Bush Administration Fails Workers on Safety and Health

[Omaha Steve]

http://www.teamster.org/resources/sh/hottopics/workmemday2007_bushfails.htm

Bush Administration Fails Workers on Safety and Health

April 13, 2007

More than three decades ago, Congress passed the Occupational Safety and Health Act, promising every worker the right to a safe job. But the Bush administration, acting on behalf of corporate interests, is working to delay that promise.

The administration has moved to roll back and weaken protections. Dozens of important safety rules have been withdrawn. Voluntary compliance has been favored over issuing new protective standards and enforcement.

Progress toward safer work environments has slowed, and for some workers jobs are becoming more dangerous. Last year in the wake of the Sago and other mine disasters, the number of coalmine deaths doubled. Job fatalities for Hispanic and immigrant workers reached an all-time high.

The change in control of the Congress means that hostile legislative proposals to weaken job safety protections are no longer an imminent threat. But with President Bush still in office, major advancements in protecting workers will be difficult.

Here are some of the major challenges we face in our fight for safe jobs:

FULL story at link.

In 2005, more than 4.2 million workers were injured and 5,702 workers were killed due to job hazards. Another 50,000 died due to occupational diseases.

[sarge43]

1. Ah, more of the 'culture of life' thing. n/t