Massachusetts report examines deaths in state
Malden, MA – Fifty-eight workers died from an on-the-job injury in Massachusetts in 2011 and an estimated 580 died from occupational disease, according to an annual report from state worker advocate groups.
Dying for Work in Massachusetts (.pdf file), prepared by the Massachusetts AFL-CIO, the Massachusetts Coalition for Occupational Safety and Health, and the Western Massachusetts Coalition for Occupational Safety and Health, found falls were the most common event leading to death, accounting for 21 percent of fatalities, followed by cancer among firefighters and motor vehicle crashes.
The three groups are part of a coalition seeking:
- Stronger OSHA regulations and enforcement
- More bilingual investigators and stronger whistleblower protections to help immigrants
- An overhaul of OSHA’s system for regulating toxic chemicals
- Comprehensive site safety programs
- Union representation for workers
The report was released April 28 to coincide with Workers Memorial Day.
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