A lot has been said about Hispanic workers in the construction industry and their higher rate of injuries and fatalities. Getting these workers the information they need to work safely is complicated because six out of 10 speak little or no English. I’ve been on jobsites with many of these workers, and I have a different way of addressing the issue.
My system is based on simple visual cues and non-verbal communication. I also think that keeping some professional distance and decorum on the jobsite—rather than letting everyone joke around freely—is better for everyone.