Latino workers are integral to the U.S. labor force, contributing significantly to various industries and communities. However, they face a concerning disparity in workplace safety. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the fatality rate for Hispanic or Latino workers stands at 4.5 per 100,000 full-time equivalent workers, compared to the overall rate of 3.6 in the U.S. This statistic highlights a stark reality: Latino workers are nearly 30% more likely to experience a fatal job-related injury. The root causes of this increased risk include limited access to resources and significant language barriers. In response to these challenges, our research team at the Center of Health, Work & Environment embarked on a mission to better understand and address the needs of Latino workers and businesses.
In 2021, the Center for Health, Work & Environment partnered with the University of Colorado’s Latino Research and Policy Center (LRPC) to conduct a comprehensive needs assessment within the Latino business community in Colorado. Our survey results revealed a clear and pressing demand for improved worker health and safety resources. Latino businesses expressed a strong desire for support in areas such as mental health, stress management, labor rights, healthy living, disease prevention, and COVID-19 response.
Introducing the Latino Workforce and Employer Wellness Empowerment Program
Drawing from these insights, our team developed the “Latino Workforce and Employer Wellness Empowerment Program.” This initiative is designed to provide educational resources that address the specific needs of Latino workers and employers and aim to enhance their overall well-being. Our goal is to create a sustainable training program that leverages the expertise of occupational health professionals and specialists to improve the safety, health, and quality of life for the Latino workforce in Colorado.
We aim to build a robust community platform that offers reliable, culturally relevant information in Spanish. This platform will serve both workers and employers, filling existing gaps in access to health information and addressing disparities in occupational health and safety. The bilingual empowerment program focuses on Latino small business owners, managers, and employees keen on improving their business's health and productivity—our training covers essential topics such as mental health, recovery-friendly workplaces, chronic disease prevention, ergonomics, and worker’s compensation.
In 2023, we took a significant step forward by partnering with the Latino Chamber of Commerce of Boulder (LCC) to bring this program to their member businesses. The Latino Chamber of Commerce of Boulder County promotes economic development, growth, and sustainability for its members by enabling access to business opportunities and developmental resources through strategic initiatives.
Along with the LLC, we developed and co-hosted six Total Worker Health® workshops this past year, resulting in 60 LCC members being trained in one or more elements of TWH. 93% of participants who took a post-course survey identified an action from the training they will apply in their workplace. For example, one LCC member stated that now she knows that “OSHA is there to support and protect workers for free.” At a recent event, we presented on mental health in the workplace. This session aimed to reduce the stigma around mental health, develop essential conversation skills, and implement adaptable workplace supports within a culturally relevant framework.
Carla Colin, President of the LCC, shared her reflections on this event:
“Hearing about mental health in the workplace made me realize that we often forget about taking a break and having a plan for staff and clients in case something related to mental health arises. I am planning to establish a benefit of having official mental health days for employees and potentially incorporate more about this topic into our educational workshops.”
A model for creating healthier and equitable workplaces
By focusing on the specific needs of Latino workers and businesses, our team is making meaningful strides toward improving health and safety within this community. The Latino Workforce and Employer Wellness Empowerment Program is not just an initiative; it’s a commitment to fostering a safer, healthier, and more inclusive workplace environment. As we continue collaborating with organizations like the LCC and leverage culturally relevant resources, we aim to empower Latino workers and employers to prioritize well-being in all aspects of their work and lives.
Through these efforts, we are not only addressing immediate safety and health concerns but also fostering a culture of well-being that supports Latino workers and their employers. This approach is essential because when workers are healthy and safe, businesses thrive, and communities grow stronger. By continuing to collaborate and expand our reach, we are building a safer and healthier future for the Latino workforce.
Visit our page on Hispanic and Latino Communities to stay up to date with our ongoing projects and most up to date resources. Program supported by Pinnacol Assurance and by a cooperative agreement (U19OH011227) with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health as part of one of ten national Centers of Excellence for Total Worker Health®.
We especially thank our partners at Pinnacol Assurance and the Rocky Mountain Public Health Training Center (RM-PHTC), whose funding contributions have made these programs possible. Lastly, congratulations to the Latino Chamber of Commerce of Boulder County for receiving the 2024 CHWE Partner Awards Community Impact Award.
