"More than 15 workers are killed every day on the job in this country and a worker becomes injured or ill on the job every 2 ½ seconds. The overwhelming majority of deaths, injuries and illnesses could have been easily prevented had the employers simply provided a safe workplace and complied with well-recognized OSHA regulations or other safe practices." Jordan Barab

Workers die and are badly injured at work all the time. Most illnesses and injuries could be prevented with well-designed work areas, mechanical changes, and eliminating hazards.

The laws that should protect workers are weak. Corporations and industries lobby to weaken the regulations that are supposed to protect workers. Even if your workplace follows all OSHA regulations, that doesn’t mean that you are safe. Many chemicals can effect your health below the OSHA limit. There are no safety regulations for hazards which cause some of the most common injuries, like lifting, repetitive motions, and heat exposure. There are also new chemicals that don't have an OSHA standard.

Workers worry that their boss will retaliate if they complain about a dangerous situation. The laws against retaliating when workers speak up about health and safety don't always work well. This website will help figure out the best way to complain. Remember that you won’t be able to find another job if you are seriously injured or killed.

Workers are often more focused on doing a job quickly and efficiently than on their own safety. Safety rules and safety equipment can slow things down. If workers are injured, many bosses treat them as disposable, even blaming them for not following safety rules. Your life is more important than your job.

Union members are usually safer at work. They know that they can speak up about an unsafe situation without losing their job. The union should offer resources to educate members about health and safety. Unions lobby for stronger regulations to protect workers in their industries.

The good news is that there are fantastic resources on the internet to learn more about specific topics or how to protect your health at work. Even better news is the network of amazing people who have made educating and organizing workers about health and safety their lives' work.

It's not perfect, but the best way to protect yourself is to:

  • Report dangerous or unsafe conditions at work
  • Report any injury or illness
  • And, even if you're scared that you could be fired, refuse to work in a very dangerous situation. You won't have your job if you are badly hurt or dead.