BACKGROUND: Given the stigma of their undocumented status and their high prevalence of workplace injury, understanding the impact of discrimination on Latino day laborers (LDLs) is a critical public health issue.
METHODS: We surveyed LDLs (N = 149) and assessed their sociodemographics, experiences of and perceived reasons for discrimination, and work-related injury. A logistic regression examined the association between discrimination and injury, adjusting for sociodemographics. Next, Chi-square tests identified perceived reasons for discrimination associated with injury which were then included in a second logistic regression to test their association with injury, adjusting for discrimination and sociodemographics.
RESULTS: Participants reported a work-related injury (42%) and experiences of discrimination (81%). Discrimination was associated with injury in the first model (aOR = 2.25, p = 0.049), and discrimination attributed to immigration status was associated with injury in the second model (aOR = 5.04, p = 0.019).
DISCUSSION: Injury prevention programs should account for perceived mistreatment to reduce LDL risk for injury at work
