Hispanic Labor in the Construction Industry

National Hispanic Heritage Month in the United States begins on September 15^th, and occurs at the same time Mexico, Central America, and Chile celebrate their independence from Spain. This is a month-long celebration of Hispanic contributions to the history and culture of the U.S. It offers us an opportunity to look at Hispanic contributions to the construction industry and some ways to better support Hispanic workers.

Hispanic workers are very important to the U.S. construction industry. In 2021, they made up more than 30 percent of the labor force. This is nearly double from 20 years ago: in 2001, about 16 percent of construction workers were Hispanic.

Yet Hispanics account for less than 20 percent of the U.S. population. So they are overrepresented in construction work. This is incredibly important, as there is a large labor shortage in the United States’ construction industry.

The numbers are even more clear-cut in Southwestern states. In Texas, California, and Arizona, for example, Hispanics are 61 percent, 55 percent, and 49 percent of the construction workforce, respectively.

The labor provided by Hispanic workers greatly contributes to the success of the construction industry. It is important for construction firms to help Hispanic workers feel less isolated from coworkers who don’t speak Spanish. Construction Executive, a magazine that covers the construction industry, has three suggestions to improve the work-life of Hispanic laborers: increasing Spanish language skills and signage across all levels of the industry; educating the public about career opportunities in construction and hiring a more diverse set of workers; hiring Hispanics from underserved communities and giving them the opportunity to reach more senior positions, where diversity is lacking.

Making these changes would recognize Hispanic contributions to the construction industry and help build a stronger, more diverse workforce.

The EPA Updates Lead Training

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recently updated its website and resources for trainers who offer courses in Renovation, Repair, and Painting (RRP) and in the Lead-based Paint Activities Program. With these updates, the goal of the EPA is to improve training in these fields. The goal of this training is to reduce or prevent lead exposure, including lead exposure in overburdened communities.

The EPA has reorganized its RRP homepage and provided links to updated model courses, RRP resources for trainers, and guidance on accreditation.

Lead-based paint is very common in homes and buildings built before 1978. When renovation, repair, painting and lead abatement projects are done correctly, they can reduce or eliminate exposure to lead for both the workers completing the projects and the building's occupants. So it is important that workers receive proper training and trainers are knowledgeable on the most current work practices.

META Online Classes

META is dedicated to providing comprehensive and up-to-date training in lead, as well as asbestos, mold, and OSHA safety training. At META, we offer a 4-hour RRP Renovator Refresher course that is online. This course covers the health effects of exposure to lead-based paint and reviews safe work practices. META's RRP course also covers EPA and HUD regulations, record keeping, and other topics.

Completion of this class leads to a 3-year certificate that is valid in 36 states. To renew your certificate at the end of this 3 year period, the EPA requires an in-person refresher course. META offers this and it satisfies the hands-on portion of the training.

You can take our online classes at your own pace and fit the course within your schedule. Sign up on our website today!

Why You Should Take Our Online Courses

In the fall of 2021, we started offering online courses both accredited and non-accredited. These online courses are self-paced, affordable, and easy to navigate. While our self-paced online courses are a great alternative to in-person classes during the pandemic, there are benefits to taking these even when the world is normal.

Flexibility

While taking our online courses, it is your choice when you start, stop, or continue within the modules. The only time constraint is, once you start the course you must finish within a two-week period per EPA rules. This allows you to start and finish the course whenever is convenient to you. Whether that be in the morning, afternoon or the middle of the night.

No Travel Needed

In-person training courses can sometimes require our trainers to travel to you or you and your company to come to us in Lawrence, KS. The online courses allow you to take the courses from the comfort of your home, your office or even on the go.

No Need to Miss Work

Often with in-person courses you will need to plan around when you have down-time at work. If you take the online classes, there is the option of taking the classes over the weekends or holidays. This allows you and your employees to free up your work days.

Meets Multiple Learning Styles

Another great advantage to taking our courses online, is that it is designed to meet multiple learning styles so that you are always engaged and never bored. We use check-in questions, animation, video and lecturing for you to interact with the courses

META is now offering online classes for Asbestos Inspector Refresher, Asbestos Supervisor Refresher, Asbestos Worker Refresher, Asbestos Management PIanner Refresher, Asbestos Project Design Refresher, for select states’ accreditation. We also offer LEA Designated Person and 2-Hour Asbestos Awareness both of which are un-accredited. Sign-up today!