Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 28, 2026

A Modified Trier Social Stress Test for Vulnerable Mexican American Adolescents
Published on: July 10, 2017
A qualitative investigation of Hispanic construction worker perspectives on factors impacting worksite safety and
Cora Roelofs1, Linda Sprague-Martinez, Maria Brunette
1Department of Work Environment, University of Massachusetts Lowell, Lowell, MA 01854, USA. Cora_Roelofs@uml.edu
Background:
Hispanic workers have higher rates of injury and death on construction worksites than workers of other ethnicities. Language barriers and cultural differences have been hypothesized as reasons behind the disparate rates.
Methods:
We conducted two series of focus groups with union and non-union Hispanic construction workers to ask them about their perceptions of the causes for the unequal rates. Spanish transcripts were translated and coded in QSR NVivo software for common themes.
Results:
Workers reported a difficult work environment characterized by supervisor pressure, competition for jobs and intimidation with regard to raising safety concerns. Language barriers or cultural factors were not strongly represented as causative factors behind the rates.
Conclusion:
The results of this study have informed the development of an intervention trial that seeks to prevent falls and silica dust exposure by training contractors employing Hispanic construction workers in the elements of safety leadership, including building respect for their Hispanic workers and facilitating their participation in a safety program.
Related Concept Videos
Survey Safety
Surveys
Types of Reports II: Incident or Occurrence Report
Purposes:
In the healthcare industry, reports play a crucial role in documenting incidents within an agency. The primary objective of these reports is to ensure patient safety, uphold the...
Factors Affecting Workability
Cross-Sectional Research
Ethnic Identity within a Larger Culture
