New Solutions
Volume 22, Issue 3, 2012, Pages 365-386

Beyond the classroom—a case study of immigrant safety liaisons in residential construction (Article)

Ochsner M.* , Marshall E.G. , Martino C. , Pabelón M.C. , Kimmel L. , Rostran D.
  • a Occupational Training and Education Consortium, School of Management and Labor Relations, 50 Labor Center Way, New Brunswick, NJ 08901, United States
  • b Department of Epidemiology, University of Medicine, Dentistry School of Public HealthNJ, United States
  • c Occupational Training and Education Consortium (OTEC), United States
  • d New Brunswick, NJ, United States
  • e [Affiliation not available]
  • f [Affiliation not available]

Abstract

Latino day laborers often work at dangerous construction sites with little power to change conditions. We describe the development, implementation, and early-stage results of a program to train immigrant day laborers as safety liaisons. These are construction workers prepared to recognize and respond to health and safety hazards. Based in Newark, NJ, the project involves collaboration between New Labor, a membership-based worker center, and university researchers and labor educators. Safety liaisons undergo training and receive ongoing support for their roles. Both qualitative and quantitative data are collected to monitor progress. Although lacking in formal authority, safety liaisons have prompted improvements at specific sites, filed OSHA complaints, and developed a local worker council. Participatory training methods, opportunities for leadership outside the classroom, and participation in project planning have strengthened liaisons’ effectiveness, leadership skills, and commitment. The safety liaison approach could be adapted by worker centers and their partner organizations. © 2012, Baywood Publishing Co., Inc.

Author Keywords

Immigrant workers Community-based participatory research Construction safety and health Day laborers

Index Keywords

New Jersey methodology building industry human construction industry Hispanic Americans United States Humans Organizational Case Studies United States Occupational Safety and Health Administration Hispanic health services research Emigrants and Immigrants occupational exposure Article migration government participatory research in service training Community-Based Participatory Research occupational health Inservice Training employment
Link
https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-84873500687&doi=10.2190%2fNS.22.3.h&partnerID=40&md5=87e910b328d867af0bc62a2360f95ca6
DOI: 10.2190/NS.22.3.h
ISSN: 10482911
Cited by: 15
Original Language: English