Many of the approximately eight million undocumented immigrants in the United States workforce hold critical and essential jobs. Some of these jobs are in construction, cleaning services, transportation—jobs that ensure we have everything from electric power to groceries to child care.
Undocumented workers are more likely to suffer work-related injury or illness than native-born workers, and more likely to experience dangerous working conditions than documented immigrants.
Yet undocumented immigrant workers are less likely to seek care and benefits for their work-related injury or illness.
There are many reasons for this: fear of employer retaliation, including wage theft, firing, and deportation; lack of awareness of rights and resources; intimidation by complex systems and processes; and mistrust in government and health care institutions. Anti-immigrant rhetoric in the United States intensifies many of these fears.
The Selikoff Centers for Occupational Health at Mount Sinai are dedicated to providing all workers, including undocumented immigrant workers, with the care they need.
Michael Crane, MD, MPH
“All workers have the right to health and safety on the job. It is essential that undocumented workers be made aware of and connected to the services they need and deserve,” says Michael Crane, MD, MPH, Medical Director of the Selikoff Centers. “We are dedicated to providing the highest quality care to all workers across our community, including those who are undocumented.”
Undocumented workers have rights and protections under health, safety, and anti-discrimination laws. The Selikoff Centers for Occupational Health at Mount Sinai, as part of its mission through the New York State Occupational Health Clinic Network, provides no-cost, confidential health care and other support services to all workers who have suffered a work-related injury or illness, regardless of documentation or insurance status. This includes evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment of work-related conditions. Services also include screenings for hazardous exposures (such as asbestos, lead, and other toxins), injury prevention, benefits counseling, and social work services.
“As members of the New York State Occupational Health Clinic Network, we provide health and safety-related services designed to reduce workplace injuries and illnesses,” says Dr. Crane, who is also a Professor of Environmental Medicine and Public Health at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai. “We diagnose and treat ill and injured workers with the goal of safely returning them to work. Our doctors are experts in occupational medicine who understand work-related injury and help their patients obtain appropriate Workers’ Compensation benefits. Our patients may also avail themselves of the guidance and support of our experts in ergonomics, industrial hygiene, social work, and vocational counseling.”
Agata Bednarska
Undocumented workers are eligible for New York State Workers’ Compensation. This law provides benefits for lost wages and medical treatment when a worker becomes sick or injured because of their job. At the Selikoff Centers, Workers’ Compensation coordinators guide patients through the process, which can be overwhelming and confusing. This is especially important for those facing language barriers or who are mistrustful of government systems.
“Navigating the New York State Workers’ Compensation system can be challenging for many injured and sick workers” says Agata Bednarska, Outreach and Education Manager. “Our Workers’ Compensation coordinators are here to educate, support, and assist patients with filing for New York State Workers’ Compensation benefits. We place significant emphasis on educating our patients about their legal rights. Advocacy, education, and treatment by our specialists can reduce the very significant economic burden of injury or illness on the worker and their family.”