The occurrence of an industrial accident injury increases along racial and class lines. That's because Black and Hispanic workers are often significantly and severely injured or face occupational disability at higher rates than their white counterparts. There's overrepresentation in higher-risk jobs and systematic vulnerabilities, such as fewer safety resources and inadequate health insurance coverage. However, these problems can be addressed by utilizing federal enforcement compliance laws from OSHA and unions, as well as workers seeking their personal injury compensation rights.
A 2024 study by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics shows that construction had the most fatal work injuries, followed by warehousing and transportation. Minorities make up almost half of the American construction workforce, with Latinos representing the largest minority group, followed by African-Americans. However, White workers are overrepresented in supervisory and higher-paying management roles.
Where Does Race and Class Fit in Industrial Accident Injury Patterns?
Environmental justice advocates have found race and class deeply intertwined with accident injury patterns since Black and Hispanic workers are often placed in more hazardous frontline work.
The most high-risk industries include:
- Manufacturing
- Construction
- Agriculture
Even when working in the same industries as their white counterparts, these workers are more likely to face a higher risk of injury and overexertion. Elevated injury risks are also affected by the lack of comprehensive health insurance and overall lower family incomes, which may limit access to better protective equipment, advocacy, and cause a delay in returning to employment after being injured.
In one case, Dewayne "Lee" Johnson, a Northern Californian groundskeeper, developed non-Hodgkin's lymphoma after working with weedkiller Roundup. According to NPR, he accepted a $78 million award, which a judge reduced from $289 million.
When it comes to foreign-born and non-English speakers, a language barrier may also create inadequate translation of safety materials, and they may be less likely to speak up for fear of retaliation. Black and Latino workers are often also placed in non-unionized jobs or temporary contracts, where they don't receive the protection, medical benefits, and sick leave that can help them.
A Whole Community at Risk
Workers aren't the only ones at safety risk from racialized industrial practices. Polluting facilities, such as those that can cause petrochemical accidents, are often in disadvantaged areas mostly populated by Black, Hispanic, and other low-income residents.
According to a 2021 study by Johnston and Cushing for Current Environmental Health Reports, the risk of accidents with severe outcomes like toxic releases is statistically higher in areas with larger populations of Black and minority residents.
How Can People Fight for Corporate Accountability?
There are two main paths to accountability: federal compliance laws and finding a personal injury lawyer in Houston, TX, experienced in these types of cases. If you've been hurt on the job, you have the right to apply for Workers' Compensation. However, understand that jobs may not make it easy and will try to defend or minimize your claim.
With legal representation, you can avoid missing filing deadlines and benefits owed. Your attorney can also appeal a decision if your employer's insurance denies your claim and refuses to give you lost wages. Since insurance companies often undervalue claims, having an attorney increases your odds of getting a higher settlement and at a faster rate, since they're much more likely to communicate with a legal representative. Plus, a personal injury professional can help properly calculate the cost of long-term medical care and lost wages.
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is the frontline federal agency for handling workplace compliance, and union membership also serves as an advocacy point. Injured workers should also seek personal legal representation, which increases speed and compensation.
What Is Toxic Tort?
This type of liability case is a subcategory of torts, which focuses on injuries to the plaintiff caused by toxic substances.
It can involve injuries arising from:
- Asbestos
- Agent orange
- Radiation
- Weedkillers like Roundup
- Drugs or pharmaceuticals
- Chemical spills
To prove a case, there must be clear evidence that:
- The plaintiff was exposed to a disease-causing agent or substance
- The defendant, such as the company, is responsible for the exposure
- The plaintiff is currently or has suffered symptoms from the exposure
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is a Fenceline Community?
Fenceline communities are usually adjacent to a heavily polluting facility, such as a landfill or chemical plant. These areas are also feeling the effects of climate change more. Sadly, residents aren't protected from obvious industrial hazards, and may only be separated by a chain-link fence or a railroad track.
There's constant exposure to:
- Heavy truck traffic
- Toxic emissions
- Noise pollution
- Foul odors
As a result, there's an elevated risk of chronic respiratory diseases, and part of the reason for higher cases of asthma among Black children. Certain types of lung cancer can also result from long-term exposure to airborne pollutants and chemicals.
The danger of industrial explosions and poison gas leaks is also real. As a result, these areas have also gotten the nickname "sacrifice zones," since marginalized communities have to bear the brunt of industrial pollution.
What Is the Biggest Killer in Construction?
The leading cause of a construction fatality is a fall, which, according to the Texas Department of Insurance, accounts for 35 to 40% of construction worker deaths each year. These falls may take place from scaffolds, ladders, and roofs.
Another issue is being struck by objects and vehicles. Construction workers also faced the risk of being electrocuted from overhead powerlines or improperly grounded equipment. Workers can also be crushed between collapsing structures or buried in a trench due to cave-ins.
Environmental Justice Affects Workers and Communities
An industrial accident injury can be devastating, regardless of who happens to be affected, but it's occurring among Black, other minority, and low-income workers who are frequently placed in high- risk positions with less support. Workers should understand their rights regarding injury compensation and reporting OSHA violations that protect everyone.
When companies fail to keep in compliance with safety practices, it also endangers nearby neighborhoods that are often disproportionately Black. From worker disability to kids with asthma, company accountability is a must.
We hope you learned more about the industrial workplace and community safety, so keep reading more from articles on our website.
This article was prepared by an independent contributor and helps us continue to deliver quality news and information.
