As the number of work-related deaths per year has decreased somewhat nationally, the number of Hispanic worker deaths increased by 76% in the fifteen year period from 1992 to 2007. Although an increase of Hispanic workers in the workforce does account for some of the deaths, lack of training, poor communication, and exploitation of workers are also serious issues. Illegal workers are especially at-risk, as they often work some of the most dangerous low-wage jobs, and do not generally join unions. U.S. Labor secretary Hilda Solis maintains that workers ought to be properly trained and protected no matter their status, and country of origin. "There can be no excuses for negligence in protecting workers, not even a language barrier."
See "Hispanic worker deaths up 76% since 1992", Rick Jervis, USA Today, July 19, 2009