Workforce Language Services

In sharp contrast to California contractors focusing on workplace safety, many Massachusetts employers seem to be sidestepping the blame for workplace deaths.  The MA AFL-CIO just released a report detailing the increase in workplace deaths. 

The report details specific cases of workplace fatalities and finds that the average fine that OSHA levvied in 2007 for accidents resulting in death was $5,000.

The findings cite some of the issues that have contribute to the rising number of deaths, the first dealing with immigrants:

Disproportionately killed on the job, immigrants accounted for 20 percent (16/80) of workplace fatalities, while their representation in the workforce was 16.97 percent in 2007. Immigrants suffer from poor working conditions, lack of training, employer exploitation coupled with fear of retaliation and deportation for speaking up about hazards.

The most frustrating part of the situation is that employers, rather than accepting responsibility and acting to solve the problems, seem to find that fines are simply the cost of doing business, as quoted by the Executive Director of the MA Coalition for Occupational Safety and Health.

To read the entire article and find the link to the full report, click here.