Development of a work health and safety curriculum for day laborers

Many low wage urban workers, such as day laborers, are employed in precarious work arrangements, lacking formal permanent employment and a clearly defined employer. According to the results of 180 surveys conducted in Seattle in 2006, day laborers may be injured at five times the rate of workers in the formal construction trades.

Using the results of the survey as a baseline, three focus groups were conducted to determine workshop topics. Pilot safety trainings addressed the following identified hazards: working at heights, proper use of PPE, and workers' rights. Emphasis was placed not merely on the content, but also on teaching techniques. Pilot trainings aided in developing and refining the delivery method.

Ten one hour training sessions were designed based upon identified hazards from the surveys and pilot trainings. The workshops have been conducted weekly at two worker centers since September, 2007. As of February 1, 2008, 28 one-hour trainings have been conducted for approximately 540 day laborers. Each session provides information about applicable laws, hazard recognition, and appropriate PPE. Currently, the project is in the second cycle of trainings, having completed preliminary evaluations. Feedback suggests that workers continue to emphasize use of personal protective equipment as a means to protect themselves from hazards. While information about workers' rights and the law are provided during the training, lack of connection to enforcement or other resources may keep workers from asserting their rights. Further evaluation of the trainings is needed to determine whether they are effective in reducing injury rates.