Temporary, migrant workers less likely to report work injuries

We’ve previously discussed how temporary workers are more likely to be injured on the job. Now, a new study found that temporary and migrant workers in the U.S. continue to suffer more workplace injuries because they are more vulnerable to be involved in a workplace accident.

Why are temporary and migrant workers more likely to be in workplace accidents? These workers face several problems at work and are less likely to report safety hazards and workplace accidents to their employer, according to the study. They are also less likely to get medical treatment for their injuries.

One of the biggest challenges for migrant and temporary workers is if they do report their work injury, their employer is more likely to use their immigration status against them and some employers have even filed visa fraud charges against employees who reported workplace hazards and accidents.

This makes the workplace very unsafe for migrant workers because they do not feel comfortable reporting unsafe working conditions and injuries sustained while working. This only contributes to more workers being injured and employers thinking they don’t have to treat migrant workers the same as other workers.

The study reported that many temporary workers are listed as outside contractors and many work through staffing agencies, which makes the employer even less responsible for workplace training and conditions because they can blame the staffing agency for not preparing temporary workers.

Temporary, low-wage workers have the same rights as every other worker and companies can be held responsible for workplace accidents that happen due to negligent training or unsafe working conditions. It is important for injured temporary workers to understand their rights in the state of Pennsylvania. Workers who have suffered a workplace injury should consult a workers’ compensation attorney to discuss their specific case and see what next steps should be taken.

Source: The Raw Story, “Temporary and migrant workers face ‘systemic’ problem of workplace dangers,” David Ferguson, March 28, 2013