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In 2012, 4628 workers were killed on the job, which made an average of 13 deaths a day, according to a new report from the AFL-CIO. An estimated additional 50,000 workers died from occupational diseases, or an average of 137 deaths a day. All told, an estimated 150 workers died each day last year due to working conditions.
Mining experts in our state said they’re dedicated to turning this number around. While there have been vast improvements, writers of the report said more work still needs to be done. They said the US has to renew its commitment to protect workers from injury, disease and death.
They’re calling for employers to be more proactive when it comes to protecting workers. They want more accountability if employers put workers in danger. Experts said only at this point will safe jobs for all of America’s workers be available.
One way they want to achieve this is by strengthening the Mine Safety and Health Act. This way, MSHA will have more authority to put a stop to repeat violators and shut down dangerous mines.
“The number of workers being killed or injured while on the job is still too high and unacceptable. In this country, 150 workers die as a result of a job injury or by a disease contracted due to exposure on the job,” said Peg Seminario, the Director of Health and Safety for AFL-CIO.
One mining expert said they’re always working to improve workplace safety.
“We want to make sure miners come home and that their families can expect them to come home. The only way to do that is to make sure it’s a safe work environment and minimize at all cost any risk to life or limb,” said Phil Smith, the Director of Communications for the United Mine Workers of America.
According to the most recent data from two years ago, nearly 3.8 million work-related injuries and illnesses in the U.S. were reported. A little over 4,000 workers were killed on the job, while 50,000 died from occupational diseases.
Agencies/Canadajournal
