In 2022, the number of preventable work deaths increased 5.7% over 2021. The preventable injury death rate also rose from 3.6 to 3.7 per 100,000 workers from 2021 to 2022. And workplace medically consulted injuries totaled more than 4.5 million in 2022.

No elected leader or employer can look at these numbers and believe that more is not needed to protect workers.

Especially not as some of the world’s best known and biggest companies are the worst offenders — the National Council for Occupational Safety and Health (COSH) released its “Dirty Dozen 2023” list that included names like Amazon, FedEx, Norfolk Southern and Tesla.

Going to work should not be life-risking. Workers have a right to feel safe at their job no matter how physical their labor.

It is imperative for lawmakers to do more to protect workers, and it’s equally important for workers to know their rights and the avenues available to them to seek compensation when their employers don’t put their safety at the forefront.

For lawmakers and employers to reduce workplace injuries and deaths, proactivity is required. More investment in mitigation efforts and awareness of the risks is required. Preparing for the worst with the resources and infrastructure needed to protect our workers is the same as protecting the public generally.

James R. Burn

Millvale

The writer is an attorney and former mayor and emergency management coordinator for Millvale and public safety chairman for the Allegheny County Council.

Copyright ©2025— Trib Total Media, LLC (TribLIVE.com)