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News & Analysis | REG•WATCH Blog | Press Room
Friday, September 02, 2005
Labor Day Report: Immigrant Workers at Risk
In time for Labor Day, the AFL-CIO has produced a report about the need to improve workplace health and safety for immigrant workers. Here are some of the key findings:
- Although the share of foreign-born employment increased by 22 percent between 1996 and 2000, the share of fatal occupational injuries for this population increased by 43 percent.
- Fatal work injuries in six states accounted for 64 percent of all fatalities for foreign-born workers between 1996 and 2001: California, Florida, Illinois, New Jersey, New York and Texas.
- Nearly one in four fatally injured foreign-born workers was employed in the construction industry.
- Less than one-third of the costs of occupational illnesses and injuries are paid for by employer-funded workers’ compensation—with taxpayers picking up nearly 20 percent of the tab through
Medicaid and Medicare. Injured workers and their families pay the largest share.
Check it out: Immigrant Workers at Risk: The Urgent Need for Improved Workplace Safety and Health Policies and Programs
Posted by Robert Shull
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