291 JORNALEROS: A POPULATION PREDISPOSED TO INJURY?. (1st January 2006)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Gomez, R.; Rodríguez, M. A.; Valenzuela, A.; Charles, R.
• Is Part Of: Journal of investigative medicine. Volume 54:Number 1(2006)
• Page Start: S130
• Page End: S130
• Publication Date: 2006-01-01
• Subjects: Clinical medicine -- Periodicals; Medicine -- Research -- Periodicals; Medicine; Research -- United States; Clinical medicine; Medicine -- Research; Periodicals; 616.075
• DOI: 10.2310/6650.2005.X0004.290
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1081-5589

Abstract

Abstract : Jornaleros (day laborers), those seeking temporary employment in an informal or established hiring site, are an expanding segment of the US labor force. However, while they frequently work in hazardous jobs, little is known about the nature of this work force, the extent of injury they may experience, or factors associated with injuries. Previous literature suggests that immigrant workers have a higher risk of work-related injury. We conducted a cross-sectional study to examine characteristics of day laborers and factors that may be correlated with their work-related injury. Using the National Day Labor Survey (NDLS), we analyzed data from 2, 660 day laborers in 361 hiring sites across 166 cities nationwide. Preliminary results of the survey indicate that the majority of day laborers are male (98.5%), Latino (93%), and immigrants with limited education. Data from the survey also showed that a lower degree of English speaking ability, English reading ability, and low amount of safety training received are associated with 34.6%, 52.8%, and 69.8% increase in work-related injury respectively. Educational outreach efforts focused on basic English instruction and workplace safety training may benefit day laborers through lower work-related injuries. In addition, stronger enforcement of existing legislation and policy regarding workplace safety training should be enforced by agencies such as the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and may benefit day laborers.