Tag

Latino Workers

All articles tagged with #latino workers

health12 days ago•53 min saved

California’s engineered-stone boom tied to silicosis surge among countertop workers

Latino men who cut artificial stone countertops in California are developing silicosis, a deadly lung disease caused by silica dust. California public health data show a sharp rise in cases (hundreds since 2023) with dozens of deaths and many patients needing lung transplants. Experts are calling for stronger safety rules, and regulators have begun moving toward emergency measures to curb fabrication of engineered stone.

via Yahoo|

#california #engineered-stone #health

health-and-wellness14 days ago•7 min saved

California engineered-stone boom fuels silicosis surge among countertop workers

California’s engineered-stone countertop boom is driving a rapid silicosis outbreak among Latino men, with 571 cases reported in 2023–Aug 2026 (up from 47 in 2019–2022). Diagnoses skew younger (median age 46) and deaths occur earlier (median 52), with dozens undergoing or awaiting lung transplants. The San Fernando Valley is a hotspot, and exposure typically spans 16–25 years of work. Regulators have advanced tougher safety rules (SB 20, 2025) and emergency measures, but compliance remains inconsistent, fueling calls to stronger actions, including a potential ban on fabrication of engineered stone.

via Los Angeles Times|

#california #engineered-stone #health-and-wellness

labor-and-immigration2 years ago•5 min saved

"Baltimore Bridge Collapse: Mourning Victims and Safety Concerns"

Latino workers in Baltimore are too afraid to take on jobs rebuilding the Francis Scott Key Bridge after six migrants died in its collapse last month. The incident has raised concerns about the safety of construction workers, particularly migrant workers, and has put a spotlight on their treatment and the need for better safety provisions. Labor experts point out that it will likely be migrant workers who rebuild the bridge, and there are calls for better salaries and protections for these workers. Organizations are advocating for work permits and visas for the families of the victims, as well as a full investigation into the bridge collapse.

via The Independent|

#baltimore #bridge-collapse #construction-industry

labor-and-immigration2 years ago•5 min saved

"Baltimore Bridge Collapse Highlights Risks Faced by Latino Labor Force"

The recent Baltimore bridge collapse, which resulted in the deaths of several construction workers, has drawn attention to the risks faced by Latino workers in the construction industry. Many of the victims were originally from Honduras, Guatemala, El Salvador, and Mexico, highlighting the overrepresentation of Hispanic workers in this high-hazard industry. The tragedy has sparked concerns about workplace safety and the dangers faced by immigrant workers, with similar incidents involving Hispanic construction workers occurring in other parts of the country. The impact of the collapse has deeply affected Latino and immigrant communities, emphasizing the vital role these workers play in building and maintaining infrastructure.

via NBC News|

#baltimore #bridge-collapse #construction-industry

health2 years ago•2 min saved

"Silicosis: The Deadly Lung Disease Plaguing Countertop Workers"

Young Latino workers in California's Pacoima region are being affected by an incurable lung disease called silicosis, caused by exposure to hazardous levels of silica dust while cutting and grinding engineered stone countertops. This severe disease, traditionally associated with older workers, is now affecting individuals in their 20s, 30s, and 40s, with some receiving terminal diagnoses. Efforts are being made to raise awareness and improve workplace safety, including the consideration of banning high-silica content engineered stone. However, there is debate within the industry regarding safety measures and the suitability of the product.

via The Mirror|

#engineered-stone #health #latino-workers