Communication is Key

Because Hispanic-American workers are in proximity to their native countries, returning with ease in the off-season, their culture and language will be preserved longer in the United States than that of other nationalities, Peter Ruvalcaba of CNA Construction Risk Control, Chicago, says. This connection to their native culture will make the Spanish-speaking workforce prevalent for many years to come.

Ruvalcaba presented a seminar entitled "Understanding and Communicating with Hispanic Work Crews" at the ConExpo-Con/Agg Convention, which was held this March in Las Vegas. This article presents some of his key points.

According to Labor Department data, workplace deaths among Hispanics were up 53 percent in 2000 from 1992. Conversely, among non-Hispanics, workplace deaths dropped 10 percent for the same period. According to the data, at least 815 Hispanics died on the job, primarily in construction trades, in 2000.

In addition to the language gap, Ruvalcaba says that the Hispanic worker’s objective focuses on working hard and getting the job done at any cost. Their objective should be re-focused to include safety and uniformity. This is where safety training comes in. Presently, however, the availability and quality of training materials in languages other than English is limited, because there is no requirement to train workers in their native languages. Ruvalcaba suggests that such a requirement will increase demand for multi-lingual training materials, providing incentive for training companies to produce quality materials. Progress has been made, however.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) now presents a version of its Web site in Spanish (www.osha.gov/as/opa/spanish), as well as provides grants to organizations serving immigrant workers and operates a bilingual 800-number.

Additionally, in March of this year, OSHA joined with the Hispanic Contractors of America Inc. (HCA) to promote safe working conditions and increased access to safety and health resources in Spanish. The goals of the alliance are to: identify existing safety and health resources available for Spanish speakers; work with community and faith-based organizations and other leadership groups to build safety and health awareness within the Hispanic community; encourage bilingual individuals in construction to take OSHA’s train-the-trainer class so they can teach 10-hour and 30-hour construction safety and health courses in Spanish; and promote and encourage HCA members to participate in OSHA cooperative programs.

Ruvalcaba says involving the church, which presents an element of trust and traditionally plays a prominent role in the lives of Hispanic people, is effective. He also suggests that by providing support and demonstrating cultural awareness, contractors can improve communication with Hispanic staff.

Foremost, Ruvalcaba suggests that a highly effective contractor interacts regularly with his workforce and has a plan for employee development and progression. He also suggests setting up an organizational chart that includes photographs of the employees and a flag representing the countries they come from, as this appeals to their sense of patriotism and helps to develop relationships.

He recommends the promotion of employees based on performance and leadership potential, including bilingual skills, customer skills, ideas and solutions, as well as possession of a valid driver’s license.

Effective contractors, Ruvalcaba continues, treat workers with respect and as individuals. They also diffuse language barriers, remain alert to problems or issues among their workforce and provide support for personal issues, he says.

Understanding the culturally significant aspects of the workforce, including religious days and holidays, birthdays, traditions, patriotism and family is important. This includes the character of the typical Hispanic worker, his tendency toward loyalty, honesty, machismo and hard work, Ruvalcaba says.

Ruvalcaba says, "The resources of a U.S. company and the ingenuity of the immigrant leads to great things." Deconstructing linguistic and cultural barriers will help a company and its employees realize this potential.