcontractors who could benefit from this program, please contact us, or forward this information to them.