New York never stops growing upwards. As you walk around the big city, you may notice a building being renovated or something new being built.
But how was it possible to erect such skyscrapers? Who were the human beings who worked and sacrificed to make them a reality?
The construction sector in this city is one of the most dynamic in the world. There is a lot of investment involved, and several jobs are created from the industry's needs.
However, even though the construction sector in New York has a high level of formality, a group of this workforce still works under unclear terms in some circumstances. Many of them are undocumented, and often, for fear of immigration retaliation, they are silent about unequal treatment by their employer.
We must not lose sight of the fact that the construction industry, due to the risks involved in its activities, implies a higher probability of its workers suffering accidents.
Doesn't this predisposition to accidents further complicate the situation of undocumented immigrants? Of course, it does.
Many times, employers take advantage of this state of vulnerability of undocumented workers and thus avoid providing all the protection and measures by the law to which all construction workers are entitled.
It is no mystery that many of this population of undocumented construction workers are of Latin American origin.
Recent waves of immigration have driven our Latin American brothers and sisters to find the first job that is available to them, and that has again meant that labor treatment is unfair.
Some of the risks faced by undocumented workers working in construction are:
- Falls from heights: Working at heights without proper safety equipment or training increases the risk of falls, which can lead to serious injuries or even death.
- Scaffolding accidents: Collapses or improperly installed scaffolding can cause severe injuries.
- Electrical hazards: Working with exposed wires or faulty electrical systems can result in electrocution.
- Unsafe machinery: Lack of training or proper machinery maintenance can lead to accidents.
- Toxic exposure: Exposure to hazardous chemicals or materials without proper protection can cause long-term health issues.
- Lack of access to healthcare: Undocumented workers may avoid seeking medical help due to fear of deportation, leading to untreated injuries.
At The Ward Law Group, we are committed to ensuring that the rights of Latin American communities and all vulnerable workers are respected. We work towards justice and believe in a more equitable and fair society, prioritizing human beings above all else.
If you feel that your rights as a worker, regardless of your immigration status, have been affected or you are being abused after suffering an accident at your workplace, contact The Ward Law Group immediately because we will analyze your case together and find the best alternative so that your rights as a worker are respected!
Jany Martinez Ward
Partner
Jany Martínez-Ward is a Founding and Managing Partner of The Ward Law Group, PL, a Florida law firm representing victims of car accidents. She focuses her practice on providing legal representation to Hispanic clients that have become injured in a car accident as a result of the negligence of others. In 2018, The National Trial Lawyers Association recognized Jany as one of the top attorneys in the state and among the top 40 under 40 attorneys.
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