AFL-CIO Report: Millions Suffer Work-Related Injuries and Illnesses Every Year

In 1970, the federal government passed the Occupational Safety and Health Act. The Act was enacted to "assure safe and healthful working conditions for working men and women.” At the federal level, there is the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, which creates safety and health programs and standards to protect the safety of workers. States are also permitted to create their own programs. In California, there is the Division of Occupational Safety and Health, which protects workers from health and safety hazards on the job in almost every workplace in California through its research and standards, enforcement, and consultation programs.

Since the passage of the Occupational Safety and Health Act in 1970, hundreds of thousands of workers’ lives have been saved as a result of safer working conditions. Despite the safer and healthier working conditions, injuries, illnesses, and fatalities still occur far too often. According to a report from the AFL-CIO, 4,585 workers died on the job in the United States in 2013 and approximately 50,000 died from occupational-related diseases. In addition, approximately 3.8 million workers suffered work-related injuries and illnesses in 2013. Even more alarming is the fact that this number is likely significantly greater because many injuries and illnesses go unreported. According to the AFL-CIO report, the actual number is likely between 7.6 million and 11.4 million injuries every year.

Latino workers are particularly at risk for work fatalities. Latinos are apparently 19 percent more likely to be killed on the job than the national average. For California, this statistic is particularly concerning because Latino workers make up a significant portion of the state's workforce, particularly for physically demanding jobs. In 2013, Latinos comprised nearly half of all worker fatalities in the state. In 2013, 194 Latino workers died in California, an increase of 42 percent from the previous year. Latino workers are particularly susceptible to injuries and fatalities in the construction, energy, and landscaping industries. While California has recently taken efforts to protect the safety and health of its workers, more needs to be done.

If you have been injured at work, the San Jose work injury attorneys at Corsiglia, McMahon & Allard, L.L.P. can help protect your rights. We will evaluate your case and advise you as to the damages to which you may be entitled and who is responsible for third party claims. You may be able to recover damages workers' compensation claims cannot handle, such as physical and emotional pain and suffering, medical expenses, lost wages, and loss of earning capacity. We will fight hard to ensure you obtain the damages the law provides.