The problem is no secret: According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor and Statistics, Hispanic workers are more likely than any other group to suffer a fatal occupational injury. One reason is that Hispanic people disproportionately work more dangerous jobs. But that’s not the only factor at play. The Department of Labor says many Hispanic/Latino workers may also feel uncomfortable raising concerns about unsafe working conditions or may not be aware of their rights regarding workplace safety.  

The challenge is particularly acute in the West, where Hispanics/Latinos are the largest ethnic minority group and are vital to the region’s cultural fabric and economy. The Rocky Mountain Center for Occupational and Environmental Health is committed to being part of the solution. 

Our Continuing Education program is working with the Mexican Consulate in Salt Lake City and stakeholders such as the Utah Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and the nonprofit Comunidades Unidas on an initiative to better serve the Hispanic/Latino population in our region. We are at the beginning of a multi-year effort to provide courses and other educational programming for Spanish-speaking workers and to raise awareness about our offerings among this population. 

At RMCOEH, we believe everyone should have the knowledge, resources, and power to be safe at work, and we’re working toward a future where that becomes reality.