More than 50,000 U.S. workers die every year on the job

More than 50,000 U.S. workers die each year due to occupational injuries and illnesses, says “Preventable Deaths 2014,” a report released by the National Council on Occupational Safety and Health.

The report comes as unions across the United States commemorate Worker Memorial Day on April 28, the anniversary of passage of the Occupational Safety and Health Act.

“No one should have to risk their life simply to earn a living,” said Jessica Martinez, deputy director of National COSH. “Many of the injuries and illnesses that are killing American workers can be prevented. We know the safety systems, equipment and training that can stop people from dying on the job, and it’s absolutely urgent that we take action to protect workers and their families.”

A pdf file of “Preventable Deaths 2014” is available on the National COSH website. 

Key findings include:

•  In 2012, at least 4,383 workers died from sudden traumatic injuries in 2012 – a preliminary figure that is likely to increase when final data are released by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics at the end of April.

•  Tens of thousands of workers die each year from long-term occupational illnesses.  One estimate puts the toll at 53,000 deaths annually, causing untold harm and suffering – and costing the U.S. economy $45.5 billion a year.

•  Nearly 700 deaths can be prevented every year by timely adoption of a standard limiting workplace exposure to silica. This silent killer can cause silicosis, lung disease, cancer and other fatal conditions.

The report highlights data showing high risks in the workplace faced by Hispanic workers.  For each of the past five years, the on-the-job fatality rate for Latino workers has been significantly higher than for U.S. workers as a whole.

“Preventable Deaths 2014” also identifies proven approaches to prevention for each of the six major causes of occupational fatalities identified by the Bureau of Labor Statistics: transportation incidents, contacts with objects and equipment, falls to a lower level, workplace violence, exposure to harmful substances and environments, and fires and explosions.

An infographic with specific steps to address each of these conditions is available on the National COSH website.

“Preventable Deaths 2014” finds that many workplace deaths are preventable if appropriate safety programs, training and safety practices are implemented.

The report includes recommendations by National COSH to address fatal injuries and illnesses in the workplace. These measures focus on allowing workers, families and advocates a greater voice in identifying, controlling and eliminating workplace hazards.

Recommendations include:

•  Enhanced workplace safety and health programs
•  Stronger safety standards and regulations
•  Greater access to OSHA services in multiple languages
•  Allowing worker and community advocacy groups to file complaints
•  Providing public access to National Fatality Data
•  Strengthening and updating the OSHA law
•  Immigration reform.

National COSH links the efforts of local worker health and safety coalitions in communities across the United States, advocating for elimination of preventable hazards in the workplace.