The situation in Mexico is dangerous and hopeless for many residents of that country. If there is no other option for a better life, many hard working people will enter the United States without legal status. Many find an abundance of work on various construction sites. Often these people have come to the US as master craftsmen in many of the sub contracting specialties that new home owners demand. Since they have no papers, they work for little pay. However, undocumented construction workers are at risk where their safety and well being is concerned.
Contractors who hire undocumented workers are typically paying them in cash. The contractor doesn’t want to have to pay taxes or benefits to his workers, so he’ll hire these people who are willing to take a chance for the work. What the workers fail to realize is that the same contractor has no workman’s comp obligation should an accident occur on the construction site. Without that insurance, a worker may find himself forced to foot his own medical bills. If the injury is serious enough, it may stop his ability to work at all.
The government may be cracking down on the worker, but the real problem may lie with the corporations and construction crews that hire them. Although the individual is undocumented, he is still a human being. One who is trying to make a very bad situation better for himself and his family. If the construction work is dangerous, then the boss won’t back him in the event of an accident. The worker’s fear of deportation, and the construction company’s fear of legal action can set up a bad situation for everyone.
Home owners who hire construction crews should ask questions to ensure that all workers on the site are being treated fairly, that all laws are being followed, and that everyone is safe. If the home owner notices abuse of the workers, he should report it. It’s better to have to hire a new contractor than know someone was badly hurt due to illegal activity.