Study: Construction safety inadequate

AUSTIN (KXAN) - A new report released by the University of Texas shows Austin is one of the worst places to work for construction workers.

The Workers Defense Project and the Division of Diversity of Community Engagement of the University of Texas conducted the study that yielded the 58-page report citing construction safety in Austin is not adequate and that wages aren not fair.

The report comes on the heels of an accident that happened last week when three construction workers working on a high-rise apartment building died after falling from scaffolding in West Campus.

A crowd of well over 100 men and women gathered on the steps of City Hall Tuesday morning to tell city leaders they want fairness and safety for those who help build this city.

The study uncovers illegal practices and unsafe working conditions, and the Workers Defense Project said the serious work is about to begin.

"We're hoping to address those issues with the State of Texas and city officials,” said Christina Tzintzun, with the Workers Defense Project. “Also, we think we really need to address workers not being paid at work. 1 in 5 workers aren't paid for their honest work, and our study shows there is a direct correlation with workers who face unsafe working conditions and workers who aren't paid for their work."

With a budget that needs to be cut by more than $40 million, one Austin city councilman said the city cannot afford to have employers who mistreat and jeopardize the life of employees.

The study also shows 41 percent of Austin construction workers go without a work break, and it highlights statistics that one councilman told the crowd Tuesday must stop for everyone's sake.

"Because it creates a vicious cycle that we all know too well,” said Austin Councilman Mike Martinez . “When you are down on your luck, you don't have insurance and you don't have income, you have to look to social service providers and government to help you. We need to stop this cycle and improve the laws that currently exist and most importantly enforce the laws that are already on the books."

The “Building Austin, Building Injustice” study is a year-long study which includes feedback from 312 construction workers.