Injury, Death, The American Worker and George Bush (TomPaine.com)

Injury, Death, The American Worker and George Bush
Dick Meister
May 07, 2007



Dick Meister is a San Francisco-based writer who has covered labor and political issues for more than four decades as a print, broadcast and online reporter, editor and commentator. Contact him through his website, www.dickmeister.com.

Despite the enormous loss of lives and millions of serious injuries and illness caused by workplace hazards, the Bush administration continues to blatantly disregard its legal obligation to curtail the needless dying and suffering.

Past experience guarantees that unless the administration acts swiftly and decisively, the number of workers dying on the job this year will reach almost 6,000. More than two million will be seriously injured. Another 50,000 or more will die from cancer, lung and heart ailments and other occupational diseases caused by exposure to toxic substances.

Think of it: That’s an average of at least 16 workers killed and nearly 5,500 badly hurt every day, plus 135 or more dying daily from job-related illness.

The financial toll will also be high: more than $3 billion in health care expenses and other costs to employers and workers, such as lost wages and production.

Much of that could be avoided. What’s needed most—and badly needed—is strengthening the Occupational Safety and Health Act, the two related acts that cover mine safety and the agencies that administer the laws. For more than three decades, the agencies have been the only real tools for protecting workers from physical harm. Yet they’ve been woefully under funded, understaffed and lax in enforcing the law—especially under President Bush. ......(more)

The complete piece is at: http://www.tompaine.com/articles/2007/05/07/injury_death_the_american_worker_and_george_bush.php