Latinos in Illinois Suffer More Workplace Accidents

Latinos in Illinois Suffer More Workplace Accidents

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A report by a state panel shows Latinos are killed in workplace accidents more frequently than other workers.

Among other things, the panel is recommending job safety classes taught in Spanish and hopes lawmakers will provide money for such classes.

Democratic State Representative Susana Mendoza says she expects little opposition in the legislature. She says, “Everyone is pro-worker and everyone wants to make sure that the businesses that we’re supporting, or the businesses that Republicans as a party are supporting, are businesses that respect workers rights.”

Mendoza also says educational outreach could decrease the high rate of Latino workplace injuries, which is double the rate of other workers.

The study also finds that Latinos often work long hours in temporary positions, and that 12 percent of workplace injuries occur the first day on the job.